iGEM is a competition that utilizes synthetic biology to address real-world problems. This year, our team has introduced an unprecedented lighting method called LAMPS (Luminous Algae Material Presenting System) technology, which utilizes self-luminescent microbial cells as its core to create a carbon-free, green lighting system. This innovation holds tremendous potential for future advancements.

Our team has been actively engaged in science communication and educational outreach to enhance public awareness. By sharing knowledge, we are dedicated to raising people's understanding of global issues such as climate change and lighting problems. We firmly believe that education is the first step towards scientific progress and problem-solving.

Through our educational outreach journey, we have come to realize the importance of engaging with various stakeholders, including the lighting technology industry, general consumers, and students of all age groups. This enables us to better understand the close connection between the fields of science and technology and society and how to translate scientific achievements into innovative solutions that satisfy the public. Our work goes beyond science; it aims to improve people's lives.

In addition to raising public awareness about lighting and environmental issues, we are committed to showcasing and promoting the potential of science and synthetic biology. Our primary target audience is the next generation of bright thinkers. By providing comprehensive science outreach programs covering primary schools, middle schools, high schools, and universities, we aim to cultivate scientific thinking in children. We also visit communities to deliver presentations targeting young adults, further popularizing synthetic biology and promoting the iGEM competition. We hope to inspire more people's interest in biology and environmental conservation, providing learning and networking opportunities for individuals of different age groups.

Our goal is to ignite the sparks of synthetic biology and iGEM among diverse public audiences, enabling everyone to participate in a joyful scientific exploration journey.

Our educational initiatives cover various fields and age groups, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to discover, share, and communicate the joys and benefits of life science. At the same time, we strictly adhere to safety policies to ensure that everyone participates happily and actively in a secure environment. Together, let us explore the light of science and create a better future!

   Conducted two science outreach presentations at a primary school: "Invisible Microbes - Understanding the Foundation of Synthetic Biology" and "Understanding Climate Crisis and Protecting Our Earth."

   Organized a science class titled "Getting Closer to DNA" at a middle school in Yunnan Province.

   Collaborated with Fudan University and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University to host a campus open day event for high school students from Fudan Affiliated High School.

   Delivered a lecture on experimental techniques and synthetic biology for students preparing for biology competitions at Liaoning Experimental High School.

   Created multiple social media accounts to regularly publish synthetic biology science communication content, share educational videos, and update about team activities.

   Translated and compiled summaries of the top 10 teams' projects from the past few years' iGEM competitions, periodically sharing them on social media platforms.

   Launched an online science communication column on lighting and environmental conservation, with three episodes of knowledge dissemination.

   Organized the Summer School of the School of Life Sciences at ShanghaiTech University, promoting synthetic biology and iGEM to high school students interested in biological sciences and providing plasmids as gifts to students from Fudan University.

   Produced a promotional booklet about the iGEM competition and our team's LAMPS project to educate and raise awareness.

   Collaborated with Fudan University, National University of Defense Technology, and Tongji University to create two bilingual science picture books titled "What is a Gene" and "Gene Editing," targeting a wider audience.

   Held "Hello iGEM" orientation sessions and recruitment presentations at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, helping new students understand the iGEM competition and our team.

   Conducted community outreach presentations at the Zhangjiang Party and Mass Service Center, aiming to disseminate knowledge about synthetic biology, iGEM, lighting, and environmental conservation to the general public.

   .... .... .... .... ....

To efficiently prepare for upcoming educational activities and explore the acquisition of materials and potential collaborations with schools, we interviewed Ms. Zhang Yang, the Senior Administrator of the School of Life Science and Technology at ShanghaiTech University, responsible for undergraduate admissions, academic affairs, and student development.

Interviewers: Cao Shenxi, Hu Jinglin, Lai Xinyao

Interviewee: Ms. Zhang Yang

Interview Date: April 23, 2023

Interview Content:

1. Collaboration for Summer School at the School of Life Science and Technology

Through the discussion, we learned that the school plans to organize a four-day summer school for high school students around July 10th, with an estimated scale of about 90 participants.

