What is an iGEM team?
iGEM is the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition. iGEM is a world-wide, undergraduate-run, highly interdisciplinary synthetic biology research competition. iGEM began in 2003 and has received growing interest with each year.
How does iGEM work?
Multidisciplinary student teams from all over the world compete for medals and awards by designing, building, and testing projects using synthetic biology. They document their work through deliverables like wiki, videos, and presentations, which are reviewed and rewarded by a panel of judges.
Who can participate in iGEM?
1.1 Team Composition and Team Roster iGEM teams consist primarily of undergraduate students at an accredited college or university. Teams may also be composed of postgraduate students, high school students, or community lab members.
Where is iGEM held?
Boston, Massachusetts
| International Genetically Engineered Machine | |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Boston, Massachusetts, United States With additional events worldwide |
| Inaugurated | 2003 |
| Most recent | 2020 2021 |
| Website | igem.org |
When was iGEM founded?
iGEM began in January 2003 as an independent study course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where students developed biological devices to make cells blink.
Is iGEM by MIT?
The iGEM team has been a present part of MIT since then including when the MIT Department of Biological Engineering was founded. Up until 2021, the MIT iGEM team has been run and supported by the MIT Synthetic Biology Center and Weiss Lab.
When did iGEM start?
January 2003
iGEM began in January 2003 as an independent study course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where students developed biological devices to make cells blink.
How can I join iGEM?
To become a company member you simply need to complete the online application form, agree to abide by our Industrial Affiliate Code of Practice and pay the relevant fee. Once you’ve done so we’ll contact you to say hello and provide details of how to make the most of your membership.
How many countries are there in iGEM?
40+ countries
This course became a summer competition with 5 teams in 2004 and continued to grow to 13 teams in 2005; it expanded to 353 teams in 2019, reaching 40+ countries and over 6,500 participants.
What does iGEM stand for?
Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine
iGEM stands for Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine. iGEM is an academic competition aimed at improving peoples’ understanding of synthetic biology while also developing an open community and collaboration between groups. It is the most renowned Synthetic Biology competition for students.
When was iGEM started?
Is biotechnology the same as synthetic biology?
Biotechnology is a broad term encompassing the application of biological components or processes to advance human purposes. Synthetic biology refers to a set of concepts, approaches, and tools within biotechnology that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms.