Communication stands as a core value not only within iGEM but also in the broader of science. Our unwavering commitment to this value was rooted in the aspiration to reach the widest possible audience and make the intricate world of biotechnology, synthetic biology, and our specific project on antibiotic resistance accessible to all, regardless of their scientific background. Our mission encompassed not only the transmission of knowledge but also the demystification of complex subjects that often linger in the shadows.
In the case of antibiotic resistance, our communication efforts aimed to shine a spotlight on this under-discussed issue, sparking conversations and raising awareness. For us, effective communication meant not only popularizing this intricate topic but also encouraging action through the dissemination of simple, actionable steps. In the end, it was our conviction that communication not only fosters understanding but also empowers individuals to take meaningful strides in addressing the challenges that science and society jointly face.
Instagram has been the cornerstone of our project's communication. This platform, widely used nowadays, has allowed us to reach a vast audience and connect with a diverse public, including scientists and non-scientists alike. Through this network, we have successfully popularized our topic, emphasizing prevention through engaging and visually appealing posts. Instagram Stories enabled us to share real-time updates from our lab work, while Reels expanded our reach, connecting us with even more new individuals. Instagram has truly been an indispensable promotion tool; feel free to check out our account: @insaenslyon1_igem.
LinkedIn is also an essential tool. More professionally oriented, it enables us to connect with businesses and reach a more specialized audience within our field (while maintaining a broader aspect). This platform makes it easier for us to approach potential partners for collaboration and later promote their work. LinkedIn has, therefore, allowed us to establish solid and indispensable contacts for our journey. Here, you can find our page: IGEM INSA Lyon 1 ENS.
NAME : Cass
ORIGIN : Crispr dCas9 (merge with a cytidine deaminase)
NICKNAME : the « nice » bacteria
SUPRERPOWER : fight against antibiotic resistance
WEAPON : our super plasmid
Thanks to its pilus, which allows it to transmit its DNA through conjugation, its plasmid modified to remove antibiotic resistance, and the Cas9 protein, from which it gets its name, to target gene regions for modification, Cass is our SUPERBUGBUSTER!
NAME : Oxa
ORIGIN : Oxa 48 protein
NICKNAME : the « mean » bacteria
SUPRERPOWER : antibiotic resistance
WEAPON : beta lactamase enzyme
Due to its antibiotic resistance genes producing the enzyme that hydrolyzes their effectiveness, with Oxa, antibiotics see their lives pass by. She represents what Cass fights against and is a real problem for our society.
On a topic like ours, communication goes hand in hand with education! Throughout the project, we have created posts to promote synthetic biology by explaining the techniques we use in the simplest way possible, sharing our progress, and by allowing people to follow our project. Above all, our aim is to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance, all as part of our educational outreach!
You can find more information about it on the Education page.
Throughout our project, we were fortunate to be interviewed by various local newspapers, and we even participated in an American podcast! This allowed us to once again reach a broader audience and step outside the confines of our university and the iGEM competition. We are deeply grateful to all our interviewers and journalists who dedicated their time to showcase our project, and we appreciate the benefits it has brought us!
Ethan started his podcast after hearing stories about antibiotic resistance from his parents who are in the healthcare idustry. He learned that by 2050, antibiotic resistance will lead to more deaths than cancer. This made him realize that everyone eeds to take action now in order to protect antibiotic effectiveness and save lives !
We were lucky to appear in the magazine of our university's alumni association: "interface num 148, materials and components of the future". As this magazine is accessible to members of the association, it has enabled us to promote our project to several generations and promotion of insa engineers from all specialities and horizons.
We were lucky enough to be chosen to take part in the Igem team promotion programme run by bit bio. We submitted a blog article that should be promoted on their networks very soon. They have enabled us to reach an international audience of experts, scientists and industrialists. We'd like to thank them for allowing us to promote our project and help us raise awareness of antibiotic resistance.