Possible Collaboration:

1) Participating as teaching assistants in the laboratory sessions and introducing iGEM and our experiences in iGEM during interactions with students.

2) Conducting small lectures during waiting times in the laboratory or after the experiments.

3) Engaging in science communication during lunch breaks. Requirements for participation: Being a laboratory teaching assistant and a member of the iGEM education team; having good communication skills; possessing some laboratory experience.

2. Acquisition of Laboratory Supplies

We can directly request laboratory supplies from the laboratory instructors or allocate a portion from the iGEM inventory without requiring additional approval.

3. Other Educational Initiatives

1) The possibility of organizing standalone lectures is low since such lectures usually invite expert professors.

2) We can consider activities like inviting parents to the classroom to educate them about synthetic biology, where the focus should be on making it interesting for children.

3) For any future contact needs, we can reach out to Ms. Zhang Yang for assistance.

Note: The interview was conducted in Chinese, and the translated content is provided above.

At the beginning of the summer vacation, our team visited Sunqiao Primary School and conducted an engaging science outreach program titled "Invisible Microorganisms - Exploring the Foundation of Synthetic Biology."

Target Age Group: 9-11 years old

Presenters: Wang Yueying, Qian Yingxi

Date: July 4, 2023

Our Goal: We aimed to guide these young students in exploring the fascinating world of microorganisms, understanding their unique characteristics and microscopic structures, and experiencing firsthand the methods of observing and studying microorganisms. Through hands-on activities, the children were immersed in a laboratory-like environment, which we believe will lay a solid foundation for their future studies in synthetic biology.

Activity Content:

During the classroom session, the elementary school students displayed an astonishing enthusiasm for learning. They actively participated, eagerly answered questions, and demonstrated a strong interest in the world of microorganisms . Their eyes were filled with curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown, reaffirming our belief that education is the spark that ignites the dreams of future scientists.

While interacting with younger students, we discovered that education requires not only engaging and interesting content but also the patience and experience of educators. To guide them progressively deeper into the subject, we employed a combination of questioning and rewarding, encouraging students to think actively and share their perspectives. We also found that when students expressed their opinions, they needed our guidance and support.

Overall, the experience reinforced the importance of creating an educational environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and active participation. By nurturing their interest in science from a young age, we can inspire and empower these students to pursue their dreams and make significant contributions to the scientific community in the future.

Reflections and Achievements:

During the hands-on activities, younger students may make unexpected mistakes, requiring careful guidance from our team to better cater to the needs of students at different knowledge levels and ensure that each child has ample opportunities for practical experimentation.

Through this engaging interaction, our team not only imparted scientific knowledge to the younger generation but also gained valuable educational experience, accumulating more wisdom and passion for future educational endeavors. We firmly believe that this activity is not just an educational course but also a significant contribution to the growth of future scientists and the promotion of scientific education. By guiding students into the microscopic world, we have opened the door for them to explore the unknown and injected new vitality into future science and innovation.

During the summer break, we organized a very special activity: a science outreach program for 7th-grade students at Jiancao Middle School in Jiancao Township, Yunlong, Yunnan Province.

Target Age Group: 13-14 years old

Presenter: Huang Zhejing

Date: July 14, 2023

Our Goal: Our mission was to assist the education of students in economically disadvantaged areas, specifically in Yunlong, Yunnan. We aimed to introduce them to the fascinating world of synthetic biology, help them understand the concepts of synthetic biology, explore the principles of gene editing, discuss gene-centered applications in synthetic biology, and foster their innovative spirit. By bringing this science outreach program to Yunlong, we aimed to provide these students with valuable educational opportunities and inspire them to explore the potential of synthetic biology.

Presentation Content:

1. Unveiling the Secrets of DNA

We guided the students to understand how DNA controls different traits by exploring various characteristics.

2. The Mystery of Genes

We delved into discussions with the students to unravel the concept that genes are DNA segments with hereditary effects, exploring their mysterious nature.

