Joy Zhang

I was delighted to attend the Paris Conference on Risks from Mirror Life, held 12–13 June 2025 at the iconic Institut Pasteur. This event—featuring a public symposium and expert workshops—was the first in a global series to explore the potential benefits and profound risks of mirror biology, where biomolecules are inverted in handedness relative to natural life.

There remain conflicting views on the necessity of large-scale public dialogue on mirror life. Much of the disagreement stems from a lack of clarity about what should be communicated—and substantiated—to whom, and for what purpose.

As a sociologist interested in risk governance and science communication, I’m acutely aware that, given limited resources, this could divert attention from more urgent socio-ethical issues. However, if approached appropriately, mirror life offers a rare window in which we still have the luxury of time to undertake in-depth cross-sector, and cross-cultural discussions about our planetary humanity in the face of transformative science. Notably, it was researchers themselves—including those directly involved in creating mirror bacteria—who initiated the call for wider societal dialogue. Their engagement brings insight from the core of scientific practice and helps embed public perspectives back into the scientific process. If embraced wisely, such deliberative space can inform academic inquiry and policy alike, and meaningfully shape responses to the other immediate socio-ethical challenges posed by emerging biotechnologies.

I will be chairing a focused panel on this issue at the second international meeting of the Mirror Biology Dialogues in September. The Paris discussion highlighted several action points where future engagement activities can be more differentiated and contextualised, with a more refined focus. So I look forward to continuing this important conversation—one that can enhance international coordination, and ensure that emerging technologies are guided in ways that avoid harm and contribute to the shared good.