Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of science, one constant remains: the importance of education. It serves as a bridge between the scientific community and the world, translating complex concepts into accessible knowledge.
In the realm of synthetic biology, innovation is not confined to the laboratory; it extends to how we educate and inspire the next generation of scientists, thinkers, and global citizens. As part of our iGEM project, we recognize that effective education and outreach are not just integral to fostering a deeper understanding of science and synthetic biology but also crucial for addressing pressing global challenges. We have embarked on a mission to revolutionize education by embracing unconventional methods that engage, empower, and enlighten learners of all ages.
Our goal is not merely to transmit knowledge but to kindle curiosity, nurture critical thinking, and foster a lifelong love for scientific exploration. Our unconventional approach to science education lies in providing an accessible and engaging way for learners to connect with the subject. Importantly, the seamless integration of synthetic biology education with mental health and conventional science topics creates a multifaceted learning experience that encourages participants to explore the interconnectedness of these themes.
In today's fast-paced world, mental health has emerged as an increasingly important concern. Our unconventional teaching methods extend to this critical topic, aiming to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Our mission is to raise awareness, promote self-care, and facilitate open conversations about mental well-being. Our approach to mental health education fosters empathy and understanding, enabling individuals to connect with the subject on a personal level. By addressing mental health, we aspire to create a positive impact on the well-being of our community members, inspiring a culture of support and empathy.
Traditional education often focuses on structured classroom settings, standardized testing, and rote learning. While these methods have their merits, they can sometimes stifle creativity, engagement, and the joy of learning. Our repeated interactions with students made us realize that students quickly grow old in traditional teaching. If we wanted our points to get across to them, we would need to follow unconventional methods and make the most of our time with them. We have tried our best to stick to this idea throughout the education journey of our project and have received feedback about our approach from the students themselves.
Our Approach
In the realm of science communication and education, understanding the flow of information is essential. Imagine a pyramid, with scientists at the top, leading the way in knowledge creation, and the general public at the base, receiving and benefiting from this knowledge. This simple model helps us visualize how scientific insights flow through various tiers, shaping our understanding of the world and fueling innovation.
- Scientists (First Tier): Scientists are at the pinnacle of scientific knowledge. They conduct original research, generate new knowledge, and publish their findings in scientific journals.
- Researchers and Companies (Second Tier): The second tier represents researchers from various fields and companies that use scientific research to develop products, technologies, or applications. They rely on the work of scientists to inform their work.
- People with Scientific Knowledge (Third Tier): This tier includes individuals who have some scientific knowledge, which could include college students, educators, science communicators, and professionals in various fields. They bridge the gap between scientists and the general public by translating complex scientific concepts into more understandable language.
- People with Limited Scientific Knowledge (Fourth Tier): The fourth tier represents the general public and school students who may have limited scientific knowledge. They receive information and education about science from the tiers above, primarily through educational institutions, media, and science communication efforts.
- In understanding the flow of information in science communication and education, it's crucial to recognize that it's a dynamic, multidirectional process. Beyond the pyramid model, several key factors come into play. Effective science communication entails two-way engagement, where feedback from the public informs research priorities and educational content. Inclusivity is essential, emphasizing the need to reach diverse audiences. Additionally, ethical and responsible communication is paramount, addressing misinformation and fostering critical thinking. Therefore, while the pyramid serves as a foundational representation, these considerations enrich its application in the complex landscape of science communication and education.
Intro to cycle: Click on the elements of this Impact demographics circle to know the number of people we reached out to through our education and outreach activities.
Colleges
Rhetor Stall
About : We set up a stall at Rhetor the annual symposium by the biology club.
Rhetor provided an amazing platform for all biology enthusiasts to come together and share their love for biology through engaging and informative talks. We took this opportunity to share our passion for synthetic biology through our project poster presentation.
By setting up a stall in the middle of Rhetor, we hoped to explain the science behind our project to future biologists. Poster presentations are a great platform to encourage and establish a mutual dialogue. We took this opportunity to spread mental health awareness through our information pamphlet.
On 2 September 2023, we set up an open stall during the tea break where we displayed our poster. We got to discuss our project with the new batch of students on campus and introduce them to iGEM as a competition. Our peers were enthusiastic about the project and engaged in understanding the science and the project's social impact. We distributed our pamphlets to students and staff who attended the event. We also spread our surveys to get student's insights on mental healthcare facilities available in the college. We also reached out to about 30 college students and a few non-teaching staff.
The students responded eagerly with questions and interacted with us, learning about the science of our project. We introduced the iGEM competition and the community, to which many students responded positively. They showed interest in joining the team for next year's competition.
Highlight: We introduced our project to many students who are interested in in biology and received their feedback.
Dart Game
About: An interactive dart game and science quiz for college students during the annual cultural event Ishya.
The intercollegiate cultural event ‘ISHYA’ was held on the IISER TVM campus on 23rd March. Stalls were put up all around campus a day before the cultural event, and our team had an opportunity to engage with the student community through one such booth.
We decided to set up an educational and fun darts game stall. To keep things interesting, we made darts and a board from scratch to set up a dart game. The board was divided into various points; each contestant had three tries. The points acquired by a participant were calculated later, and they moved on to the second part of the game. The participants then used their points to play an educational science and science quiz by betting on the options of the multiple-choice questions. If the answer is wrong, the player will lose all the points gambled on that choice. The player who managed to keep most points safe after finishing three questions was selected as the winner. The competition got very heated towards the end, and the players were very enthusiastic. Many participants thought this quiz was incredibly informative and educational. Our booth was one of many, busy with numerous eager players eager, and we got a lot of positive feedback.
Highlight: The fun and light-hearted nature of the dart game engaged the students and helped them interact freely. The game and the quiz were enthusiastically received, and participants were interested to learn the trivia facts asked in the quiz.
Synbio Quiz
About: A quiz competition based on synthetic biology, in collaboration with quizzing society of IISER TVM.
Traditional methods of teaching and outreach often target those who are already well-versed in the subject matter. To break this cycle and make synthetic biology more inclusive, our goal was to reach beyond the boundaries of biology. We wanted to capture the attention of individuals from every scientific discipline within our institution, regardless of their background knowledge in biology. Quizzing is an unconventional yet remarkably effective method of teaching. It is known to enhance memory retention and make learning engaging. By adopting this approach, we hoped to make SynBio accessible and memorable for all participants. Quizzing offered an exciting and interactive way to explore the world of SynBio, appealing to both novices and experts.
Our institution boasts a dynamic and enthusiastic quizzing community. Recognizing their passion and knowledge in the art of quizzing, we decided to collaborate with them to create the SynBio Quiz. To make synthetic biology more relatable, we formulated questions that drew connections between this complex field and everyday life. From biotechnology in agriculture to the use of genetic engineering in medicine, the questions spanned a wide range of topics. Additionally, we incorporated elements of pop culture, linking SynBio to movies, TV shows, and current trends this approach made the subject matter more approachable and appealing to a broader audience.
The SynBio Quiz received a positive response, where participants from various scientific disciplines appreciated the effort to make synthetic biology more accessible. They found the quiz engaging and enlightening, leading to increased interest in the field. As a result, we not only reached a diverse audience but also sparked curiosity and discussion about SynBio in unexpected places. This initiative not only broadened the horizons of our audience but also fostered a greater appreciation for the potential of synthetic biology. In our quest to make science more inclusive, we found that even the most unorthodox approaches can yield remarkable results.
You can find the quiz questions in our resources page!
Highlight: Through this event we realised the importance of unconventional methods in science communication, and how by connecting synthetic biology with every day popculture references we can incite interest in others to learn more about it.
Mental Wellness Talk
Name: Managing Life
About: Mental health awareness talk by Dr Krishnan, Head of Psychiatry at GMC TVM.
On September 17, Dr Krishnan, Professor and the Head of Psychiatry at GMC Thiruvananthapuram, conducted a mental health awareness session focused on mindfulness training at our campus. The session was titled: "Managing Life". Dr Hema Francis, Medical officer at IISER TVM, inaugurated the session.
The talk aimed to encourage open discussions about mental well-being to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
And it helped educate the audience about common mental health disorders, signs, and symptoms. This awareness allows people to recognise when they or someone they know might be struggling with mental health challenges.
Throughout the talk, attendees actively engaged in discussions asked questions, and shared their thoughts and experiences. This interactive approach fostered a sense of community and support.
Highlight: The talk served as a powerful platform to challenge the stigma associated with mental health, educating and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being. Ultimately, the event aims to empower individuals to prioritise their mental health, seek help when needed, and support those around them.
Setting up YourDost in IISER TVM
About: Setting up yourDOST, an online counselling and emotional support platform at IISER TVM.
As we continued our efforts to identify and better the problems with accessibility to mental health services on campus, we understood that the counsellor-to-student ratio on our campus was lacking. We realised that frequent awareness sessions and access to more available counsellors are crucial. To bring this issue to the institute administration's attention, we started looking for possible solutions. Through our research, we learned about the 'yourDOST foundation', which provides a system set in colleges that gives users access to verified and trusted counsellors online. They also hold frequent offline awareness sessions. We contacted other Indian science institutes, IISERs and IITs, where the system was already set up and was in practice. Before proceeding with the action plan, we reviewed the student responses from these institutes and found most of them to be positive. Upon contacting the foundation, we discovered that our institute had been corresponding with the foundation about the same, but there has yet to be any significant progress. We contacted the faculty in charge, convinced them to implement the system on campus, and helped remove the roadblocks. We ensured that the administrative process was accelerated and the problems were fixed. We are extremely elated to share that all the concerns have been resolved, and the system will soon be implemented. This system will significantly help improve access to mental health facilities on our campus and help more students who are reluctant to seek offline therapy.
