March 10th, 2023
The introduction meeting marked the start of our iGEM season, gathering participants, advisors, and the principal investigator. We delved into what iGEM means, our vision, and the forthcoming project objectives. iGEM combines synthetic biology with creativity, and collaboration, empowering students to revolutionize biological engineering.
Our goals span different fields, from advancing biotechnology to include sustainability in the project. Recognizing the importance of seamless communication, we created a WhatsApp group for efficient team interaction. This group will be instrumental in sharing insights, updates, and resources as we embark on this important challenge.
March 24th, 2023
Our brainstorming session was a pivotal juncture for our project, a quest for inspiration drawn from other innovative iGEM teams featured on the iGEM website. We sought novel avenues of scientific exploration, debating whether to use a previous idea and improve it or starting from scratch.
In the spirit of collaboration, we assigned each team member the task of proposing two distinct ideas or challenges that we aspire to address within the iGEM framework. This different proposal embodies our commitment to pioneering research in synthetic biology and our enthusiasm for taking on real-world problems. As we navigate such innovative experiences, we are determined to make impactful contributions to the iGEM community and the broader scientific view.
March 31st, 2023
Our team recently convened for a pivotal meeting where each member presented their project ideas, fostering a dynamic exchange of innovative concepts. With enthusiasm and creativity at the forefront, our collaborative spirit shone as we shared proposals aimed at pushing the boundaries of synthetic biology.
To ensure collective decision-making, we leveraged our WhatsApp group's capabilities, conducting an open vote. This transparent process allowed everyone to cast their preferences and opinions, creating a participatory atmosphere. The collective wisdom of the team ultimately guided our choice of potential projects, reflecting our commitment to a shared vision and a shared sense of purpose.
This inclusive approach ensures that our selected projects resonate with the team's aspirations and expertise, setting the stage for a successful iGEM season.
April 18th, 2023
Our team took a significant step forward in our iGEM 2023 season by officially establishing our presence on the iGEM website as the UPNAvarra-Spain team. This marked the beginning of our digital footprint, where our collective dedication to the world of synthetic biology began to take shape.
In parallel, we embarked on a crucial phase of idea selection by conducting a comprehensive vote on the general project concept. Every team member had the opportunity to cast their vote, contributing to a democratic and inclusive decision-making process. This meticulous evaluation ensures that our chosen project resonates with our team's vision and commitment, setting the stage for a focused and impactful iGEM season ahead.
April 28th, 2023
Our team convened for a crucial group meeting, where we aimed to thoroughly analyze the merits and drawbacks of the two most popular project options, with the objective of reaching a consensus. This spirited discussion encapsulated the essence of collaborative decision-making, with each member contributing insights and perspectives.
In addition to project selection, our dialogue encompassed practical aspects such as funding strategies and potential scholarships for which we could apply. We also explored the prospect of engaging in valuable human practices by planning visits to companies. These efforts reflect our holistic approach to iGEM, ensuring not only scientific innovation but also effective project management and community engagement to maximize our impact.
May 12th, 2023
Our team convened a fundamental meeting to culminate our project topic selection process. In this meeting, we dedicated our efforts to reaching a final decision, ensuring alignment with our collective vision and goals. This involved gathering crucial information, scrutinizing potential project ways, and evaluating their feasibility and impact.
Additionally, we turned our attention to securing necessary resources by actively applying for the UPNA scholarship designed to support student projects. This strategic move exemplifies our commitment to realizing our project's potential and further underscores our team's dedication to fostering scientific innovation within our academic institution.
As we move forward, we remain focused on not only conceptualizing but also executing our chosen project with diligence and purpose.
May 19th, 2023
Our team's recent meeting marked a important moment as we finalized our project topic. We enthusiastically decided to synthesize resveratrol from the by-products generated during wine production. This innovative idea takes course with our commitment to sustainability and the application of synthetic biology to real-world challenges.
In order to do a proper project execution, we organized into dedicated working teams, each assigned specific responsibilities. These teams encompass scholarship and funding acquisition, networking, experimental routes and methodologies, website development, and exploration of circular economy principles.
June 6th, 2023
Meeting to check efforts and delve into the obstacles of our project. The primary focus was on developing effective strategies for our laboratory experiment, including techniques and methodologies. Central to our discussion was the ambitious goal of genetic modification, specifically, the insertion of genes from the resveratrol biosynthesis pathway into Escherichia coli, allowing this valuable compound to be synthesized.
Our deliberations based on the molecular complexity, experimental procedures, and potential challenges we might discover during this transformative attempt. This collaborative brainstorming session exemplifies our commitment to scientific rigor and innovation, as we aim to harness synthetic biology to achieve groundbreaking results in the production of resveratrol.
June 20th, 2023
In our recent team meeting, we meticulously outlined the steps to guide the organization and allocation of tasks among our dedicated team members. The meeting also served as an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of our project. We discussed laboratory techniques, protocols, and the biosynthetic pathway of resveratrol in detail.
