Contribution
To the iGEM community
Fundraising guide
See our fundraising guide here.Troubleshooting guide
See our wet lab troubleshooting guide here.Fact sheet
We have composed an informative fact sheet covering the realms of Alternative Proteins and Plastic Recycling. Within this document, we delve into the advantageous aspects and sustainable attributes of producing alternative proteins through microbial-based methods. Additionally, we address the crucial topic of ensuring the safety and compliance of novel foods, specifically focusing on adhering to the regulatory standards set forth by both Finnish and European authorities. This fact sheet effectively sheds light on the immense potential that these innovations hold and underscores the considerable advantages that future iGEM teams and the broader iGEM community can gain through their incorporation. View our factsheet here.
Introducing iGEM to younger generations
We took the initiative to acquaint younger students with the world of iGEM through two distinct platforms: the high school training program for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) and the Maunula Elementary School. In these settings, we engaged the students by comprehensively presenting our iGEM project, breaking down the intricate concepts into easy-to-understand explanations. We intended to ignite their curiosity and enthusiasm for science, providing them with a glimpse into the captivating realm of synthetic biology and its real-world applications. By sharing our work and insights, we aimed to inspire these students and cultivate an appreciation for the exciting possibilities that the field holds.
Giving the next team a head start - What to expect
In July, our quest for knowledge and growth led us to the iGEM Nordic conference held in Odense, Denmark, from the 28th to the 30th. The conference, meticulously organized by the SDU (University of Southern Denmark) iGEM team, proved to be an invaluable experience. With a focus on enhancing our Wiki development and presentation skills, the event provided tailored workshops and sessions aimed at improving our communication abilities. See more on our Human Practices page.
Then, from August 4th to 6th, we got another great chance. We were in Münster, Germany, for an event called Junior Jam. A highlight of the meet-up was the opportunity to connect with fellow iGEM teams hailing from different parts of Europe. The exchange of project insights and presentations was a highly enriching experience. Not only did it inspire us with fresh perspectives, but it also fostered a collaborative spirit, encouraging the cross-pollination of innovative ideas. See more on our Human Practices page.
During the conference, we actively participated in various workshops and sessions, diligently absorbing insights and techniques to effectively convey our project's essence. A noteworthy outcome of our engagement was the documentation of comprehensive feedback. This feedback, acquired from both experts and peers, serves as a treasure trove of guidance, offering valuable direction for refining presentation strategies and optimizing poster designs for future iGEM teams.
New parts
Lastly, we contributed to the iGEM parts registry by designing a total of 26 new parts from an 18 bp mRNA hairpin to a bacterial operon optimized to concurrently express five genes.
Although we were not able to conduct wet lab experiments with all of our designs, we hope that the discussions about the design process will act as good reference for future teams interested in PET depolymerization, and metabolic engineering.
The full list of parts with links to the registry is available here.