Highlight:By working on setting up yourDOST on our campus, we realised that the existing resources and support groups for mental health disorders are insufficient and more efforts should be taken to make the campus more mental health friendly. Hence, we approached the administration to request to make the counselling facilities more accessible to students.
Queer Science Quiz
About: Quiz competition based on the works of queer scientists in collaboration with the quizzing society of IISER TVM.
In collaboration with the Quizzing Society of IISER TVM (QSI) and the college pride club Mazhavil, our iGEM team organised a queer science quiz on campus. The event aimed to promote awareness and appreciation for the innovations and achievements of queer scientists and instances of queerness in the natural world.
With its informal format, the quiz encouraged healthy competition while creating an environment for learning and dialogue. The diverse questions enabled participants to expand their knowledge of queer scientists and their contributions. The questions were designed to be informative, thought-provoking, and engaging. The event brought about the representation of queer people in science and encouraged discussions on the challenges faced by queer scientists and the importance of inclusivity in the scientific community. Participants actively engaged in conversations, sharing their perspectives on queer identities in science.
The quiz questions and answers were recorded and compiled as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the topic further or organising similar events, which can be found here [Link]. By documenting the event, we have significantly contributed to preserving and disseminating knowledge about queer scientists and their accomplishments.
We made sure to consider the sensitivities and nuances surrounding the subject matter. The team collaborated closely with the college pride club Mazhavil to ensure the event was inclusive and respectful. The event schedule allowed for ample time for discussions and interactions, ensuring that participants could fully benefit from the experience. By highlighting the work of queer scientists, the event brought an untraditional narrative in science forward and reinforced the idea that diversity and inclusivity are essential for scientific progress. This perspective promotes an environment where individuals from different backgrounds and identities feel encouraged to engage with scientific disciplines, including synthetic biology. The event was a stepping stone toward building a more inclusive scientific community.
Date: Friday, 23/06/2023
Highlight: We were able to showcase the works of many queer scientists around the world through this quiz and were able to appreciate their efforts and persistence through the challenges of prejudice.
Synbiokalam
About: Pookalam (Flower carpet) competition for research labs incorporating synthetic biology concepts in the spirit of Onam.
Onam is an annual Indian harvest and cultural festival related to Hinduism, mainly celebrated by the people of Kerala. A major annual event for Keralites, it is the official festival of the state and includes a spectrum of cultural events. One of Onam's most enchanting and visually captivating aspects is the creation of Pookkalam, a traditional floral carpet or design made from various colourful flowers. Pookkalam is an integral part of Onam celebrations, and it is a beautiful way for people to showcase their creativity and artistic skills. Onam is celebrated with much enthusiasm on our campus, and this year, celebrations were on the 25th and 26th of August.
Pookkalam designs often feature patterns and motifs, including traditional symbols and religious themes. The creation of Pookkalam is not just a visual spectacle but also a reflection of the spirit of unity, creativity, and communal harmony that characterizes Onam. Hence, we decided to conduct a Pookalam competition for the research labs in the School of Biology from our institute. The challenge was to incorporate synthetic biology concepts into the design. Different labs participated in this competition, crafting breathtaking pookalams containing genetics, DNA sequences, and cell biology. These creative pookalams were judged for artistic appeal, scientific complexity, and thematic relevance, effectively conveying Synthetic Biology concepts to a broader audience. Since this was a highly anticipated festival on our campus, the audience who came across this creative art was huge.
Gene fragments of their desired sequence were offered as prizes, incentivizing labs to approach the competition with greater enthusiasm and scientific rigour. In previous years, these pookalams were crafted purely for fun, but this time, they became a platform for innovation, learning, and scientific achievement. This initiative could be a yearly event on campus during an Onam celebration.
Highlight: By this unconventional learning method, we hope the knowledge about science and synbio reaches more from the science community. Sharing these pookalams on social media amplified the event's impact, preserving Onam's cultural heritage while highlighting the innovative potential of merging science and tradition.
Academia
Panel discussion on Depression
About: A panel discussion on the topic of Depression, causes and Remedies with faculties and the student community of the institute.
National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 every year to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. In commemoration of National Science Day, We conducted an enlightening panel discussion on "Depression: Causes and Remedies". The Panel included prominent scientists, students from the institute, and esteemed audience members, including the Director of our Institute. We aimed to emphasise the significance of addressing mental health concerns and highlight the prevalence of Depression in today's society. The audience and the panel members actively contributed to the conversation by sharing their experiences and insights related to the topic. Many shared their discontent with the existing methods of diagnosing mental health conditions, including Clinical Depression. We also discussed the stigma around Mental health disorders and how we can help tackle the problem as researchers. Many who were confused about how to be a sensitive supporter for those needing help and how to spot the symptoms early were informed and educated from the discussion. Many have appreciated our efforts to bring the complexities of mental health issues to light. National Science Day served as a reminder of the immense contributions of Indian scientists and their impact on the world stage. The spirit of scientific curiosity and passion ignited during the discussion will continue to inspire the next generation of scientists and pave the way for more extensive research on mental health diseases, their causes and cure.
We realised that mental illnesses and academic settings aren’t recognised enough and that clinical depression as a disease needs more focus. The rampant stigma surrounding mental health inhibits students from seeking necessary care. We realised that sensitivity training for everyone, including faculty and non-teaching staff, is essential to building a safer environment for everyone. Various forums can be established for the students and faculty to interact, fostering more understanding and empathy among everyone. We learnt that students and faculties alike desire more awareness and conversation around mental health and an increase in access to mental healthcare. Following this discussion, we helped introduce YourDost on our campus.
Highlight: Panel discussions with faculties and students played a crucial role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for improved mental health care on campus. It provided a platform for experts, advocates, and individuals affected by depression to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions.
Syn-Bio Conclave
About: The third edition of the global, virtual public talk series on synthetic biology and its applications, Syn-Bio Conclave 3.0
With the world moving towards an integrated interdisciplinary approach to science,
synthetic biology is one field that fits right in with these shifting paradigms.
Synthetic biology uses engineering principles to re-envision the potential of biological systems,
with applications ranging from therapeutics to agriculture. To collectively appreciate the beauty
of this diverse field, each year, our institute's iGEM team conducts Synbio conclave, an annual
global virtual public talk series on synthetic biology and its applications. The talk series
was first introduced by the 2021 iGEM team from our institute. After two successful editions
of the conclave, we launched the third edition of the much-awaited 'Syn-Bio Conclave 3.0.'
The target audience of the conclave is STEM-based students and researchers. The event aims to
bring together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts from various scientific backgrounds to
share their knowledge and experience with the community. Despite coming from different fields
of expertise, our guest speakers had a common interest in synthetic biology. The program was
held on the 9th, 12th, 13th, and 14th of September over Google Meet with an amazing itinerary
of talks by four outstanding scientists from across the world to expand the horizon of young,
aspiring scientific minds. The first talk of the series was by Mr Niko McCarty, followed by Dr
Jake Wintermute, Dr Andrew Hessel and Dr Julius B Lucks. Find the attached resources to learn
about the speakers and the abstracts of the talk.
Highlight:With the help of Synbio conclave, we generated curiosity about synthetic biology among students and educated them about the latest innovations in the field and its opportunities.
Lekha Ma'am talk
About: Research talk by Dr. Lekha Dinesh Kumar on "Micro RNAs as novel biomarkers for classification of infiltrating ductal carcinoma".
Lekha Dinesh Kumar, a distinguished senior researcher at the Centre for
Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) in India, is a luminary in the field of cancer biology.
Her groundbreaking work focuses on microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel biomarkers for various cancers,
particularly breast cancer, which is prevalent in India. During her enlightening talk,
she shared her remarkable journey of discovering a set of miRNA biomarkers for breast cancer,
shedding light on the arduous path towards simplifying diagnosis. Her motivation stemmed from
witnessing the challenges women face in obtaining timely diagnoses.
Dr. Kumar emphasized the unparalleled significance of miRNAs as biomarkers,
highlighting their real-time representation of intricate bodily processes. She delved into
the realm of biology techniques she had used for her research, such as tissue microarrays,
providing valuable insights to the attentive student audience. In addition to her scientific
endeavors, Dr. Kumar underscored the importance of inclusivity in research, pointing out the
glaring disparities in the study of Asian subpopulations compared to their Caucasian counterparts.
Her commitment to bridging this gap resonated deeply with our iGEM team, as our project also aims
to simplify diagnosis in as inclusive a way as possible.
Following her engaging presentation, a lively Q&A session ensued, where Dr. Kumar patiently addressed inquiries and dispelled doubts. The discussion also ventured into the exciting realm of future possibilities in diagnostics research. Dr. Kumar's talk not only enriched our knowledge but also reinforced our dedication to making diagnostics more accessible, forging a meaningful connection between her pioneering work and our iGEM project.
Highlight: Through the talk, we attracted more attention to miRNA diagnostics and its future directions. Dr Lekha Dinesh Kumar's experiences gave us insights into the lives of Indian women in STEM and the challenges they have to face.
