Nanotechnology: « manipulate atoms » is a slogan which responds now to a more ambitious project: “Life manufacturing”. After molecular biology permitting to spell out the genetic code and more especially analyze the genetics programs, we are now thinking about rewrite them to obtain shaped organisms. This dreaming project stimulates the imagination of all the pioneers of synthetic biology. They promise to transform the coal in methane thanks to reprogrammed bacteria, resurrect mammoths and, why not, humans… After mechanical industries and chemical industries, are we going to see a new industrial age, the age of biological machine? These promises are they credible? If it’s the case, what are the dangers of these new technologies and how to control it? Is this biology really conforming to our cultural and ethical values? And is that the biology we want for our society? The bioeconomy of the 21st century aims to increase the capabilities of energy, foods, drugs and materials productions… Synthesis biology is not simply the processing of few microbes, plants, animals in productive factories but the commoditized production of unreleased organisms with which we had to live and not without socials, economics and ecological consequences. Indeed, what happens to our judgment concerning the distinction between artificial and natural, living and inanimate? How do we control the spread of “animated tools” we build? Who take the responsibilities for these autonomous products? Today it is a necessity to think about the issues of these new technologies and explore their strengths, limitations and alternatives. Face to these questions, VivAgora has implemented since 2009 many reflections about synthesis biology through a first cycle of events and purchase this approach with a workshop scenario and a seminar called “Les Assises du Vivant” in 2012. Furthermore, Bernadette Bensaude-Vincent and Dorothée Benoit-Browaeys co-authored in 2009 the book “Fabriquer la vie: Où va la biologie de synthèse?” In 2013, VivAgora became part of the “Observatory synthetic biology” steering committee. Who is VivAgora? Vivagora is an NGO involved in organizing debates on societal issues raised by scientific and technological innovations. By promoting the expression and inclusion of all stakeholders, and exploring the diversity of their views and goals, it seeks to build trust and promote a new culture of innovation. In a world where risks and uncertainties are increasing, VivAgora want to make sure that scientific and technological development benefits the community at large. Its goals: Help citizens understand issues raised by technological developments Create opportunities for stakeholders with conflicting interests to discuss their perspectives, support dialogue between stakeholders in order to explore responsible innovation practices and facilitate the inclusion of all stakeholders in scientific and technical decision-making bodies. Competences: Since 2003, VivAgora has implemented many cycles of public debates focused on health, environment, nanotechnologies, synthetic biology, neurosciences…It has developed an extensive expertise on the analysis and elaboration of engagement processes. It has initiated a Citizen Alliance on the challenges of nanotechnologies supporting the website: http://nano.acen-cacen.org/AccueiL. VivAgora is also mobilized on pluralist expertise and its process called COEXnano is devoted on nanocoating (supported by the Ministry for environment). The NGO has developed regional activities to encourage the creation of citizens groups concerned by nanotechnologies’ programs. Those groups expressed themselves within the Nanoforum meetings in Paris (supported by the Ministry of health). Stopped in 2009, the forum will come back in 2013 with several meeting focused on “accountable practises”. VivAgora gathers both public and private professionals involved in scientific and technological innovation, in open innovation events. VivAgora’s website [www.vivagora.fr] presents current debates and news (quarterly Vivagoveille), as well as public engagement processes in France and worldwide. Accessible to anyone, it offers a wide variety of in-depth articles, alerts on emerging issues, a calendar of public events, and VivAgora activities.