3. The Marvelous Structure of DNA

We revealed the 3D structure of DNA and explained how the combination of the four nucleotides, ATGC, stores life's information and controls traits.

4. Exploring Synthetic Biology

We provided a concise introduction to the concept of synthetic biology and the process of gene editing, allowing students to experience the allure of life science.

5. Igniting Creativity

Lastly, we introduced the iGEM competition and related projects, encouraging students to unleash their imagination and conceive future scientific projects.

Reflections and Achievements: Despite limited knowledge of synthetic biology and basic biology concepts among the students from remote areas, they displayed a strong interest and creativity. Particularly during the Q&A session, they actively participated, showcasing their eagerness and curiosity about science. We were deeply moved by their thirst for knowledge and their willingness to learn.

Facing differences in students' knowledge levels, we realize the need for more personalized educational support. Some students may already have a certain foundation of knowledge, while others may have had no exposure to these subject areas at all. Therefore, it is a problem that requires careful consideration to identify these differences and provide suitable educational support for each student.

Additionally, the challenge of limited resources, especially in remote areas, poses a significant obstacle. This includes limitations in textbooks, teaching aids, and technological equipment. In such circumstances, we need to be creative in finding suitable educational methods to meet students' needs.

Most importantly, understanding students' interests and learning styles is crucial. This can help us tailor the curriculum and teaching methods better, ignite students' enthusiasm for learning, and improve their academic performance.

Through this activity, we have not only opened the door to scientific knowledge for young students in remote areas but also provided them with opportunities to be inspired for their future careers and academic exploration. We firmly believe that these young scientists will achieve remarkable accomplishments in the field of science in the future, making positive contributions to society and the environment. We hope that this activity will sow the seeds of hope for synthetic biology and iGEM in their hearts.

Target Age Group: 7-8 years old

Presenters: Jin Yifei, Chen Keyu

Date: August 11, 2023

Our Goal: In this event, our mission was to enlighten the students of Sunqiao Elementary School about the climate crisis that the Earth is facing. We would introduce them to our iGEM project and its potential contributions to addressing the climate crisis. We aimed to inspire students' innovative thinking, ignite their strong interest in synthetic biology, and encourage everyone to pay attention to environmental protection and safeguard our planet together.

Starting from the natural disasters that have been occurring on Earth in recent years, we would inform the children about the serious problem of light pollution that cities are facing. Through real-life examples, we would guide them to recognize the severity of the climate crisis. Next, we would introduce the concepts of carbon neutrality and peak carbon dioxide emissions, helping the children understand the impact of reducing carbon emissions on the climate.

Afterward, we would provide a detailed introduction to our iGEM project, "LAMPS" and explain how it offers solutions to the climate crisis. Finally, we would encourage the children to prioritize environmental protection and join the efforts to protect our planet.

Learning and Experience: During the activity, we discovered that although the children didn't have much knowledge of biology, they exhibited a strong curiosity. Especially during the Q&A session, they actively participated and demonstrated a great eagerness for knowledge.

Reflection and Achievements: Facing first-grade children, we understood the importance of simplifying the communication of concepts. Despite our efforts to make the concepts simple and concrete, some complex ideas still required better explanations. For example, we noticed that explaining the term "acid" became a significant challenge when we mentioned acid rain. This experience taught us that in future science education activities, we should try to avoid introducing new concepts whenever possible so that the audience can understand them more easily.

Our team played the role of mentors in this activity, requiring us to collaborate in organizing, preparing, and conducting the lessons. This nurtured our leadership abilities, teamwork, and educational skills. Our activity was not just about imparting knowledge; it also encouraged students to ask questions, think critically, and express their own opinions. This helps broaden their thinking and perspectives while fostering creative and critical thinking skills. We believe that our collaboration with Sunqiao Elementary School not only provided educational opportunities for the students but also strengthened the school's connection with the community. This positive community interaction greatly contributes to promoting the popularization of science and education within the community!