´Furthermore, we explored the specifics of the plasmid and the genes to be inserted, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the genetic modifications at the heart of our project. Simultaneously, we initiated the preparation of our project presentation, set to be delivered to the Synthetic Biology Department of our university.
June 22nd, 2023
In a significant online meeting, we had the opportunity of connecting with our iGEM 2023 mentor, Robert Ramirez García. His valuable guidance emphasized the importance of considering medal criteria, underlining the need for meticulous project planning and execution
Moreover, we discussed our commitment to engaging in meaningful human practices, fostering connections with companies and our society. Besides, we saw the necessity of establishing an efficient subteam organization to achieve our short and medium-term objectives.
During this productive meeting, we presented our project to the Synthetic Biology Department, and we were advised to gather critical information about the economic and environmental impact of current resveratrol production methods and how our approach enhances production efficiency. Scalability and local-level impact were also key areas of consideration, reflecting our dedication to comprehensive project success.
June 29th, 2023
As the July commencement of our experimental phase drew near, our team held a crucial meeting to organize pending tasks. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in our iGEM 2023 season as we reassessed our priorities and responsibilities
During the meeting, we initiated a fresh distribution of key tasks, recognizing the vital roles they play in our project's success. These included the management of our Wiki, active engagement on social media platforms, fundraising efforts, the difficulty of laboratory work, and the planning of human practices initiatives.
In addition to task allocation, we also took the opportunity to capture team photographs for upcoming press releases. This collaborative effort symbolizes our team's dedication to transparency, communication, and the pursuit of excellence in synthetic biology.
July 3rd, 2023
At our recent team meeting, we entered an exciting new phase of our project: the start of the experimental part. This marked a pivotal moment in our iGEM 2023 journey as we delved into the intricate steps of plasmid construction using the innovative Golden Gate technique.
Our meeting was both productive and strategic. We collectively discussed the next stages of our laboratory work, setting a course of action. To maximize efficiency, we agreed to initiate our laboratory activities after the San Fermín festivities, ensuring a focused and uninterrupted work schedule. During this celebratory period, our team is dedicated to the quest for promoters, terminators, and ribosomal binding sites (RBS) essential for our construction work. This thoughtful approach exemplifies our team's commitment to precision and meticulous planning.
July 17th, 2023
At this meeting, our team conducted a thorough review of our progress, ensuring that we remain on track. We discussed in depth the distribution of tasks, focusing on key areas such as developing our Wiki, meeting the medal criteria, expanding our networks and securing funding. To ensure effective management, a list was drawn up designating the team members responsible for each task.
In addition, we tackled the laboratory part of our project, meticulously organizing our approach. This included selecting the protocols to be employed and planning the specific constructs essential for our upcoming experimentation. This methodical approach underscores our commitment to detail and success in project execution.
August 1st, 2023
This day we held an online meeting (Zoom) with Purificación Fernández, professor at the University of La Rioja in the area of analytical chemistry. A brief explanation of the project was given and some questions were raised regarding the extraction of molecules present in wine industry by-products, addressing the limitations of resveratrol, and the grape varieties and parts of the plant where our precursor of the biosynthetic pathway is present.
At the end of the meeting, pending tasks were outlined, such as a literature review on the (cis-trans) conformation in which resveratrol is more bioactive, the cost of extraction, and investigating the current synthesis methods of resveratrol.
August 16th, 2023
In preparation for our team's presence on the iGEM Wiki and various social networks, we held a dedicated meeting focused on capturing individual photographs of each team member. These photographs serve as a personal touch to introduce our team and its members to the world. The session took place on the picturesque campus of our university, Public University of Navarra, and was skillfully handled by one of our talented team members.
The process was a demonstration of our team's commitment to present a professional and approachable image as we embark on our iGEM 2023 journey. These photographs will provide a human face to our project and help build connections within the global iGEM community.
August 17th, 2023
In a brief yet purposeful meeting, our team advanced with the development of our educational book, designed to introduce our project to school students in an engaging and informative manner. This outreach project represents our commitment to science communication and fostering interest in synthetic biology among young minds.
The meeting's agenda included a thorough review of our objectives, ensuring alignment with our vision to make science accessible and engaging, a practical step to facilitate future engagements with schools. The meeting emphasized the need to maintain momentum in creating the educational book, combining didactic and creative elements to inspire the next generation of scientists. Additionally, we discussed the logistics of purchasing train tickets to Paris.
August 18th, 2023
First weekly review meeting of what has been done and what remains to be done. A brief review was made of what had been achieved in the laboratory and human practices, and deadlines and subsequent objectives were set.
There is also discussion about the informative book, including its content, writing, animations, sources, among other aspects. The topic of collaborations is revisited, involving visits to the wineries in our region, Navarra. Additionally, financing is discussed, and it is noted that we have received a rejection regarding the proposal. Regarding the wiki, progress is reviewed, and content tasks are distributed, scheduled in a virtual calendar.
September 4th, 2023
During our recent online meeting, our team tackled a range of critical topics to ensure the success of our iGEM 2023 project. Firstly, we meticulously organized the logistics of attending the laboratory throughout September, ensuring a smooth transition into the experimental phase.
