iGEM - A global competition in synthetic biology

iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) is the biggest international competition for synthetic biology in the world for students. The competition started as a course at world renowned Massachusetts institute of technology (MIT) in Boston, USA, in 2003. Since then, iGEM has separated from MIT and formed a non-profit organisation whose goal is to promote the sharing of knowledge and understanding within synthetic biology to the general public. The competition is hosted annually with around 350 teams from all over the world who are encouraged to identify, narrow down and solve problems using tools from synthetic biology. 

Read more about iGEM on the iGEM official website here.

The iGEM Gothenburg Chalmers team consists of dedicated bachelors- and master’s students, who work with the project in parallel with their studies. Together, the team should develop a new product or process in the field of synthetic biology. The project includes planning, teambuilding, laboratory work and outreach to companies and people with experience within the field for feedback and support. A part of the competition is to reach out locally and internationally to spread knowledge about synthetic biology. 

The project offers students a deeper understanding of research, problem-solving, and synthetic biology. It also provides dedicated students with the opportunity to use their gained knowlage from the studies and find joy in contributing to something that has a positive impact on the world. 

The team is selected in January. During spring, the team decides on a project and formulates a detailed plan. Over the summer, the team works full-time on executing the project. After summer, the team compiles their results and prepares for presenting their work. The contest concludes at the grand jamboree in Paris, where all teams have the chance to showcase their projects and be judged by experts in the field. Throughout the process, we the tem is supported by the Division of Systems Biology (SysBio) at Chalmers University of Technology. 

Anyone with an interest in synthetic biology and teamwork can join the iGEM Gothenburg team! We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, as the competition involves a range of tasks, including wet lab experiments, dry lab modeling, webpage design, programming, project management, outreach to companies and public, and sponsor relations. Whether you're a biologist, engineer, designer, coder, or someone excited about contributing to a multidisciplinary team, there’s a role for you.

Team lead (Project Organization & Management)
The Team Leader is responsible for managing and guiding the team throughout the iGEM year. They oversee the planning and execution of the project, ensuring that the team stays on track with its goals and meets all official iGEM requirements and deadlines. Acting as the central point of coordination, the team leader facilitates collaboration between subteams, ensuring smooth communication and alignment across all aspects of the project. They also manage organizational tasks such as scheduling meetings, tracking progress, and resolving challenges that arise. The team leader plays a key role in ensuring that the project is completed on time and that all deliverables, including the Wiki, presentations, and submissions, are of high quality and ready for the competition. 

Wet lab
The Wet Lab Leader guides the team’s experimental work, ensuring alignment with project goals and overseeing protocol development, data analysis, and troubleshooting. They uphold biosafety and ethical standards, manage resources, and foster collaboration with other teams, ensuring experimental results integrate seamlessly with computational models. Through strategic planning and mentorship, they drive innovation, efficiency, and team success.

Dry lab & Modeling
The Dry Lab & Modeling team bridges the theoretical and experimental aspects of the project. Their role involves using computational tools to build models that simulate biological systems or predict the outcomes of wet lab experiments. They analyze data generated by the wet lab to refine these models and provide actionable insights. Additionally, this team may develop or adapt bioinformatics tools tailored to the project's needs. They play a crucial role in integrating experimental and theoretical work, ensuring a cohesive approach to the project. 

Graphics & Web design
Team members specializing in graphics and web design are responsible for creating and maintaining the project website (Wiki). Their role involves designing visual elements, organizing content, and ensuring the site effectively communicates the team's goals and results. This includes graphic design, data visualization, and web development to create a professional and engaging website.

Collaboration with outreach and education team members is also crucial to produce graphics that effectively convey the project to companies and the public in an engaging way.

Outreach & Education
A key part of the iGEM project is spreading awareness about synthetic biology. This involves engaging with the public to share information about the project. Activities can include giving lectures, participating in local science fairs, or hosting synthetic biology workshops. 

PR & Sponsorship
To ensure the team can attend the great Jamboree at the end of the project to present your hard work, securing sponsorships is essential. Team members responsible for PR and sponsorship focus on reaching out to companies, building partnerships, and applying for funding. They also manage the team’s social media platforms—such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn—to showcase your work, engage with company representatives, and inspire future team members!