Interview with Dr Bittu Rajaraman
About: As part of our tri-collaboration with Ether and Mazhavil, our team interviewed Dr. Bittu Kaveri Rajaraman, an Associate Professor in psychology and biology at Ashoka University, Haryana, India. They identify as a genderqueer transman, going by the pronouns he/they. They're an active advocate for queer and trans people's rights.
The interview consisted of questions ranging from their academic journey to their role in queer rights activism. The conversation with them brought to light issues faced by queer, and especially trans, people in STEM spaces. The broad themes discussed were access to education and resources and queer mental health. The interview was engaging and promoted insightful discussion. After obtaining their consent, we recorded the interview as a future reference for students. An edited compilation was released as a reel on Instagram and posted as a video on YouTube as a valuable educational resource.
Through the carefully documented interview, we hope to open up more conversations about queer representation in science, especially in India. Dr. Rajaraman's story, recounted through the interview, inspires STEM students and queer people alike. Engaging in fruitful conversation with Dr. Rajaraman, we recognise the need for more representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in academia and hope for systemic changes encouraging more access to science and synthetic biology.
Highlight: The insights gained from this interview will contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by queer scientists and inform initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the scientific community. Further research and dialogue on this topic are crucial to fostering a more inclusive and equitable scientific landscape for all.
Public
Streetplay
About : Street play based on mental health awareness at University college Trivandrum Campus.
"A stage play ought to be the point of intersection between the visible and invisible worlds" - Arthur Adamov.
Realizing the potential of street plays to play a vital role in destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting a more empathetic and supportive society; we organized a street play in collaboration with the theatrics society at the University College Trivandrum Campus. Street plays are a powerful tool for mental health awareness because they engage audiences, challenge stereotypes, educate the public, and create a sense of community and advocacy.
Around 15 student artists from the Theatrics Society of IISER TVM helped us plan and conduct the event. The play was an intense take on the perils of living with undiagnosed mental health disorders, and it successfully conveyed the importance of depression and touched upon topics like increased rates of suicides among adolescents. The play quickly caught the eyes of people on campus and those who passed by. The event had a massive audience of students and faculties of the university, people from nearby shops, and people passing by the campus. Through the play, we reached out to around 100-150 people between 18 to 60 years old. Appreciating the merit of our motive, a famous news TV channel volunteered to cover our play. The event videos were posted on our social media platforms, which also grabbed the attention of many.
After the event, we interacted with the gathered crowd and shared our thoughts on the importance of mental health. We discussed the stigma around mental health disorders and the need for help. Pamphlets with mental health care numbers and information were handed out. We also talked about our project and the iGEM competition. From the responses we got from the crowd, we understood that the play made people think about the need to give importance to mental health.
Highlight: The motive of our event was to make people realize that mental health matters. Through the street play, we could share this thought clearly and effectively.
Tribal office visit
About : A visit to the local tribal office.
We have had the opportunity to reach out to the most rural areas of our locality, the outskirts of villages where resources are scarce, and connectivity is poor because of tricky geographical locations and rough terrain. These areas are inhabited by some tribal groups who are more or less estranged from the outside world. We contacted the tribal office in our locality, hoping to connect with the tribal groups.
We learned that the panchayat Tribal office has weekly visits to these areas with resources in jeeps, and each site has a specific tribal promoter in charge of meeting their basic needs. The tribal promoters are in frequent contact with the locals, and they report to the District Tribal Office.
We decided to conduct a book donation drive on our campus and direct the donations to the area. We also arranged for a mental health awareness session for the people there. We visited the office for the required permissions and started with the donation drive. However, unfortunately, the adverse weather conditions forced us to postpone our trip towards the end of November.
Highlight: Our journey has just begun, and it is imperative to continue the collaboration with local healthcare providers, further educate the community, and work towards addressing the infrastructure and resource challenges. This visit represents a critical stride in our effort to provide accessible and effective mental healthcare in marginalised areas.
PHC and Anganwadi visit
Anganwadis were setup as part of the Integrated Child Development Services to combat child hunger and malnutrition. Anganwadi in hindi means “courtyard shelter”. It is the largest women and child development program in the world. They help in implementing healthcare, educational and social welfare activities in a coordinated manner. We visited the anganwadi in vithura locality to understand the mental health awareness in the locality and especially among children and women. We conducted our survey and also distributed the pamphlets among the workers there. The interaction with them helped us to understand the kind of outreach events that the local people need. More about this can be found in the iHP page.
Dr Samir Parikh interview
About : An interview with Dr. Samir Parikh, the Director of the Fortis mental health programme. The video was published on Youtube, and was conducted
in collaboration with Into Their Minds.
The interview with Dr Samir Parikh, the Director of the Fortis mental health programme, was another brainchild of the collaboration between the iGEM team and Into Their Minds, a science communication initiative. The idea was inspired by the need to make mental health education accessible to all. We recognized the urgency to break down the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health illnesses and promote open conversations surrounding mental well-being.
Dr Samir Parikh, a leading expert in the field of mental health and someone who already had an online presence, was the best person to do this. We contacted him through Into Their Minds after Gokul Prabhu (founder of Into Their Minds) came across him in a news article in The Hindu. He was eager to comply with the shared mission and expressed interest in the ambitions of our project.
One of our members, Roshida M, interviewed him on 12 July 2023. We asked questions covering various aspects of mental health, especially those related to MDD, and ensured a two-way dialogue was maintained throughout the process. Dr Parikh discussed misconceptions and stigma about mental health and how consistent awareness and public engagement can create a more supportive environment. He effectively communicated the importance of acknowledging that mental illnesses also have a physiological basis. It is high time we approach them as we would diseases with somatic symptoms.
The interview was released as the first video of a series on 27 Sep 2023, generating considerable engagement within a short period. It has reached over 500 views and an active comments section, advancing our aim of spreading mental health awareness.
You can find the link to the interview here!
Highlight: We received insights about the workings of the Fortis mental health programme and discussed how to design our outreach activities to cater to the needs of those who need it most. We learned how to conduct an interview and how to improve our science communication.
Orphanage Visit
About : Mental health awareness talk for pre teens, teenagers and young adults at Paadhai orphanage in Chennai, India.
Thanal: The word ‘Thanal’ means ‘Shade’ in Malayalam. Through our mental health awareness programs, we aimed to offer support and relief for our audience, similar to how a tree provides shade and support to a weary traveller in scorching heat and pouring down rain.
Ms Priya M, a distinguished psychologist, held a mental health awareness program at the orphanage 'Paadhai' in Chennai in collaboration with our team. It was organized at the girls' quarters along with the boys. There were two sessions, one for each age group from 8 to 15 and 16 to 22.
For the age group 8-15, a mental well-being talk was conducted, and they were educated on various aspects of mental health and were taught how to manage stress efficiently. A worksheet was also provided, and the kids enjoyed filling it. Although the children were initially reserved, they bounced back enthusiastically by the end of the session, asking tons of questions and looking forward to the session. They were interactive with our team members and the psychologist.
A more detailed and in-depth discussion about mental illness and depression was covered for ages 16 to 22. It started with a general discussion regarding MDD and progressed forward with possible symptoms, potential depression triggers, and ways of coping with depression. They were also educated on how to handle a close one who is suffering from MDD. This session concluded with a talk on mental well-being and ways one can avoid being depressed. In addition, a science career talk was also conducted. These kids were made aware of various science institutes nationwide and the procedures to enrol in these institutes. A worksheet was also circulated, and the participants filled out the worksheet as the talk progressed, keeping the audience attentive and engaged. They were also advised to seek help from professionals if required and were informed of whom to contact for aid. They were also informed of the government helpline number in case of suicidal or emotional distress.
We received fantastic feedback from both sessions, and the children were looking forward to a similar session in the following years. The science talk also inspired a couple of aspiring young scientists to join our institute and work on science for the betterment of humanity. Our team members also expressed this as a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the mental health of kids of different ages. This session was also excellent as we had children expressing their source of stress and worries to our team members and the psychologist. The founder of this organization, Mr. Amal, and his wife, Ms. Sunitha, also attended the talk, and they appreciated us for taking the initiative and remarked that it was very valuable and informative. The event concluded with end remarks by Mr Amal, who discussed acceptance of people suffering from various mental illnesses and ways to overcome and cope with depression.
Highlight: We got the oppurtunity to interact with the chidren of the orphanage and talk to them about mental health awareness. We also had the chance to discuss science and our project with them.
'Into Their Stories' - sharing stories on mental health
About : A collaborative effort with 'Into Their Minds' to curate inspiring stories about mental health journeys.
Talking to the general public, we realized that people don't understand the complexity of dealing with a mental illness. People's ignorance and lack of understanding usually come from the lack of authentic and correct representation of it in popular media. Living with mental health issues can isolate and disconnect from the real world; their stories are often unheard. Through our iGEM journey, we had the chance to interact with several people, including our team members, who came out with their own stories of living with mental health issues - stories that had a tremendous impact during the ideation, giving us a new perspective that inspired us throughout. Hence, we decided to curate these stories and make them available to people who will find them inspiring and motivating.
The purpose of these stories was to bring to light stories that often go unheard and to deal with the stigma that creates misunderstandings and dismissal of feelings associated with mental illnesses. We started collecting and publishing stories from people to spread awareness about the importance of support and availability of help.
