iGEM Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine
iGEM, the international Genetically Engineered Machines competition, is the largest and most prestigious student competition in Synthetic Biology (https://igem.org/), with over 400 teams from leading universities worldwide participating each year.
The teams usually form early each year at their respective institutions to develop a project idea in the field of Synthetic Biology. The goal is to design and develop cells with new features or abilities using standardized genetic parts (BioBricks). From May to September, each team tries to implement their idea into a living organism. The “Grand Jamboree” is the conclusion and highlight of each iGEM year. This large convention takes place in Paris and brings together all teams worldwide. Based on a Wiki-type online documentation of the project and oral and poster presentations at the Jamboree, a jury of professional Synthetic Biologists will identify the best projects.
In addition to its innovative potential in the field of Synthetic Biology, iGEM provides an ideal framework to teach and train highly motivated students in all aspects of “real” research in a manner impossible to implement into a standard curriculum. All facets of the project are entirely in the hand of the team members: from developing their research idea and performing all necessary experiments via fundraising, addressing questions of biological safety and security, being confronted with the ethical implications of their work, to presenting their results online and at an international conference. In addition, all teams are requested to communicate the concept of Synthetic Biology in general actively and their project in particular to the public. Based on this multi-faceted layout, iGEM teams are usually composed of students with different backgrounds and subjects. In addition to training and supporting the most promising young talents and junior researchers, the iGEM competition teaches and requires abilities in team building and dynamics, working in an interdisciplinary environment, and organizing international collaborations between different teams. Participation in iGEM is challenging since it requires going the extra mile (or two) in addition to the standard curriculum for many months.
Want to know more?
Visit the TU Dresden Teams Participants!
2025 TRAPS - RNA detection through Targeted RNA Activated Phase Separation
iGEM 2025 TU Dresden Team
2024 ReFiBa Recycle textile Fibres by using Bacillus subtilis
iGEM 2024 TU Dresden Team
2023 DRIP Diatom-based Remediation using Immobilized Proteins
iGEM 2023 TU Dresden Team
2022 WunderBand A bioresponsive Hydrogel Platform for Phage and Yeast-derived Growth Factor Therapy of Chronic Wounds
iGEM 2022 TU Dresden Team
2019 DipGene - Methodology for genetic testing
iGEM 2019 TU Dresden Team
2017 EncaBacillus A novel platform for encapsulating microbes
iGEM 2017 TU Dresden Team