Community/News Archive
News Archive
Here you will find the archived news items from the iGEM 2017 Main page
iGEM2017 Winners Announced as the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition Concludes
Teams from Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Taiwan earned top recognition as 310 student-led teams from 44 countries took part in the iGEM Competition. View our official press release. Make sure to visit the results page for the complete list of winners.
Previous News Items
Office closed for the holidays
iGEM Headquarters will be closed for the holidays and will re-open on January 2, 2018. We wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Team Wikis and Registry pages THAWED
Team wikis and Registry pages are now thawed, and can be edited by team members. Please note that team wikis will be archived on Friday December 15, and no further changes can be made after.
After iGEM Delegate Program
Apply before November 17 to be part of After iGEM Delegate program and represent iGEM at the Biological Weapons Convention: http://goo.gl/forms/1zvOGfgQBPiuk5AA3
Contact ana [at] igem [dot] org if you have any questions or issues regarding the application form.
Submit your Team Presentation and Poster PDFs!
All teams must submit a PDF version of their team presentation and team poster by the end of the Jamboree on Tuesday, November 14th, 11:59pm EST.
Please name your files using the following format: 2017_TeamName_Presentation.pdf and 2017_TeamName_Poster.pdf
Giant Jamboree this week!
We're looking forward to seeing everyone this week! If you have not already, be sure to look at these resources:
- Be sure to visit our Event Exhibitors and Career Fair Exhibitors at the Giant Jamboree! In addition, IDT will have a lounge in room 207!
- Practice Sessions on Thursday Nov 9 are available for sign-up
- Event Policies will be in place from both iGEM HQ and the Hynes Convention Center
- Visit the Program page to read team titles & abstracts, program handbook, workshop schedule, and event schedule!
Safe travels, and see you soon!
Navigate the Giant Jamboree!
The Giant Jamboree app is now available for download: http://guidebook.com/g/giantjamboree2017/
Call for videos!
Did you team make a video this year? Send it to hq [at] igem [dot] org by November 3rd so we can play it at the Giant Jamboree!
Giant Jamboree Exhibitors and Career Fair
Be sure to visit the exhibitors in Hall C and D during the Giant Jamboree! IDT, FBI, GenScript, MathWorks, PLOS, and more will be there throughout the event.
Looking for a position after the iGEM season ends? The Career Fair on Sunday from 1PM to 4:30PM will feature 10 organizations eager to meet potential applicants.
For the full list of participating organizations, visit the Exhibitors page.
Upcoming deadlines: Part Submissions, Judging Forms, Team Wikis, Registry
Teams, take note! The following deadlines and freezes are coming up quickly:
- Friday October 27 at 11:59PM EDT - Part Submissions (submissions must be sent by this date, they do not need to be received by this date)
- Friday October 27 at 11:59PM EDT - Judging Forms
- Wednesday November 1 at 11:59PM EDT - Team Wiki Freeze
- Wednesday November 1 at 11:59PM EDT - Registry Freeze
Please take these deadlines seriously, as iGEM HQ will not be able to make exceptions for any team or team member. Please contact us well in advance if you have any questions: hq(at)igem(dot)org or +1 (617) 500-3106.
Submitting your parts to the Registry
Mail your DNA submission shipments by Friday October 27 to be eligible for medals and special part prizes. As you are preparing your DNA for shipment, please make sure to carefully review the submission requirements. A failure to fulfill requirements could result in your shipment being rejected, which could disqualify them from medals and special part prizes.
The following requirements, if done wrong, could cause us to reject your submission:
- Remember to dry down your samples - DO NOT send liquid samples!
- Don’t forget to seal your plates, the plastic lid alone won’t do
- Clearly label outside of package "DNA (non-hazardous, non-regulated, non-infectious, for research purposes only)”. It is okay if your shipment gets stuck in customs, we will have your tracking number. We will NOT accept shipments that are mislabeled, disguised, or hidden to avoid customs.
In addition, don’t forget to include your submission slip and label your plates with your team name and submission number. We need to be able to verify that the submission is from you!
Please review the submission requirements HERE
You can find instructions for making shipment using our submission kit HERE
Giant Jamboree upcoming deadlines
Several deadlines are coming up on Friday October 13! They are:
- Late registration ends - only on-site registration will be available after Friday
- Team banner file due (optional)
- Team exhibition space application closes (optional)
Be sure to check out the Calendar page for more upcoming events, and also the expanded Jamboree menu on the right hand side. If you have any questions, please contact us at hq (at) igem (dot) org, or call +1 (617) 500-3106.