We called for people willing to share their experiences dealing with mental health issues. 5 people reached out to us, and we created a safe environment for them to talk to us where confidentiality was maintained.
We interviewed Durjoy Sen(link here),
a genderqueer transman;
Adarsh, our own mentor(link here);
Abdul Haseeb(link here),
and two other people who wished to remain anonymous (link here).
We got to hear from a diverse group of people and gain new perspectives on the complexities of dealing with mental illnesses. We transcribed their interviews into articles that were written and published on Instagram, with their consent.
Through the collaborative Instagram posts, we could reach out to many people and engage a big audience
involving both the Into Their Minds and iGEM IISER-TVM account followers. We received much
positive feedback, with many commenting and resharing the posts. Our followers appreciated
bringing to light stories that are usually ignored, often in STEM spaces. The response was encouraging,
and we were inspired to spark conversations about mental health. These interviews can be found on
our Instagram page. Here is the link to one such interview!
Highlight: Adarsh, an advisor to the iGEM team, shared his experience with mental illnesses, which especially connected well with our audience from IISER TVM. We often don't realize that people around us can be going through a difficult time, and his story highlighted how we should check up and take care of ourselves and each other.
Schools
VVM Camp
About: Science education through fun interactive games with students of VVM camp.
The 2022-2023 edition of the Vidyarthi Vidyan Manthan, a national camp organised by Vigyan Prasar under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, was held at IISER TVM. Students from every Indian state, from classes 6 to 12, participated in different creative activities and experiments held in classrooms and laboratories. Using the excellent opportunity to interact with curious students, four of our team members volunteered for the event. We interacted with about 70 students from classes 7, 8, 10 & 11 for two days on 20 and 21st May, 2023. We broke the ice, made them comfortable, talked about science education, and introduced synthetic biology and the iGEM competition. The students were extremely interested in knowing more about our institute and the possibilities for them to get into science and research. We spread the word about how to get into IISc and IISER, which particularly benefitted the class 11 students who participated in the VVM camp. The students opened up about what educational activities they enjoy, which helped us frame our future outreach programs better. We also talked to various science communicators from the organising committee, who helped us understand how to plan and manage similar events.
We learned that allowing students to visit labs and do simple experiments with them would pique their curiosity and generate more interest in science. This greatly helps guide our future events for high school students.
We noticed that students are interested in applying scientific concepts taught in classes rather than memorising facts. To foster their curiosity, we plan on making and distributing DIY synbio science kits through schools to help children familiarise themselves with the scientific process and understand synthetic biology.
Following her engaging presentation, a lively Q&A session ensued, where Dr. Kumar patiently addressed inquiries and dispelled doubts. The discussion also ventured into the exciting realm of future possibilities in diagnostics research. Dr. Kumar's talk not only enriched our knowledge but also reinforced our dedication to making diagnostics more accessible, forging a meaningful connection between her pioneering work and our iGEM project.
Highlight: The two-day camp was an excellent opportunity to interact with students, professors and science communicators to discuss the wonders of science, synthetic biology and our project.
iGEM Pathashala - GHSS Tholicode
About: Science learning through DIY Synbio kit and other interactive activities at GHSS Tholicode.
Following the encouraging feedback from the VVM camp, we realized that students preferred to
learn through practical experimentation rather than traditional classroom teaching methods.
Hence, we decided to visit a local school and allow them to practise science freely. We went to
GHSS Tholicode and met with the principal to discuss possibly conducting such a session for
students. The principal was happy with our proposal, recognized the importance of experiential
learning and approved the initiative.
On the 7th of July, 2023, 7 team members visited the school. The event was in the afternoon and had nearly 100 students participate. It started with an introduction to Synbio and iGEM. We prepared presentation slides, drew DNA structures and explained the basics to students. After this, we split the students into groups of 10 and distributed the experiment kits we made for them. The details of the DIY Synbio kit are attached here [Link]. From this, we made students do the fruit DNA extraction experiment and also explained the science behind each step they were doing. One of our team members demonstrated the experiment while the other team members went to each group and helped them in the experiments, clearing any doubts they had. After this, we talked to them about how to get into a science career. We provided them with information about various science institutes available after their higher secondary education.
The students then shared their opinions about the session. We gave them sticky notes to write their
review, and a chart was stuck onto the walls where students put these sticky notes. We also did myth-busting
with students with our cards.
The event received positive feedback from the students and the school's teachers.
The teachers said they had not seen students this excited about learning science.
Some of the topics we discussed were part of their syllabus, and teachers said that this was
the most efficient way to teach them and thanked us. Students said that they are more
interested in getting into a research career now, and some even told us that in the coming years,
they will get into IISER TVM as our juniors. Allowing them to do the experiments independently
is what interested them the most.
We realized that one of the best ways to communicate and engage students with science is
through hands-on and practical experiments. Unconventional teaching methods encourage critical
and creative thinking in students, providing a better platform for students to learn.
The students also suggested we design more fun experiments for them, so we decided to add
to the experiments and develop a DIY Synbio kit. You can find all our resources in our resources page!
Highlight: The two-day camp was an excellent opportunity to interact with students, professors and science communicators to discuss the wonders of science, synthetic biology and our project.
iGEM Pathashala - Iqbal HSS
About: Science communication through interactive gameplay at Iqbal HSS
The second school outreach programme we had planned, we wanted students to learn through hands-on experiments rather than the traditional classroom learning. We reached out to schools where our campus student clubs and groups had yet to visit earlier for various science-related and cultural activities. So we decided to go to Iqbal HSS, Peringamala and conducted classes and activities for the students of the higher secondary divisions. The school's principal was very interested in our project and initiative and flagged off our activities there.
Eight team members visited the school on the 31st of July and interacted with around 120 students. We started with an introduction to iGEM and synthetic biology in general, which was complete with presentation slides made by the team. We explained to them about DNA and gave them a preview of the experiments they were about to do. The students had a basic understanding of DNA as the classes based on inheritance had started for them in their schools. The students were responsive and excited to see and conduct the experiments themselves. For this, we divided the students into ten groups and distributed the kits made for them. One of our teammates demonstrated the experiment while the other members mentored each student group. The students conducted the experiments independently and were very happy with how everything worked out and when they saw the results. After this activity, to give them a detailed understanding of iGEM and our project, we briefly explained how our project worked and the different aspects involved in our project. We also gave them a brief insight into the various outreach activities we plan on conducting. We also held a talk with presentation slides on how students of these grades can enter research institutes like IISERs in India and answered any doubts they had regarding the same. The students were excited and asked us different questions on how to take up biology as a career and general questions like how to get into space science.
The teachers who accompanied the students encouraged us to do more activities in their schools and were also very happy with how the whole session was conducted. They wanted to see more science-related activities and more hands-on experiments so that the students could better understand what they learned. The students wrote feedback on the classes in small sticky notes and pasted it on a chart, thanking us for the class and urging more related activities to be conducted. They were interested and wanted to visit research institutes like IISERs where they could see more of the same. Overall, the event was very satisfying and allowed us to hold more practical experiments for students near our campus and a brief insight into what happens inside a research institute in general. We also did myth-busting at the school with the help of our myth-busting cards.
Highlight: We got to interact with the kids and connect with them. Through our exchanges, we realised their true interests and passion for science. Through repeated interactions with them, we decided to do the first thing at least to help inspire a high school iGEM team from India. We decided to conduct an iGEM in-house workshop for students from the local schools.
iGEM Pathashala - Yusuf Hameid Chemistry Camp
About: Science education through interactive game play with students of Yusuf Hameid Camp.
Our visit to local schools of Thiruvananthapuram opened up our views on science communication. We realised that many students were interested in pursuing science as a career and didn't know how to follow it. Many of them didn't even know that it was an option to do pure science after school. After interacting with them, we were keen to direct them into the world of science and research. Hence, we decided to conduct an in-house science communication camp for school students at our institute campus.
We discussed the possibilities of such a camp with the administration. We were thrilled to know the lab headed by Dr. Reji Varghese from the School of Chemistry was already planning on conducting a 3-day Yusuf Hameed chemistry camp for school students. We conveyed our interest in helping out and volunteered to guide the students. On 19th July 2023, 72 selected students (of the 12-16 age group) from 36 different schools across Kerala came together at the IISER TVM Campus to participate in the camp. On the first day of the camp, our team members had an icebreaking session with the students, followed by a detailed discussion about career choices in science. We introduced them to our project, which raised many questions and doubts. They were excited to learn about iGEM and Synthetic biology and were thrilled to hear that even high school students can participate in the competition. We later conducted a live interactive quiz competition, dividing the students into six teams. The questions were from four topics: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and General trivia.
After the triumphant first day, we organised an exhibition for the students where we showcased different lab equipment and science projects, which incited their curiosity. We also did a myth-busting session with the students, and they were left flabbergasted by the facts and kept asking for more myth-busting until we ran out of cards.
We also distributed some mental health awareness pamphlets to the students. We had a chit-chat about the importance of mental health awareness and the vulnerability of teens and young adults to mental health disorders. We helped clarify some of the taboos and reservations they had about discussing the topic. Some students opened up about how difficult it is to talk about mental health without being judged and how our lighthearted educational games and the icebreaking session helped them overcome the awkwardness.
