Despite everything you are about to read, i'm actually pretty chilled out most of the time. But let me break it down to you by speaking about myself in the third person.

Edward is a founder of Desktop Genetics Ltd, a London-based software company creating next-generation tools to engineer any gene, in any cell line, in any species - without stepping into a lab. A molecular biologist, Edward aims to build a world where living solutions can be rapidly engineered to meet any challenge with limited hassle.

Edward is a fellow on the SynBio LEAP programme where he is working to develop methods to involve the tech community in the biotech revolution. He is the chair of the iGEM software track, an international competition that trains students in multiple aspects of synthetic biology. Edward is the UK Ambassador for Hello Tomorrow, a global non-profit that aims to get scientists to start companies that bridge technological fields - you can usually find him organising events in London. He is a biosecurity advisor to the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford and has worked for the European Union and the security NGO VERTIC. Edward holds a BSc in Bioveterinary Science from London’s Royal Veterinary College and an MPhil in Bioscience Enterprise from the University of Cambridge.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Running a startup has left me dirt poor but in need of constant travel.

Interests

Outside work stuff, I likes beer, art, longboarding, surfing, and all things nerdy. Pretty big on geopolitics and philosophy (no really). Also a huge fan of biology meeting security - more third person self-aggrandising to follow.

Edward likes the science and policy of synthetic biology, and enjoys exploring questions of utopia vs dystopia in a synbio-enabled world. Most recently, Edward has begun to explore ways to enhance bio-literacy amongst professionals that will need to engage with biologists in the coming years, namely software developers and designers.

• arts
• beer
• running
• technology
• traveling
• surfing
• track and field
• biology
• engineering
• genealogy
• geopolitics
• international relations
• science
• software

Music, Movies, and Books

I just watched Primer. That blew my mind. Pretty much anything sci-fi. Huge fan of Phillip K Dick.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I ate the quadruple bypass burger at the Heart Attack Grill and survived.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: Biotech, international relations, startup stuff
Learn: software

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Costa Rica, France, Ireland, Italy, Maldives, Netherlands Antilles, Spain, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States Minor Outlying Islands

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom, United States