Targeting high school students participating in biology competitions, we designed a special course where our team members, who have participated in and won awards in biology competitions, visited Liaoning Experimental High School to teach second-year students about experimental techniques and specialized knowledge in synthetic biology.

Target Age Group: 15-17 years old

Presenter: Wang Yueying

Date: August 15, 2023

Our Goal: We imparted key experimental techniques in synthetic biology to the participants of the biology competition, providing them with support for their exam preparations while inspiring a deep interest in synthetic biology. We aimed to guide them toward becoming future iGEM members and ignite their passion for the field.

We first guided the students to delve into the fascinating world of synthetic biology, exploring key concepts and revealing the infinite possibilities in this field. Next, we shared cutting-edge technologies related to synthetic biology, including CRISPR, allowing the students to acquire essential laboratory skills. Finally, we provided a detailed introduction to our iGEM project, "LAMPS", enabling the students to understand how theoretical knowledge can be translated into practical applications.

Learning and Experience: In this vibrant activity, the students not only gained knowledge and laboratory experience that cannot be provided by textbooks alone but also established a close connection with us. They had the opportunity to experience the charm of synthetic biology firsthand, gaining a profound understanding and passion for science.

Reflection and Achievements: This course was specialized and rich in content, targeting students with a knowledge foundation in biology. However, we still needed to ensure the coherence and storytelling of the content. We realized the importance of carefully designing the course structure, focusing on a central narrative to help students concentrate, and assisting the instructors in managing time effectively.

This event served as not just a means of knowledge transmission but also as a catalyst to ignite the potential and guide the future scientific exploration of young scientists. We hope that these passionate young individuals will become outstanding representatives in the field of synthetic biology, bringing positive transformations to society and the scientific community. The value and significance of this event lie in igniting the scientific dreams of young minds, paving the way for the next generation's scientific exploration, and empowering them to become potential innovators and agents of change in the future.

The 2023 iGEM competition is coming to a close, and soon we will need to assemble a new team for the 2024 iGEM competition. Since our undergraduate team mainly consists of freshmen, it is necessary for us to introduce the iGEM competition to the newly enrolled students. To achieve this, we have prepared a special "Hello iGEM Freshmen Introduction" event, aiming to spark the interest of the freshmen in synthetic biology and the iGEM competition. This event will help us prepare for the refreshment of our team and attract new members to join us.

Target Age Group: 18-19 years old

Presenter: ShanghaiTech-China iGEM team

Date: September 27, 2023

Learning and Experience: In this exciting "Hello iGEM Freshmen Introduction" event, we introduced the newly enrolled freshmen to the fascinating world of synthetic biology and delved into the essence of the iGEM competition and the importance of teamwork. Through this activity, we not only sparked a strong interest in synthetic biology and the iGEM competition among the freshmen but also showcased the power of teamwork and the opportunities for practical projects. The freshmen were enthusiastic, actively asking questions, and providing valuable suggestions, injecting new vigor and strength into our team.

Reflections and Achievements: This lecture event made us realize the effectiveness of conveying information to freshmen in the form of lectures. However, we also became aware that some freshmen who were interested in the iGEM competition couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts with other on-campus lectures, which was a regrettable outcome. This experience has inspired us to conduct prior investigations of concurrent events on campus in the future, to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure that more freshmen can participate and benefit.

The success of this event has motivated us to continue our efforts in providing opportunities for more freshmen to explore synthetic biology and participate in the iGEM competition, nurturing future scientific stars. It not only inspires the freshmen but also injects new vitality into our team. Moving forward, we will strive to ignite the dreams of more aspiring scientists and guide them into the fascinating world of synthetic biology.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, we visited the Zhangjiang Community Service Center and conducted a captivating science outreach lecture for the community members. Under the theme "Science Fiction or Reality? Synthetic Biology in Designing Life", we attracted people of all ages and backgrounds, from the elderly to doctoral students, to come and listen. Our lecture provided knowledge and insights that benefitted the diverse audience, comprising individuals from various professions and walks of life.