We had something even more fun planned for the third and final day. We had planned an obstacle course game based on the concepts of Biology and Synthetic Biology, designed to communicate science lessons in interactive and playful ways. After three days of learning and loving science, the students were left positively impacted and inspired to search for answers to their questions.
Highlight: The feedback we received from the students inspired us. We realised many students were interested in knowing more about synthetic biology but lacked the resources. Hence, through our interactions, we decided to make a synbio book tailored for a young readership so that they can understand the concepts and delve into the world of synthetic biology.
Blurb Competition
About: Blurb writing competition based on short story prompts.
"Paper has more tolerance than people" - Anne Frank.
A blurb is a summary or promotional text on a book's back cover or inside flap and is often used to market and promote the book to potential readers. A well-crafted blurb is designed to grab the reader's attention and pique their interest. It's often the first thing a potential reader sees when considering a book, and it can make the difference between someone picking up the book or moving on. The blurb writing competition was organized to promote creative writing and encourage student participation in literary activities. Students were also asked to design a cover page for the short story prompt. Together with blurb writing and cover page designing, they were participating in a complete book decoration competition.
We provided the students with different short story prompts (based on the categories) and asked them to write a blurb for the short story as if it were a book. The prompts were famous classic science fiction stories to develop an interest in science in young minds. The prompts were provided in two different languages, English and Malayalam, encouraging more diverse participation from our locality. The competition was well received, and we got an impressive number of submissions from writers of varying backgrounds, age groups and skill levels. This diversity enriched the pool of creativity and storytelling. After thoroughly analyzing the submissions, we finalized the winning entries. The winners were awarded with Books sponsored by Mathrubhumi Books.
Participants demonstrated exceptional creativity in crafting blurbs that teased intriguing and thought-provoking story ideas. We tried to maintain a feedback mechanism that gives participants constructive criticism from judges, helping them improve their writing skills.
Highlight: The competition's success in generating diverse and imaginative submissions underscores its potential to nurture the literary talents of emerging writers and contribute to the vibrant world of literature. By conducting this event, we learnt that such unconventional competitions would incite interest in students and encourage them to learn more about literature and science fiction, thereby science.
Mini iGEM Competition Workshop
About: Conducting a Mini iGEM competition for High School students in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
From our school outreach events, we realised that many students would like to pursue science in future and were very captivated by the idea of synthetic biology. Hence, we decided to do something more than just another outreach event. Even though the first undergraduate iGEM team from India started in 2008 (IIT Madras), there is still not even one high school team from India after 15 years. Even now, participating in an international competition such as iGEM is not feasible for most Indian high schools, and most are unaware of this excellent platform.
With the hopes of potentially inspiring the first high school team from India, we planned a two-day in-house iGEM workshop and mini iGEM competition for school students from around Thiruvananthapuram. The program was designed so that the selected students from these schools will receive an iGEM experience and how it works from our campus team members and iGEM alums. The flyer for the event can be found here:[Link]. We extensively prepared for the event by getting the schools on board, planning out the itinerary, and getting permission. Unfortunately, following the untimely passing of a fellow student at our Institute, all outreach activities at the School of Biology ceased immediately to pay our respects. However, we have redesigned the earlier plan and conducted the event online. The students presented their ideas in front of our panel of judges during a google meet and answered their questions diligently. The event also had interactive sessions where our teammates talked to the students about iGEM and discussed further about what is human practices and outreach. Winners were selected based on their presentations and all the participants received constructive feedback.
Adults
Mental Health Awareness for the Kudumbashree community
About: Mental health awareness session for Kudumbashree volunteers in Vithura, the village our institute is located in.
Kudumbashree is a community network that covers the entire State of Kerala. It consists of a three-tier structure with Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) as primary level units, Area Development Societies (ADS) at the ward level, and Community Development Societies (CDS) at the local government level. It is arguably one of the largest women's networks in the world. While the community network is formed around the central themes of poverty eradication and women empowerment, its main features include democratic leadership and support structures formed from the 'Kudumbashree family'. In the Malayalam language, the word Kudumbashree means 'prosperity of the family', and it is a community network with thousands of women employed all across Kerala. The Neighborhood Groups are the primary units of this network, and we targeted the Vithura Panchayath unit.
We visited the Vithura panchayath office to discuss the best ways we could reach out to all the households of the panchayath and spread the message of mental health importance. They told us how all the local women are very much involved in Kudumbashree units and how these connect everyone. They suggested spreading awareness through these programme meetings to reach out to many locals. We contacted our campus's UBA (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan) unit for advice. As one of the UBA social workers, Parvathy J.S. put it: "These women are the pillars of their households and spreading the message of the importance of mental health through them will reach their kids, all other members of the household, and the entire community."
On the 12th of September, 2023, we gathered all the Kudumbashree members of Vithura panchayath, around 50 women, in the Panchayath hall. We held a half-hour discussion to understand the importance of mental health. They talked to us about the lack of awareness about mental health facilities and how the stigma around mental health is preventing people from accessing proper healthcare. We discussed the importance of mental health and the various mental health facilities that are available for them.
Some of them pointed out how, after the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been more MDD cases and even increased suicide rates. We learnt from our visit to the Vithura PHC about the regular screenings conducted for MDD in the Vithura panchayath and the availability of a psychiatrist in the hospital once a month. We passed this information to the Kudumbashree members and learned that the community wishes to increase the availability of psychiatrists.
We also distributed pamphlets about MDD, its symptoms, how to help people with mental health issues and local helpline numbers. We also spread the survey forms and received a large number of responses. We also discussed with them how science research is a career option for students from rural areas like Vithura since many weren't unaware of the opportunities available.
The overall response from the community was very positive. They appreciated our team for working on such an important and relevant topic as mental health. They also requested us to conduct similar sessions in local schools where their children studied. The meeting effectively provided an open platform for discussing mental health, our project, and understanding the community around us.
Highlight: The Kudumbashree units represent the soul of a neighbourhood. With their extensive network and efficient management structure, reaching out to one of their units is the best way to convey and spread a message in the community. We are excited to have interacted with them and spread awareness about mental health among them.
Technopark visit - Flashmob and Stress-buster activities
About: Flashmob and mental health awareness games at Techno Park Thiruvananthapuram.
A flash mob was organized in collaboration with the dance society of IISER TVM on the Technopark campus in Thiruvananthapuram. We seized the attention of the techies through the flash mob, which managed to gather a massive crowd inside Technopark during their break time. We talked about the importance of mental health in today's world, where grind culture is normalized. We also discussed the work we do for the iGEM competition. The event had an audience of workers from major IT companies such as Infosys, Tata, Accenture and many more. Thirty students from the dance society helped us in conducting this flash mob. The video clips from these were posted as stories and reached a large audience.
The importance and care that mental health should be given in a hectic work environment such as the IT sector was discussed after the flash mob. Pamphlets with mental health care numbers and information were handed out. We also talked about our project and the iGEM competition. We reached out to 150- 200 people in the age group 23-50, most of whom were IT sector workers. After the talk, we arranged a few stress-buster game stalls, which saw massive participation and were greatly appreciated by the audience. "An excellent initiative from your side to help people reduce work stress and a great way to enjoy the break between work," one from the audience said. Survey forms were given to them, and their opinions and suggestions were precious to us.
Our event was a reminder to take a break, have fun, and care for your mental health even with busy work schedules. The resource for the Mythbusting we did and the stress buster games can be found in our resources page!
Highlight: We treasure the opportunity to interact and engage with many IT professionals thrilled to step out of their areas of interest for an evening and learn about synthetic biology.
Old age homes visit - a collaboration with IIT Roorkee
During the collaboration with the IIT Roorkee team, they visited an old age home in Haridwar. They conducted interviews with the caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient and an elderly patient suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). These interviews offered unique insights into the experiences and challenges faced by those affected by these conditions. We also shared our students and general public surveys with IIT Roorkee. These surveys aim to capture a wide range of perspectives and experiences, spanning different age groups and backgrounds.
In a collaborative multifaceted effort to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease we took small video clips of us interviewing patients at the Primary Health Center (PHC) about the awareness of Alzheimer's disease. we engaged in a comprehensive interview session with neurologist Rajesh Patel, enhancing our understanding of Alzheimer's disease from a medical perspective.
Introduction
Efficient communication with different stakeholders, sectors of society, and the general public is key to the success of any educational activity we conduct. It is through the integration of their inputs we can improve upon our project design. Throughout our iGEM journey, we tried to work closely with our stakeholders and tried to reach out to as many people as possible to spread the message of mental health awareness. These are some of the many attempts we made to communicate about our project, mental health, synthetic biology, and iGEM.
Journey to the Spiti Valley
About: A journey to different parts of the country to spread the message of mental health awareness.
India is a dynamic country, spread across a diverse geography and divided by regional languages and cultures. Being one of the few iGEM teams from our country, reaching out to all parts of the nation was one of our far-fetched dreams. A dream we decided to pursue nevertheless. We tried to reach out to nooks and corners of the country with our pamphlets and surveys in different languages. Our college is located in the southernmost part of India and has students from almost all over the country, and we managed to reach out to different states with the help of our classmates. But still, there were places beyond our reach. And that was when 3 of our team members and one of the volunteers decided to go on a road trip. We didn't think twice before taking our project along with us on the journey! Throughout the journey, we talked to people about our project and the importance of mental health. We interacted with people from the most remote and isolated villages of Himachal Pradesh, people who had little to no connection with the outside world, and people who didn't have access to science education, and this was one of the most wholesome experiences during the project and journey.
