Alexander Daisy Ginsberg's talk on ‘Synthetic Aesthetics’ – a research project run by the University of Edinburgh and Stanford University focused on executing cross disciplinary collaborations on synthetic biology through creative engagements – provided an outline of this initiative, its funders (EPSRC, NSF), key questions and its residency projects.
Professor John Ward’s overview of molecular biology included a short history of recombinant DNA, plasmids, restriction enzymes, transformation, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and ribosomes. This was followed by our practical that involved genetically transforming eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) into E.coli. 
left: instructions for transformation, right: microtubes
left: microtubes of solutions in ice bucket, right: running gel 
Left: transformed E.coli incubating in waterbath, right: Lab partners, Laura Cinti and Anne Brodie
Left: visualising DNA that has been seperated on gel using transilluminator, right: print out of the gel