Target Age Group: Essentially all age groups and educational backgrounds

Presenters: Hu Jinglin and Lai Xinyao

Date: September 29, 2023

Our Goal: A crucial mission of Education is to bring the wonders of synthetic biology to the community and generate people's interest in the field of synthetic biology, the iGEM competition, and our project. We sincerely aim to expand our educational outreach and have chosen the community as our venue, hoping to receive valuable feedback to make adjustments and optimizations to our project in the future.

Activity Content:

• Exploring Synthetic Biology: We first introduced the community members to the basic concepts of synthetic biology and discussed its development history and future applications.

• Fascinating Applications of Synthetic Biology: We revealed the remarkable applications of synthetic biology in various fields to spark the audience's interest and thoughts.

• Getting Closer to Our Project: Lastly, we provided a detailed presentation on our LAMPS project, allowing community residents to understand the work we are doing and its potential impact on society.

Learning and Experience: This lecture event not only enriched our knowledge but also strengthened our collaboration with the ShanghaiTech University Youth League Committee, further solidifying our team's capabilities. More importantly, we deeply engaged with the community and established closer connections with the residents of the Zhangjiang community. Through interaction and communication, we not only conveyed knowledge about synthetic biology but also introduced our exciting project, which received positive feedback and attracted more people to follow us on social media.

This event was more than just a lecture; it was an opportunity for the community to merge with science. We gained valuable experience through interaction and practical engagement. The enthusiastic feedback from community residents and their interest in our social media presence left us with a sense of great accomplishment.

Reflections and Achievements: Through this lecture event, we have come to realize the limitations of categorizing the audience solely based on age and whether they are stakeholders. Each audience member is unique, with their own needs and backgrounds. Therefore, we now place greater emphasis on conducting detailed market research to understand the audience's professional backgrounds, interests, educational levels, and other relevant information. This serves as the foundation for developing more targeted and personalized teaching plans.

This event not only helped us better understand the needs of the community residents but also instilled in us the determination to continuously improve and innovate scientific communication methods. We firmly believe that through ongoing reflection and gains, we can provide richer and more engaging scientific experiences for community residents, promote the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and foster a deep integration between the community and science. This event is not just a lecture; it is a testament to our team's continuous progress and guides the future path of scientific communication.

In today's society, social media has become one of the main tools for people to obtain information. Our team has opened accounts on five social platforms, including Xiaohongshu, Weibo, bilibili, Facebook, and Instagram. In order to attract more attention and enhance understanding of the iGEM competition through social media, our team collaborated to compile an overview of the Top 10 iGEM teams' projects.

We aim to introduce previous synthetic biology projects' designs and values in plain language to the general public while inspiring their comprehension of iGEM and synthetic biology.

Additionally, we hope to encourage more individuals to join future iGEM teams as members and provide convenient information for other iGEM teams in need of brainstorming.

During the period from July to September 2023, we carefully reviewed several outstanding projects from recent iGEM competitions and presented them in a more accessible and understandable way. Afterwards, we shared this content on various social media platforms, making it accessible to the general public, even those without relevant knowledge, so they could easily understand these fascinating iGEM projects.

Our goal is to increase awareness about the significance and advancements of synthetic biology among a wider audience, allowing individuals with no prior knowledge in this field to easily understand and appreciate the appeal of iGEM projects. This endeavor will enhance public recognition of iGEM and synthetic biology, while also attracting more people to join as future iGEM participants.

For instance:

Our team gained attention and support on social media and successfully spread awareness about synthetic biology to a larger audience. However, we acknowledge that there is still room for improvement. In the future, we plan to enhance the creativity and allure of our social media content to attract more people to iGEM and synthetic biology, providing more chances for future innovators and scientists. We believe that combining science communication with social media can promote science and innovation!

Date: 2023.8.27~2023.8.30

Target Age Group: Anyone who is interested in science on the internet.