It was a 3200 km journey that started on the 23rd of May from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to finally reaching Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, on the 3rd of June. We started with a 2-day train journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi. In Delhi, we stayed in a hostel where we interacted with fellow travellers eager to know more about the project. Blood biomarker-based diagnostic tool for MDD was hard for some to believe. They were amused by how a mental health illness can be diagnosed using blood tests. It was a 24-hour bus journey from Delhi to Reckong Peo, Himachal. That is where we started our road trip.
The trip could be summarised as the journey of four friends with two motorcycles crossing 600 km through snowclad mountains and treacherous roads. We met countless pure-hearted, gentle souls during our trip, and we spent those five days talking about their lives in the mountains, hobbies and the science we do. They were very excited when they heard that we were aspiring scientists. Some even took photos with us and wanted their pictures to be featured in our project. We gladly clicked pictures with them. We also have videos of us discussing mental health and our project with them.
Our efforts in spreading the word about our project helped us make many new friends, and the experiences we had during those ten days cannot be explained in a few words. Hence, we are attaching a few photos and videos from our journey here.
Highlight: Through this journey, we connected with the general public nationwide and successfully conveyed our project idea and basic concepts of science.
Project Reveal to the IISER TVM community
About: Revealing our project for the first time with students of our institute.
On the 18th of April, 2023, we officially revealed this year's project to our campus. Prior to the project reveal, the logo of our project had been revealed to the students of our campus in a fun and engaging manner. After spending sleepless nights and gallons of coffee on our logo design, we successfully drew it on a giant canvas board, which was cut into three. We covered our logo with masked tape and kept the three pieces of canvas around different places on campus. We asked students to paint on the canvas with whichever colour they liked. We were happy to find out that people immensely enjoyed splashing colour across our canvases, and they got filled with hues very quickly. The canvas boards were then assembled, and the name of our project and our logo became famous. The whole campus was intrigued henceforth to know what the project was about.
Our team members explained the various aspects of the project to students. We started out with the current statistics on depression, stating the problems and roadblocks, and gradually progressed to the need for a quantitative diagnostic tool for MDD. We conducted a customised Wordle game to keep the session engaging, with each word connected to our project. The Wordle game kept audiences on the edge of their seat waiting for the next term. Many were eager to know more and engaged with us throughout the reveal. Needless to say, many questions popped up, and we were happy to answer them. The event concluded with the announcement that the iGEM'23 team was accepting volunteers. Many were eager to volunteer to help us and make this project come to life. We also received insightful feedback from the student community and former iGEM team members.
Highlight: The project reveal was the first time we took our project to scrutiny outside our team and PIs. We got many insights from different perspectives through this program and patiently answered all the questions. Some of the questions we received at the program inspired us to rethink some aspects of the preliminary project design.
AIIM
Our team participated in the All India iGEM Meet (AIIM) which was conducted in IISER Bhopal this year. It was an extremely enriching experience not just for our team but also for the entire iGEM community representing India. It was a 3 day event wherein we got exposure to the multiple facets that iGEM has to offer on a national level.
First day of the event, we had an introduction to the participating iGEM teams followed by a fireside chat with entrepreneurs. We got to interact with established biotech founders who shared their experiences and talked about how we can navigate through a startup journey. Next we had a brief session about iGEM startups followed by an elevator pitch competition . Here we got to analyse and showcase the market potential of our idea. A math modelling workshop was also conducted later that day where we learnt about how using empirical models can be used to explain biological concepts.
On the second day, we had the main judging session for our synbio project. Attending all the presentations from across the country helped us see projects from different angles and perspectives that enlightened us with unique ideas.
The final day was light and fun with poster presentations and informal team interactions.
Throughout this event we got to interact with professionals and experts from different fields who gave us some really great inputs on iHP and education . We reached out to several people after the meet up, including Aiswarya and Dr Lavanya, whose minutes can be found in the iHP page here! In conclusion, the entire synergy of AIIM greatly helped us refine our project and improve upon our shortcomings and loopholes.
Radio Podcast
Club FM is a private FM radio station for the state of Kerala in India, operated by the Mathrubhumi in Kerala Club FM. On September 13, Club FM interviewed a few of our team members . Our project intrigued them as we were working on mental health.
We talked to them about our journey throughout the project, our tool and the education and outreach activities we have conducted throughout the project. Club FM also showed interest in learning more about the competition, and they were shocked to know that we were the only iGEM team from the state of Kerala . They commented on the relevance of our project , especially in light of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown and said that it was fascinating to know that a mental illness such as depression can be diagnosed through a blood test. The interview was aired on the radio on that night itself.
iGEM Community Day
On April 15, we attended the second iGEM community day and were thrilled about our journey forward. Attending the community day made us feel like a part of the extended global iGEM family and inspired us to work towards our project.
Into Their Stories -
iGEM FAQ
We collaborated with 'Into Their Minds' and interviewed the iGEM Alumni from our institute to get insights into their iGEM journeys. Each of their individual journeys of discovering their passion for synthetic biology, working relentlessly towards a common goal. We curated a bunch of frequently asked questions for the reference of future iGEM teams. Many students are interested in iGEM and wish to participate but need clarification about many things. The interview will help them understand the workings of an iGEM team and what it takes to be a team member. The Link to the discussion is here: .
Updating Institute Website
Realising that academia is a demanding and highly competitive field that places significant stress on individuals, we knew that mental health is crucial in academia, and we wanted to improve the condition of our campus. We talked to various faculties and students about the accessibility to mental health care and therapy on campus. According Dr. Rajeev Kini, an associate professor in physics, one of the main concerns raised by the students was the need for more information about contacting the counsellors available on campus. The contact details of the counsellor were not accessible to the students directly, which created a communication gap and made it difficult for the students to reach out to them.
To improve the situation, we contacted the faculty in charge of the institute website to inform them about the problem. We requested to update the details of counsellors on our website so that it is accessible to everyone. We also made sure that it is updated regularly. We are proud to say that anyone on our campus who wishes to contact the campus psychologist or psychiatrist can now easily get all the information they need from the institute's website. Initiating the updation of contact details of the institute counselling centre on the website was one of our first steps in making mental health services more attainable on our campus.
Yoga Day Collaboration
On June 21st, International Yoga Day, we collaborated with different iGEM teams worldwide to spread the message of yoga. Yoga combines physical movement, deep breathing meditation, and mindfulness. The three-thousand-year-old yoga tradition is now regarded as a holistic approach to health. The National Institutes of Health classify it as complementary and alternative medicine. As a form of low-impact exercise, yoga has been shown to lower stress hormones in our bodies while increasing beneficial brain chemicals like endorphins and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). These chemicals help decrease anxiety and improve mood. We reached out to different iGEM teams, asking them to shoot a video of them doing various yoga poses. This initiative helped us reach a wider audience who were able to learn more about yoga practises and appreciate the tradition. Compiling the videos we received from iGEM ABOA, iGEM ASIJ, iGEM KCIS Xiuganag, iGEM Wageningen, iGEM Thrace, iGEM University of Florida, iGEM Aix-Marseille, iGEM Bochum, iGEM USP-EEL Brazil, iGEM IISER Tirupati and iGEM KCL, we prepared a reel which was circulated through our social media handles. The video compilation was received with much appreciation. Many reached out to us and conveyed their delight at how we reached out to a young audience and inspired them to embrace our culture. Collaborating with different teams helped us realise the importance of healthy competition and good camaraderie to lift each other up and how good teamwork in academia leads to scientific advancement. The experience helped us learn the importance of using unconventional methods to communicate important messages that require attention. Introducing new education and scientific communication methods will help one get more acceptance and attention to the content. Compiling the videos and creating the reel inspired us to take the initiative for more such collaborative events in the future. You can find the video compilation here https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtwYk7xNzlD/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==.
Highlight: Collaborating with different iGEM teams worldwide taught us the importance of networking and camaraderie in academia and how working together can accelerate research. We were able to spread awareness about yoga and its importance through this collaboration.
Meet and Greet with iGEMers
About: An interactive session with iGEM Alumni and current team members of our institute to educate the younger batches about the competition and community.
After conducting a four-day online symposium on synthetic biology, we ended it with a special offline meet-and-greet session wherein we invited ex-iGEM members from our institute to share their experiences with the student community. Since our previous teams have won silver and gold medals along with several nominations , it would be best if they offered to share their invaluable learnings and experiences from their challenges.
Our main purpose was to spread awareness about the iGEM competition since it's not just a one-time event but an immersive experience . It provides a massive platform for people to work on problems from scratch to end, develop real-world solutions, make it a full-fledged business, connect and network with people from diverse backgrounds, and so much more. We are fortunate to have a great panel of iGEM alumni from our institute, some of whom have even taken it forward as iGEM ambassadors, judges and mentors.
We had a great time hosting this session; it was extremely fun and informative. Throughout the session, we engaged in many discussions where people were curious to know more about how the competition works and the journey so far. They were mesmerized by the magnanimity of this event wherein one not only gets to present their ideas but also take it forward as a startup endeavour and pitch it in front of actual businesses and executives. The ex-iGEMers shared the ups and downs of their journey in detail and suggested ways to navigate it better for future teams. They stressed the importance of innovation in synthetic biology and how it will be a booming field in the coming years. Not just that, they went on to share how iGEM can be taken beyond the competition through iGEM startups , being a part of their iGEM mentor community, promoting women in STEM etc.
