The Rice Synthetic Biology Institute gathers faculty with a common interest in synthetic biology, which manipulates DNA for the purpose of designing and redesigning biology systems. RSBI seeks to benefit society through applications in medicine, information and sustainability. RSBI research also explores how biological systems function and evolve. We use this insight to better design biological systems with new functions. RSBI's initial focus areas are living materials, living therapeutics, and living electronics. These topics leverage unique strengths and innovations at Rice that are already recognized internationally.