Our Goal: Our online science program aims to raise public concern about energy waste and environmentally friendly lighting and provide practical action suggestions to promote the spread and practice of environmental awareness. Through our exciting popular science content, we hope to stimulate people's interest in green lighting technology and sustainable energy, thereby driving society towards a more sustainable future.

Activity Content:

1. Tweets about LED and eco-friendly lighting

Content: This tweet delves into the topic of energy waste, highlighting the crucial role of eco-friendly lighting. We provide a variety of environmental tips, from opting for LED lights to utilizing smart lighting systems, to inspire readers to adopt energy-saving practices.

Goal: We aim to raise awareness about the issue of energy waste, urging individuals to opt for more environmentally conscious lighting options in their daily lives, and to develop a habit of conserving electricity. Moreover, we hope to further promote the concept and measures of lighting environmental protection through interaction with readers.

2. Tweets about our project-LAMPS

Content: This tweet introduces the LAMPS technology developed by the 2023iGEM team at ShanghaiTech University. Through genetic engineering technology, cyanobacteria cells can release light at night, providing people with a new environmentally friendly lighting solution.

Goal: With this release, we want to introduce and promote the LAMPS technology to the public, so that more people know about this new, environmentally friendly, and sustainable method of lighting. This technology is expected to have a profound impact on the future of lighting and promote the development of green lighting. We hope this technology can be more widely considered and applied!

3. Tweets about knowledge on solar panels

Content: This post details the working principle of solar panels, China's progress in the field of solar energy, and the environmental and health problems that solar panels may bring in the process of manufacturing and use.

Goal: Our goal is to provide comprehensive and objective information to help readers better understand the advantages and disadvantages of solar technology. With this article, we hope to encourage the public to look more rationally at solar technology and make more informed choices in practical applications.

Reflections and Achievements: This online popular science program has made our team realize that through interesting and informative science content, we can effectively arouse the public's interest and attention on environmental issues. The interaction with readers reflects a strong interest in environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable development.

However, we also recognize that science popularization needs to be constantly improved to meet the needs and expectations of different readers. In the future, we will continue to work hard to provide more beneficial environmental information to the public and lead more people to a sustainable future. These three tweets of our team are carried out around the theme of energy conservation and environmental protection, and we hope that through these three articles, we can guide everyone to take practical actions and jointly contribute to the sustainable development of the earth.

To carry out education activities more efficiently and widely, we also publish vlogs of team education presentations, introductions to our project, and posts and videos of some popular science activities on social platforms, hoping to expand the attention and understanding of iGEM, synthetic biology and our project through online dissemination, and call for more people's enthusiasm for environmental protection and science education. And attract potential iGEM participants to join hands to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable development.

The most interesting and engaging part of the social platform is our video! Below are the videos our team has posted on various social platforms:

Invisible "small life" around us - A science popularization lecture about microorganisms

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

Participation of Shanghaitech University in CCiC(An Exchange Meeting on iGEM in China)

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

A science popularization lecture on climate crisis

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

A lecture about synthetic biology and experimental technique in Liaoning Province Shiyan High School

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

Promotion Video of LAMPS

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

An open day for high school students and Exchange Meeting in Fudan University

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

A lecture on synthetic biology and iGEM for freshmen at ShanghaiTech University

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

A science popularization lecture in community

Watch in Bilibili    Watch in Instagram    Watch in facebook

Through these activities, our teams not only enrich scientific knowledge but also stimulate people's interest in science from all walks of life, contributing to science education and sustainable development. We will continue to work hard to launch more activities to promote to more schools and communities, and make greater contributions to the cause of science popularization!

In order to publicize the iGEM competition and the wonderful world of synthetic biology to potential iGEMers in the future, we have carefully planned and carried out the "Life Science and the Future" summer camp of the School of Life Science of ShanghaiTech University, especially inviting students from various high schools who are interested in applying for the School of Life Science of ShanghaiTech University to participate.