Ultimately, it was an extremely wholesome experience for everyone present, which undoubtedly sparked curiosity, passion and enthusiasm for synthetic biology in young minds.
Highlight : We generated curiosity among our institute's youngest batches about iGEM. And they got to hear firsthand the experiences of the team members and alums. Most of them left the meeting determined to participate in the coming years.
MSc Presentation
About: Interaction with postgraduate students from different parts of Kerala as a part of the annual science fest of IISER TVM, Anvesha.
Being a science research institute, IISER TVM's science fest is one of our most significant events centring around science communication and generating scientific interest among academic circles, school students, and the general public. Anvesha, our annual science fest is scheduled between October 20-22. Events and activities began a month prior, and we got a valuable opportunity to present our iGEM project and talk about synthetic biology at one of their outreach events. We conducted a joint session with the team lead of the iGEM IISER- TVM 2022 team and the present head of the iGEMX project, Sneha PR, for a group of Master's students from a women's college, Thiruvalla. The audience consisted of 25 aspiring female scientists in the age group 24-30. After a detailed presentation given by the faculty about the courses and facilities offered at IISERs, we talked about navigating the world of academia and the possibilities available to students pursuing science in India. We also introduced them to the world of iGEM - talking about the competition, iGEM startups and the community. We then presented our project, and Sneha pitched iGEMx to an attentive audience. Concluding the event, we encouraged students to participate and spread the word about iGEM as a competition, but more importantly, as a community intending to advance the world of synthetic biology. We also interacted with them post-session to answer questions about iGEM and science careers.
Highlight: We are delighted to have interacted with many young aspiring scientists who are the future of women in STEM. All of them were thrilled to know about iGEM and synthetic biology.
Club FM interview
Club FM is a private FM radio station for the state of Kerala in India, operated by the Mathrubhumi in Kerala Club FM. On September 13, Club FM interviewed a few of our team members . Our project intrigued them as we were working on mental health.
We talked to them about our journey throughout the project, our tool and the education and outreach activities we have conducted throughout the project. Club FM also showed interest in learning more about the competition, and they were shocked to know that we were the only iGEM team from the state of Kerala . They commented on the relevance of our project , especially in light of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown and said that it was fascinating to know that a mental illness such as depression can be diagnosed through a blood test. The interview was aired on the radio on that night itself.
Newspaper Article
We were on cloud nine when our project was featured in the all-kerala edition of Mathrubhumi newspaper . With a readership of about 7.3 million , Mathrubhumi is one of the most popular Malayalam daily newspapers in Kerala. It has readers from all 14 districts of Kerala and even outside. We received much positive feedback after the article was published. After hearing about our project, one of the newspaper's editors contacted us and was interested in knowing more about what we are doing for the project. The article briefly explained a few details of our project and the competition and can be found here [Link].
Podcast
About: Purple science podcast interview with our team lead, Aabha Shams about project communication.
Our team leader, Aabha Shams, had the opportunity to participate in a Purple Science podcast interview with Srushti Chipde from The Dancing Neuron. The episode, titled "Unlocking Hope: An attempt at advancing depression diagnosis for a better tomorrow" , provided an extensive discussion of our project's primary focus: Major Depressive Disorder and its frequently heartbreaking misdiagnosis.
What lent a particularly poignant touch to this conversation was Aabha's experience with misdiagnosis of depression , which underscored the urgency of our mission and was pivotal to the development of our project. Beyond showcasing our iGEM team's work, we seized the chance to introduce iGEM to a fresh audience , emphasizing the importance of collaborative, student-led research in addressing critical global issues. Throughout our dialogue, we maintained a high degree of sensitivity , especially while addressing the delicate topic of mental health.
We took care to ensure that our discussion was inclusive , recognizing the diverse experiences and challenges individuals face in this domain. Above all, we encouraged listeners to delve deeper into our project, aiming to inspire them to engage with the subject of mental health and its improvement. This podcast interview was an enriching experience that allowed us to foster understanding and empathy among our audience , and we are grateful for the platform it provided us to amplify our mission.
Highlight: Podcasts have emerged as a powerful and versatile medium for science communication in today's world. They play a significant role in bridging the gap between the scientific community and the general public by making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging. With the help of the podcast interview we were able to reach a huge audience and communicate with them about our project.
Social Media
In the realm of science communication, social media platforms have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific research and the general public. Our social media handles provided us with opportunities for direct interaction with the young student community and enabled us to connect with them through frequent updates. This direct engagement fostered conversations, encouraged questions and helped build a sense of community among the iGEM teams worldwide.
Here are some of our social media series:
- Yoga Day Reel: On 21st June, International Yoga Day, we collaborated with different iGEM teams around the world and asked them to send us a video or photo of their team members trying out different yoga poses. We later compiled these videos and made them into an Instagram reel, intending to showcase the benefits of exercise and meditation on mental health through social media
- Music Day Reel: On 21st June, Music Day, we asked the people on our campus about their favourite songs that instantly lifted their mood on difficult days. Using their responses, we curated a self-help playlist on the Spotify app. Short clips of this interaction were made into a reel and shared via our socials.
- Our interview with Dr Bittu Rajaraman, Associate Professor of Biology and Psychology and the current Head of the Psychology Department at Ashoka University, was posted as short videos on our social media handles. Details of the interview are discussed at length on the inclusivity page.
- iGEM X Mazhavil X Ether collab: In collaboration with Mazhavil, the official Pride Club of IISER TVM, and Ether, a monthly digital magazine of literature, arts & culture, we handpicked stories of queer experiences for a tri-collaborative scrapbook.
- Into Their Minds collaboration: We collaborated with Into Their Minds and curated inspiring stories about mental health journeys. These stories were posted on Instagram and Twitter.
- Origami Series: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. As we searched for innovative ways to convey complex science ideas, we came across origami. We made origami tutorial videos of Genetically Modified Organisms, such as knock-out mice. Origami's ability to transform abstract concepts into tangible, visual, and hands-on experiences makes it valuable to science communication.
- Glossary Series: As a part of our efforts to popularise synthetic biology among students, we made a glossary series on syn-bio. We explained synbio concepts corresponding to each English alphabet every day for 26 days.
- Ten days of Onam: During Onam, the annual harvest and cultural festival of Kerala, we started a series called 'Ten days of Onam on Instagram.' The celebrations of Onam usually last ten days, each day having particular significance. The festival of Onam has a deep connection to flowers and floral decorations. Hence, we decided to write about the local flora of Kerala, the secondary metabolites produced by those plants and their applications in synthetic biology.
- Other than the series, we also put up stories on Earth Day, DNA Day, International Day against discrimination of the LGBTQIA+ Community, Environment Day, Day against Child labour and Ocean Day.
Besides Instagram, we also frequently interacted with our followers on Twitter, where we observed a significant increase in followers. As technology and research continue to advance, leveraging social media for science communication will remain vital in ensuring that scientific breakthroughs reach a wider and more diverse audience, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
You can check out our instagram posts and series here - https://www.instagram.com/igem_iisertvm?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Mental Health Pamphlets
About: We curated resources from various sources and designed a mental health awareness pamphlet, which was spread among people of different age groups and social backgrounds.
As a team working on a Fret-based blood biomarker diagnostic tool for MDD, it was crucial to raise awareness regarding mental health and urge more people to take it seriously. Our team was actively working on mental health awareness pamphlets distributed to various people during our outreach activities. The pamphlet shows that mental health is a fundamental human right and highlights how most people suffer from various mental health disorders. It includes all possible symptoms of MDD and a brief message of optimism. It also highlights the importance of seeking help when needed, and self-care should always be a priority. Additionally, It also urges everyone to become empathetic. Being part of an iGEM team is a great opportunity, and with great opportunities comes great responsibility. It involves more than just comprehending a problem in the community and finding a solution; it should also ensure that the project can reach and aid every stakeholder affected by the situation. While working on a diagnostic tool for MDD, our team realized that the awareness concerning mental health is still low in certain parts of our community. To help the community from our end, this awareness pamphlet is a small step to ensure people realize how big an issue this is and how it could affect them. It also urges people to work on more quantitative ways to diagnose MDD. You can view the pamphlet here:
Highlight: The best part about making these pamphlets was that we could reach out to many people, more than we could ever have imagined, with the help of these pamphlets. We didn't just spread awareness about mental health disorders; we also equipped them with the necessary resources to seek help.
Science Career in India
While we went for school outreach events, we made sure to give a small presentation talking about scientific research as a career in India. This was done to spread awareness about the possibilities in modern day research. Since there is a huge bias for medical and engineering in our country, we want to expand the options for the coming generations and show them other alternatives. This would also help our country to move ahead in research and development of new technologies.
For our presentation we started with the basics of what research is, followed by the incentives and benefits of being a research scientist. After that we moved on to the different industries presently involved in research analysis. We ended by informing them of the various universities, institutions and colleges that impart high quality research education and how they can get into it by availing grants and scholarships. Throughout the talk our main motive was to engage students and kindle within them a passion and interest for science.