Furthermore, we delved into various aspects of project outreach and engagement. These included planning a promotion video to capture the essence of our project, exploring crowdfunding strategies to secure vital resources, and discussing human practices initiatives such as the creation of a film library and an experience classroom. In addition, we contemplated marketing efforts, including the production of tote bags, giveaways, and project publications. This multi-faceted approach reflects our team's dedication to comprehensive project success.
September 9th, 2023
In an informal yet pivotal meeting, our team converged to put the finishing touches on crucial project elements. We enthusiastically honed in on the project's logo and slogan, shaping the visual identity that will represent our iGEM 2023 venture. We also delved into the script for our promotional video, carefully crafting the narrative that will encapsulate the essence of our project. Additionally, we set the stage for video recording and delivery, ensuring a seamless and impactful presentation.
In the spirit of thorough project management, we revisited our objectives and allocated individual tasks. These included reaching out to Civican, a space for thought and cultural enrichment, and local schools to schedule presentations, fostering project awareness and engagement in the broader community.
September 11th, 2023
On an eventful day, we embarked on a significant milestone - the recording of our project video. This marked a key moment in our iGEM 2023 journey as we brought our project's narrative to life, capturing its essence in a visually engaging manner.
Following the successful recording, we convened a meeting to set concise short-term objectives that would shape our project's trajectory. The discussion spanned multiple areas, including the design and content of our Wiki, planning educational initiatives like school visits and participation in Researchers' Night, and organizing screenings of the film 'MAKE PEOPLE BETTER' at Civican. In addition, we discussed further opportunities for collaboration and advanced our human practices strategy.
September 12th, 2023
In our recent online meeting, our team embraced a spirit of collaboration and organization. We methodically assigned tasks to sub-teams, aiming to drive progress in various key areas. One sub-team focused on advancing the content of our Wiki, ensuring its comprehensiveness and relevance to our project. Another sub-team worked diligently to complete the text of our outreach book, a vital component of our educational work with students. This book represents our commitment to fostering young people's interest in synthetic biology.
Additionally, we embarked on preparations for an exciting and educational visit to a local wine cellar (Bodegas Ochoa). This experience promises to offer valuable insights into the wine production process, from planting to marketing, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of our project's context.
September 18th, 2023
In our recent meeting, our team conducted a thorough review of the progress in accomplishing our objectives and tasks, ensuring that we remain on track. This exercise reinforced our commitment to organized project management and precise goal fulfillment. Furthermore, we engaged in strategic discussions regarding the management and organization of our education and public engagement sessions. These discussions ensured that our outreach efforts would be both effective and impactful.
As part of our ongoing initiative to foster collaborations, we proposed an innovative idea called 'LabBuddies Challenges' through Instagram. This concept encourages collaboration with various iGEM teams, inviting them to creatively design mascots representing their team. This interactive effort highlights our team's dedication to community engagement and creative networking within the iGEM community.
September 19th, 2023
During our recent online meeting, our team conducted a comprehensive assessment of individual progress within their respective work blocks. This collective review ensured that we remained aligned with our objectives and timelines, underscoring our commitment to organized project management.
Simultaneously, we engaged in discussions focused on organizing outstanding educational and public participation activities, enriching the content of our Wiki and creating promotional material. Our team's creative spark was evident as we brainstormed designs for promotional posters, advertisements, and delightful items like tote bags, bracelets, and keychains. These items are poised to be fantastic tokens to bring to the Paris stand, further enhancing our project's visibility and impact.
September 25th, 2023
In our latest meeting, our team's dedication to detail and proactive approach shone through as we conducted a comprehensive review of our Wiki's content. This meticulous examination ensured that our project's online presence is informative, engaging, and well-prepared for public consumption. Additionally, we advanced the logistics of our promotional efforts. Orders for tote bags and bracelets were efficiently placed, an essential step to equip our team with appealing items for outreach and branding.
As we prepare to engage with a broader audience, the schematic poster that will effectively explain our project at Researchers' Night is pending completion. Furthermore, we eagerly scheduled visits to schools as part of our robust education activities, reflecting our commitment to scientific literacy and community engagement.
October 2nd, 2023
In our recent meeting, our team prepared the script and content for the presentation video that will take center stage in Paris during the iGEM competition. We collectively harnessed our communication skills to craft a compelling narrative that will showcase our project's essence and significance.
Simultaneously, we revisited our project objectives and the status of task completion, ensuring that we remain on track and in sync with our project's overall vision. This review illustrated our commitment and effort to strategic planning and goal achievement. Additionally, we continued to make progress on the Wiki, enhancing our online presence and knowledge sharing.
October 10th and 11th, 2023
These two days we held lunchtime meetings to discuss the content of the Wiki and to organize the remaining tasks. They were good occasions to discuss what information was missing, to decide on the focus we wanted to give it and to organize those responsible for each task. The good weather and eating together motivated us to keep working hard to improve the Wiki content and deliver a satisfactory final result. We also took the opportunity to sketch the first ideas for the Presentation Video.
