This is an excellent project. The economic impact of the work will be huge. This program would lay the foundation for Europe to lead the world in Synthetic Biology. To begin to imagine that we will eventually be able to custom build organisms, tailor-made for specific functions is extremely exciting. The applications of the new technologies will expidite the transformation of Europe into a sustainable bio-economy. Many sectors of society will benefit from the work, from production of commodities to new biofuels, and bioremediation as well as new solutions that address the increasing global demand for food. The work will involve interdisciplinary teams and approaches. Academically, we will begin to have answers for some of the most fundamental questions that mankind has ever asked. What constitutes life... I highly endorse this project!