PopSci Book List
PopScience, or popular science books, offer an exciting and accessible gateway to scientific knowledge for students of all ages. These books provide engaging insights into complex scientific concepts and discoveries, making science relatable and interesting. These books can shape students' perceptions of science, instil a love for learning, and serve as a valuable resource for teachers and parents. Hence, we decided to curate an age-appropriate list of famous popular science books to foster the students' love for science. By offering a diverse range of reading options, students can embark on a journey through the world of science, no matter their age or level of knowledge. These lists create opportunities to connect science with everyday life and inspire a new generation of curious and informed individuals. The complete list of books and the categories can be found here.
Academic Resources Report
Discover a treasure trove of internet resources that cater to the academic needs of all students interested in academic research. We've carefully compiled a selection of free or freemium tools and platforms to make your academic journey smoother. Our collection is neatly categorized to assist you in various aspects of your academic life:
- Writing & Proofreading: Find helpful tools to enhance your writing and perfect your academic papers
- Navigating Academic Papers: Dive into a world of resources to help you navigate through scholarly articles and papers.
- Online Courses: Explore a wide array of online courses to expand your knowledge base.
- Studying & Productivity: Boost your study habits and productivity with our recommended resources.
- Simplify Tasks: Discover tools that make complex tasks easier to handle.
- Note-Taking: Find comprehensive note-taking solutions that suit your needs.
- Synthetic Biology: Tailored resources for those interested in synthetic biology.
Our goal is to provide you with a user-friendly platform to access the resources you need to excel in your academic pursuits. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting, our collection has something for everyone. Dive in and explore the world of academic support we've compiled just for you!
Playlist & Quizzes
Playlist
"Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours."- Elton John
Manifesting the magic of music to lift our moods, we curated a 'Self-help music playlist' on Spotify from the suggestions of students from our campus on International Music Day. The social media reel of the event can also be found here.
Quizzes
We conducted different Quizzes during our outreach activities. You can find the resources to each here:- Dartgame Quiz
- Queer Science Quiz
- Science & Synbio Quiz for school students of Yusuf Hameed Chemistry Camp
- General Synbio Quiz
Work Sheets
We distributed students with science education and mental health worksheets before each of our education sessions, which had to be filled in before and after. The worksheets are attached here:
- Science education Worksheet
- Mental Health Worksheet
Equipment Database
About it
The equipment database provides details of different scientific equipment and other helpful resources that can be helpful in projects related to synthetic biology that are available in institutes across the state of Kerala. The database contains details such as the name of the institute, its location, the resources available and the link to their respective website.
How and where we used it
Our project required specialised types of machinery like a Selex machine and Microplate Reader. During the start of our project, we were looking into institutes nearby that have such facilities available. We were able to find institutes with such facilities but it was a tedious task in which we had to search through different websites and contact multiple people. In searching for such specialised equipment for our project across institutes, we were able to learn about other helpful resources that were available in different institutes and wanted to make a compiled database which had the information of all these resources that are available across different institutes in one place.
How future iGEM teams can use it
This resource is made to make it easier for future iGEM teams or any other team working on projects related to synthetic biology to find resources that are helpful for their projects easily. Such a database will help the teams save a lot of time and effort. Apart from this, the given database may make the team aware of certain types of equipment that are available that could potentially have a great impact on how they evolve their project, promoting a collaborative atmosphere.
Mythbusting Cards
About: Mythbusting cards to correct misunderstandings among people about science.
“If you hear something strange,
in your neighbourhood,
Who you gonna call?
Myth Busters!”
Misconceptions and myths are everywhere, be it among school children or middle-aged adults. As science students, it was surprising to see how young kids did not question myths and how the general public, in the age of misinformation, holds views that have little relevance today. To address the common myths, from popular old sayings to misinformation about modern science, we created a set of fun and interactive game cards. Everyone from 10 to 50-year-olds learns better when they actively think on their own, and thus, instead of directly spreading awareness through facts, we put these out in the form of a game that encourages people to learn and engage with the science behind each of the prompts. The idea is to spread the importance of fact-checking alongside busting popular misconceptions. We aimed to increase scientific temperament amongst the general public through informative sessions with the game cards. We designed two sets of myth-busting cards - one for the general public, emphasising modern science and medicine. The second set was made for school students - majorly busting age-old sayings that were thought to be facts. In line with our theme of unconventional teaching, we engaged young kids and reached out to adults through this interactive resource in fun and informative sessions. The resources can be found below.
No myth, taboo, or misconception will ever be safe again.
Highlight: Myths and misconceptions can perpetuate false or outdated information. By debunking these myths, we tried to ensure that the public receives accurate and up-to-date scientific knowledge. In summary, myth-busting is a fundamental aspect of science communication that ensures the accuracy of information, fosters trust in science, empowers critical thinking, and promotes evidence-based decision-making.
Outreach Game
The traditional approach to teaching biology often involves textbooks, lectures, and memorisation. While these methods are effective to some extent, there is a growing need for more engaging and hands-on approaches to enhance students' understanding of complex biological concepts. The obstacle course game aims to fill this gap by offering a unique learning experience that incorporates physical activity, teamwork, and problem-solving, all while applying key principles of biology. In the game, students navigate through a series of challenges, each designed to teach and reinforce biological concepts.
The game provides students with a hands-on experience, allowing them to see, touch, and interact with the biological concepts they are learning. Each obstacle presents a unique problem that students must solve, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By implementing the game, schools can inspire a greater interest in biology and promote a holistic approach to education that integrates physical, mental, and social development.
Introduction to SynBio
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field of science that combines principles of biology, engineering, genetics, and computer science to design, construct, and optimize biological systems or to create entirely new ones. It involves deliberately manipulating genetic material to achieve specific, often novel, functions or capabilities within organisms. The future of synthetic biology holds immense promise for many applications, from medicine and agriculture to environmental sustainability and beyond.
Synthetic biology is the future of applied biology, and through our repeated interactions with our stakeholders and student community made us realize that even though synthetic biology is an important field of study, there is still a considerable amount of misinformation and lack of knowledge about it even among science students. Hence, we took the time and effort to prepare a presentation with things to know about synthetic biology, which could be helpful for future iGEM teams and anyone looking to read about synthetic biology. We also discussed the presentation with school students we had a chance to interact with.
The future of synthetic biology is filled with promise and innovation. As the field continues to advance, it has the potential to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from healthcare and agriculture to environmental sustainability and beyond. As it continues to evolve, synthetic biology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with and harness the power of the biological world.
The resource can be found attached herewith:
SynBio Book
The world of science is full of excitement and wonder, and one such intriguing frontier is synthetic biology. This fascinating field allows scientists to tinker with the building blocks of life, creating new organisms and possibilities. To introduce young readers to this captivating world, we made a 'SynBio Book' introducing the idea of synthetic biology to the youngest readers. The book combines playful storytelling with vibrant illustrations and interactive activities to make learning about synthetic biology an exciting adventure. You can find the book here-:
DIY SynBio Kit
The Idea
Simple, practical biology experiments students can do on their own with almost all materials that are available in their day-to-day life.Students are taught a lot of stuff in schools that they don't get to see it unfold in front of their own eyes.
Students get to understand their classes better because these experiments are designed in such a way that they go hand-in-hand with their syllabus.
The Purpose of the Event
Educate students on some biological processes using fun and easy, do-it-yourself experiments and see for it themselves.Inculcate interest in biology and science in general and instill scientific way of thinking in them.
Implementation
Made the high school students of GHSS Tholicode and the higher secondary students of Iqbal HSS, Peringamala do the Fruit DNA extraction experiment by themselves. We provided them with materials that we brought from our labs and gave them a list of alternative household materials they can use if they want to try out the experiments at their homes or to share it with other students. Students were divided into groups and were very happy to do the experiments on their own. We also parallely demonstrated the experiments once and gave a step-by-step explanation of the processes involved. Students were able to spool out the fruit DNA and were very excited to see it for themselves, which they were beginning to learn in their schools and had very little idea about. We also answered doubts that they had and were very satisfied with how helpful the kit was for the students.Connect with the theme
This was an extremely fun and engaging way to teach the students and a great way to introduce a scientific interest in them.This was in accordance with the unconventional teaching methods theme we had in mind as the students were parallely learning about the experiment and doing it themselves.
Feedback
The students were really interested in knowing about science and research in general and was very much excited to visit IISERs one day.They wrote feedback about the class and the experiments and posted it on a chart paper. We were really happy to read all the stuff the students had to say about the classes.
They wanted more visits from us in the future and wanted more classes and experiments about more science stuff. They were really enthusiastic and wanted to do more science.
Improvements and Future
As the students were really interested and excited to learn about science, we thought of reaching out to more students and bringing them on campus so that they can have more hands-on experience with science and research labs. We volunteered for the Yusuf Hamied Camps that was held on campus and reached out to about 72 students from different parts of Kerala.How many people did we reach out to?
Close to 200 students and teachers from both the school visits.72+15 kids and adults from the 3-day Yusuf Hamied Camps.
We included more DIY experiments that are easier and fun to learn for the students to try themselves with.
Fundraising Handbook
Fundraising is a crucial aspect of our project's success, particularly because of the substantial expenses associated with research and the requirements of an iGEM project. This is especially important for Indian teams, where securing financial resources can be particularly challenging. To shed light on the strategies we used to find funds and realize our project's goals, we have compiled a comprehensive guide detailing the fundraising methods we used. These strategies have been carefully curated and can serve as a valuable resource for future Indian teams, offering insights and approaches to effectively secure the necessary funding for their projects.