Giant Jamboree Details Are Now Available!
We hope you're getting excited for the Giant Jamboree! We're looking forward to meeting everyone in Boston in just 35 days. Here's a sneak peak of what you can expect during the Jamboree:
The detailed schedule for the Giant Jamboree is now online! Click HERE to see when your team is presenting.
All of the team titles and abstracts are also available! Click HERE to see what your fellow teams have been working on this year.
Information about this year's workshops and special events are also posted! Click HERE to learn about these events.
Giant Jamboree policies
As you begin to plan your trip to the Giant Jamboree, please be sure to review the Policies page. It includes information on iGEM-specific policies, as well as policies for the Hynes Convention Center, where the event will be held. There is also a list of restricted items (ex: country flags, lab materials, balloons, and stickers). We hope this will help ensure that everyone has a great experience at the Giant Jamboree!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at: hq (at) igem (dot) org.
InterLab Measurement data due Sep 29
Participating in the InterLab Measurement Study? Be sure to submit your data by 11:59PM EST on Friday September 29! There are three forms for teams using a plate reader, as well as an Excel data sheet. There are two additional forms if you used a flow cytometer as well. Details and links to the forms can be found on the InterLab Study page.
If you have any questions, please contact the Measurement Committee at: measurement (at) igem (dot) org
Virtual Reality Headsets Giveaway
Autodesk Life Sciences is giving away 100 free smartphone VIRTUAL REALITY headsets, so you can jump head first into your molecules!
It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
1) Like their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/autodesklifesciences/
2) Follow them on Twitter: @adskLifeScience
3) Collect your VR device at the iGEM Jamboree
Make sure to check our website often for give away updates and pick up location at the iGEM Giant Jamboree
Safety Form due October 2
Safety form part 4 and part 5 are due on Monday October 2! The form can be filled out by any team member, but can only be submitted by a team's PI or instructor. If you have any questions, please contact the Safety Committee via email at: safety (at) igem (dot) org
For additional deadlines, please see the 2017 season Calendar.
Jamboree Handbook
The Jamboree Handbook is now available online! It includes helpful logistical information about the Jamboree to help you plan your event experience, such as:
- award representative
- emergency information
- food menus
- printing services
- social events
- team leader
Check it out here: Giant Jamboree Handbook.
Practice session sign up
You can now sign up to practice your presentation on Thursday November 9! Rooms 302, 304, 306, 309, 310, 311, 312, Ballroom A, and Ballroom B will have A/V, and support staff will be available if you encounter issues. There are a limited number of time slots available on a first-come first-serve basis so please only choose one slot, and do not edit a slot that has already been reserved. Sign up for your practice session time slot here: Practice Sessions page.
InterLab Measurement Participation
Participating in the InterLab Measurement Study? Keep an eye on the calendar and be sure to submit your data by 11:59PM EST on Friday September 29! There are three forms for teams using a plate reader, as well as an Excel data sheet. There are two additional forms if you used a flow cytometer as well. Details and links to the forms can be found on the InterLab Study page.
Giant Jamboree: Exhibition Space
We'll have an Exhibition Space at the Giant Jamboree for you to show off your team's device, game, or other item! Spaces are limited, and priority will be given to Special Track teams (Hardware, Measurement, and Software). Please email us at hq (at) igem (dot) org with the following information to sign up for a space:
- Team name
- Team track
- Requested set up (ex: 6 foot table, electricity, floor space, etc.)
- Brief description of materials to be showcased
Please keep in mind that the materials on display need to follow the Jamboree Policies. The deadline for signing up for an Exhibition space is Friday October 13, 2017.
iGEM Sponsor: MathWorks
Many thanks to iGEM 2017 sponsor MathWorks! All iGEM teams can receive a complimentary software kit of 12 tools and technical support from MathWorks. The software kit includes:
- MATLAB
- Simulink
- SimBiology
- Curve Fitting Toolbox
- Symbolic Math Toolbox
- Optimization Toolbox
- Global Optimization Toolbox
- Bioinformatics Toolbox
- Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox
- Partial Differential Equation Toolbox
- Image Processing Toolbox
- Computer Vision Toolbox
MathWorks software tools have been used by many iGEM teams, including Imperial College, Sydney Australia, Carnegie Mellon, and more Request your free software kit today! Please note, the request must be submitted by a team PI or instructor.
