Why YOU Should Do iGEM
iGEM needs many kinds of people, with many different skills — and yours could make the project stronger.
More than a lab project
When people hear about iGEM, they often imagine a team of biotechnology students spending a year in the lab, designing plasmids, running experiments, and talking about synthetic biology from morning to evening.
And yes, synthetic biology is at the heart of iGEM. But iGEM is much more than a lab project.
Every year, iGEM teams around the world build ambitious projects from scratch. That means developing a scientific idea, communicating it clearly, securing funding, designing a visual identity, building a website, reaching out to experts, organizing events, filming project reveal videos, presenting to the public, and eventually showcasing the whole project at the international iGEM competition.
In other words: iGEM needs many kinds of people.
You don't need to study synthetic biology
You do not need to study synthetic biology to be valuable to an iGEM team. Previous Chalmers-Gothenburg iGEM teams have included students with backgrounds in biotechnology, molecular biology, data science, mathematics, medicine, engineering, design, business, and more.
Every year, teams realize the same thing:
“If only we had someone who studied X on our team.” Maybe that “X” is your field.
A successful iGEM project needs people who can think creatively, explain complex ideas, design visuals, build digital tools, manage collaborations, understand ethics, organize events, write clearly, pitch ideas, handle budgets, or connect science with society. Not all of that happens in a lab coat.
What could you contribute?
Depending on your interests and background, you could help with things like:
Design and communication
Create posters, graphics, presentations, branding, videos, social media content, or other material that makes the project understandable and exciting.
Web development and digital tools
Build and maintain the team website, develop interactive tools, improve the project wiki, or help present the team’s work online.
Outreach and education
Plan workshops, visit schools, create educational material, organize public engagement activities, and help make synthetic biology accessible to people outside the field.
Entrepreneurship and funding
Contact sponsors, write funding applications, develop a business perspective, explore possible applications, and help the team present the project professionally.
Human practices, ethics, and society
Investigate how the project affects people, the environment, industry, or society. Talk to stakeholders, analyze risks and benefits, and make sure the project is responsible and relevant.
Project management and organization
Coordinate deadlines, meetings, documentation, travel, events, and collaboration across different parts of the team.
Science and engineering
And of course, if you do have a background in biotechnology, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related field, there is plenty of room to contribute to the scientific design and lab work.
iGEM is a team effort
The strongest iGEM teams are not made up of people who all know the same things. They are made up of people with different skills, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
A synthetic biology project becomes stronger when it is shaped not only by science, but also by design, communication, ethics, entrepreneurship, education, and technology. That is why we are looking for students from many different backgrounds.
Why should you apply?
By joining iGEM Chalmers-Gothenburg, you get the chance to work on a real project from idea to final presentation. You will collaborate in an interdisciplinary team, learn new skills, meet people from around the world, and take part in one of the largest international student competitions in synthetic biology.
You do not need to know everything before you apply. Curiosity, commitment, and willingness to learn are just as important.
So whether you see yourself in the lab, behind a camera, in front of an audience, designing a poster, building a website, contacting sponsors, writing content, organizing events, or asking the important questions about how science affects society:
We want you on the team.