Target Age Group: 17~18 years old

Presenter: Cao Shenxi

Date: July 14,2023

Content: The summer camp activities covered a variety of content, including an introduction to the School of Life, expert discussion sessions, laboratory operation introduction, a visit to the biomedical exhibition hall of Zhangjiang Science City, and an interesting molecular biology experiment experience. The experiment was divided into three groups, with about 30 students in each group, and different experiment teachers guided different groups of students.

The experiments included detecting the presence or lack of the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene and exploring whether drinking alcohol would cause blushing, involving DNA extraction, enzyme digestion, electrophoresis separation, data analysis, and other links. In the end, the students had a day of camp defense and presented their experimental results.

Our iGEM team members act as teaching assistants, guiding students through simple experiments related to genetic molecules, including measuring their own bitter taste receptor genes and alcohol dehydrogenase genes and related traits, and understanding the design of gene editing tools. In addition, we also conducted the iGEM competition presentation and promotion to share our iGEM project experience and encourage more students to join this exciting science competition.

Reflections and Achievements:

This summer camp not only provided students with hands-on contact and experimental experience with the School of Life but also allowed our team members to fully experience the fun and challenge of education. We recognize the passion and curiosity of the younger generation but also understand the need for more attention and investment in the field of education.

The event stimulated the students' interest in synthetic biology and also provided guidance and inspiration for their future academic paths. This, in turn, makes our team even more committed to the mission of science communication and contributing to the development of future science stars. We look forward to continuing such meaningful activities in the future to spread the charm of science to more young people and guide them to the wonderful world of synthetic biology!

It is worth mentioning that at the end of the summer school, we presented plasmids to the students of Fudan University to further promote cooperation and communication with other schools.

Target Age Group: 18~21 years old

Presenters: members of ShanghaiTech-China iGEM team

Date: September 22,2023

After many meetings and interviews in the early stage, our team carefully produced a batch of high-quality promotional materials, including brochures, key rings, stickers, and so on. Our goal is to let these materials fully use their promotional role and attract more people who are interested in our project. Therefore, we chose to hold a brochure distribution event on campus the day before the official start of the semester to generate traffic and set the stage for the upcoming "Hello iGEMer Orientation for Freshmen" event.

We welcomed many enthusiastic new students to this brochure distribution event. Some of these freshmen already knew something about iGEM competition, while others knew nothing about it. We talked to them in depth and found that they were very interested in participating in teamwork like iGEM.

What was even more exciting to us was that they showed great interest in our "luminous cyanobacteria" project and found the concept very meaningful. The event provided an invaluable interactive experience for our team and sparked our determination to explore synthetic biology more deeply.

Reflections and Achievements:

By giving out brochures on campus, we got a lot of valuable feedback and inspiration. We began to think about whether we should expand the scope of the publicity to attract more people's attention. In the future, we may consider distributing our promotional materials in public places such as parks and science and technology parks, and engage in broader communication with different groups of people to expand our influence.

This event not only gave us a better understanding of the needs and interests of our new students but also inspired us to explore more innovative and diverse ways to promote. We believe that through continuous reflection and growth, we will be able to light up more future biological stars, lead them to the wonderful world of synthetic biology, and contribute more power to science and innovation. This activity not only inspired new students, but also brought harvest and growth to our team, and injected more passion and motivation into our scientific journey.

Target Age Group: 4~7years old

Cooperative Partner: Fudan University, Tongji University and National University of Defense Technology

In order to help children better understand scientific concepts and develop scientific thinking, during August and September, our four schools worked together to produce a set of popular science picture books (a total of two books) to promote the knowledge of synthetic biology, with the theme of "What is gene" and "The Mystery of Genes". Through these picture books, we hope to help more children understand the basic concepts of genes and gene editing and stimulate their interest in science.

Picture book one: What is Gene

Picture book two: Gene Editing

In this activity, we discussed with EDU leaders from the other three universities to determine the specific picture book content and division of labor. We were mainly responsible for the drawing and typesetting of the second picture book. At the same time, we co-produced two versions of picture books in Chinese and English to make our picture books more widely disseminated. This cooperation brings together first-class universities in Shanghai to provide a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and professional knowledge for the production of popular science picture books. The content of the picture book takes a diverse and interesting scientific perspective, committing to presenting a more comprehensive scientific knowledge for kindergarten and primary school children.

