Letter
Dear iGEMers,
We would like to inform you of some new developments as you prepare to participate in iGEM 2017.
The world has watched as the United States government has taken actions that limit the entry of visitors from certain countries into the US. Following these actions, iGEM Headquarters released the following statement emphasizing our values:
We at iGEM Headquarters want to take a moment to remind everyone that we are truly an international and diverse community. We take our values seriously and believe the international aspect of iGEM is a large part of what makes iGEM a success. Like many of you, we have been paying close attention to recent events in the United States and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months. We have begun and will continue to have discussions here at HQ with the focus on making sure all of our teams can participate openly in iGEM. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please send us a message at hq AT igem DOT org.
The situation continues to remain uncertain.
We know many of you are already forming your teams and preparing to participate in iGEM 2017. However, some of you may be concerned about travelling to the US in the fall. We want to ensure that everyone can participate in iGEM and have the whole experience, including coming to the Jamboree.
The Giant Jamboree is scheduled to take place from November 9-13, 2017 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, US.
However, we are considering several possible alternatives:
Option A – iGEM would move the Giant Jamboree from Boston, Massachusetts to another venue not located in the United States.
Option B – iGEM would hold two simultaneous Jamborees, one in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center and another at a venue outside of the United States. These two events would be linked virtually so that all Jamboree participants could interact with each other in various ways.
These alternatives must be carefully considered as both have financial liabilities associated with them.
As soon as we make the final decision, we will inform the community. For now, please rest assured that you can continue to form your teams, get registered by March 31, and participate in iGEM just as before.
Our goal is simple: to make sure everyone can participate in iGEM.
If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Randy Rettberg
President
Meagan Lizarazo
Vice President
