ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the Silicon Cell (SiC) Initiative and the systems biology efforts based on information about SiC and systems biology, consisting of websites, policy documents, meeting minutes, scientific articles and books. It distinguishes three different phases in the process of developing the Silicon Cell. The first phase of bio-objectification Visions of a bio-object will look into the origins of the Silicon Cell Initiative and the construction of the Silicon Cell as a bio-object. Subsequently, Staging a bio-object as big science' examines how the Silicon Cell Initiative is put forward as large-scale science. However, as this did not result in actual funding for the initiative, a change of strategy followed consisting of a turn towards systems biology. This forms the third phase. The chapter reviews how the construction of the Silicon Cell bio-object requires the construction of large-scale international scientific collaboration and the transformation of government arrangements in science.