In the process of production, we also conducted in-depth exchanges with Fudan University's "Child type" platform.This platform brings together experts from various disciplines and focuses on the creation of children's books, aiming to improve the original creativity of children's books in China. Working with them has provided us with valuable experience and guidance to make our picture books even better in terms of content and design. We believe that through these picture books, we can make a contribution to society and train young scientists and science lovers in the future.

This collaboration has not only enriched our scientific knowledge but also enhanced our collaborative capacity and creativity. We are proud to be able to cooperate with other excellent schools and make a modest contribution to the cause of science popularization. Fudan University has also proactively expressed their interest in pursuing future collaborations with us. In the future, we will continue to work hard to expand these picture books to more schools and communities in order to contribute to science education. We look forward to seeing how these picture books can plant the seeds of science in more people's lives so that the beauty of science will continue to bloom!

Target Age Group: 15~17 years old

Date: September 24,2023

Cooperative Partner: Fudan University, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and High School Affiliated to Fudan University

Our Goal: In cooperation with two other universities, we jointly organized the "FuFu iGEM " campus Open Day for high school students from the International Department of the High School Affiliated to Fudan University, hoping to provide an opportunity for international high school students who will soon form an iGEM team to learn more about iGEM competition and synthetic biology and stimulate their interest in science and innovation. Through exchange, interaction, and practice, we hope to inspire the younger generation of scientists and cultivate potential biological talents for future scientific research and technological development.

Content:

1. Lunch meeting (11:30 ~ 12:20)

Content: Lunch with iGEM team members from Fudan University, Xi 'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, and high school students to share experiences and insights.

Goal: To promote communication and cooperation between teams, establish contacts, and encourage high school students to actively participate in iGEM competitions.

2. Sharing of iGEM Projects (13:00 ~ 13:20)

Content: Each of our three iGEM teams introduced this year's project to high school students, sharing our research results and design ideas.

Goal: To stimulate high school students' interest in synthetic biology and iGEM competition by showing them the innovation of iGEM competition and the results of the team's work.

3. Interactive class (13:30 ~ 14:45)

Content: We teach high school students how to solve scientific problems through theoretical teaching and group discussions, and give them a preliminary understanding of gene circuit construction.

Goal: To teach high school students about science problem solving through a fun and interactive class, and to engage them in hands-on activities.

4. Interesting Activity (15:00 ~ 15:45)

Content: Lead high school students to make their own origami to make DNA double helix structures.

Goal: To let high school students have a deeper understanding of the three-dimensional structure of DNA and cultivate their interest in biology through practical hands-on practice.

Reflections and Achievements:

Through this open-day activity, we recognize the importance of interacting and sharing science knowledge with high school students. We hope to scale up such education activities in the future to attract more young people to scientific research and provide them with more opportunities to explore the fields of innovation and technology. Our team will continue to improve the event to better meet the education needs of the younger generation and train tomorrow's scientists and innovators!

On October 7th, Haidian Foreign Language Experimental School invited us to a webinar focused on promoting the iGEM competition and presenting our project, in collaboration with the GEC-CHINA team.

The goal of this webinar was to nurture collaboration, exchange knowledge, and deepen the understanding of synthetic biology. It was an opportunity to inspire the upcoming generation of budding scientists and researchers.

The event kicked off with an introductory session about the iGEM competition, setting the stage for attendees. The highlight was the project presentations from both teams. Moreover, the Q&A session was particularly engaging, as students from Haidian Foreign Language Experimental School posed insightful questions and shared their perspectives.

This experience allowed both teams to gain insights into each other's projects, learn collectively, and hone efficient research methods. Importantly, the webinar gave students across various grades and regions a clearer view of iGEM, expanding their knowledge and igniting a passion for synthetic biology!!!