Deadline Reminders
Several deadlines are coming up soon:
- August 31 - Giant Jamboree regular registration ends at 11:59PM EDT*
- September 1 - Project title and abstract
- September 1 - Track selection
- September 8 - Team rosters**
* Teams, take note! You must register at least one person by August 31 in order to secure your poster and presentation slot.
** High school teams, be sure to submit your consent forms before the September 8 deadline so we can add you to your team rosters.
Please see the Calendar page for more upcoming deadlines.
New pages in the Jamboree menu
We're continuing to add new pages to the Giant Jamboree menu on the right hand side. Be sure to check out the following pages for important information about:
Giant Jamboree registration
Regular registration for the iGEM 2017 Giant Jamboree ends next Thursday August 31 at 11:59PM EDT! Be sure to register your team by the deadline in order to secure your poster and presentation slot. Payment methods include credit card, check, and wire transfer. Regardless of payment method, please complete the registration form.
If you have any questions about registration, you can contact us via email (registration AT igem DOT org) or phone (+1 617 500 3106).
Giant Jamboree policies
As you begin to plan your trip to the Giant Jamboree, please be sure to review the Policies page. It includes information on iGEM-specific policies, as well as policies for the Hynes Convention Center, where the event will be held. There is also a list of restricted items (ex: country flags, lab materials, balloons, and stickers). We hope this will help ensure that everyone has a great experience at the Giant Jamboree!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at: hq (at) igem (dot) org.
Newsletter: GJ Schedule & Learn how iGEMeta and JoGL can map your progress in iGEM
Learn more about important deadlines and competition news in this month's newsletter. Topics include:
- Announcement: Learn how iGEMeta and JoGL can map your progress in iGEM
- Competition News: Important Deadlines
- Jamboree Updates: Event Schedule Now Available!
- Community Activity: Call for Videos and Show your iGEM spirit
Not getting our newsletters? Sign up by visiting the newsletter page.
Introducing iGEMeta
An initiative to bring together the #iGEM community through data. Find out more by visiting: iGEMeta
Deadline Reminders
Several deadlines are coming up soon:
- September 1 - Project title and abstract
- September 1 - Track selection
- September 8 - Team rosters**
** High school teams, be sure to submit your consent forms before the September 8 deadline so we can add you to your team rosters.
Please see the Calendar page for more upcoming deadlines.
Team Collaborations
This year, we have updated the Medal Requirements to include team collaborations as a silver medal requirement. To help facilitate collaborations, we have made a new page so teams can share information about ways they wish to collaborate to reach all of the 2017 iGEM teams.
Looking for a collaboration? Have something you can offer other teams? Then please check out our page below and send us the details so we can post it up for you!
Giant Jamboree Volunteers
The iGEM 2017 Giant Jamboree will be from Thursday November 9 to Monday November 13 in the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and we're looking for volunteers to help with the event! Join us and see iGEM behind the scenes.
2017 Team Map
Take a look at the 2017 Team Map!
You can access the interactive Google map below.
Team Collaborations
This year, we have updated the Medal Requirements to include team collaborations as a silver medal requirement. To help facilitate collaborations, we have made a new page so teams can share information about ways they wish to collaborate to reach all of the 2017 iGEM teams.
Looking for a collaboration? Have something you can offer other teams? Then please check out our page below and send us the details so we can post it up for you!
Team Meetups
Meetup events are happening around the world, where teams get together and share their iGEM experience prior to the Giant Jamboree. Are you planning a meetup for this season? Please let us know by following the instructions on the Meetups Page below. There is the opportunity to have a representative from iGEM Headquarters come to your event!
June 30 deadlines
Multiple items are due tomorrow:
- Safety Forms parts 1, 2, and 3 (please note: the form autosaves and you do not need to click "Submit")
- Project descriptions, posted to your team wiki
Be sure to bookmark the Calendar as a reference for your iGEM season!
Science Reddit AMA on Future Biotech Products
Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology
Reddit Science Ask Me Anything - June 15
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study committee recently released a report on the future of biotechnology products. Committee members Steve Bradbury and Farren Isaacs will participate in a Science Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) about the recent report, Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology, on Thursday, June 15. Visit the Reddit science page to post your questions!
June Deadlines
A lot of things are happening in June! Be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out.
- June 6: Giant Jamboree Registration Opens!
- June 30: Project Descriptions Due
- June 30: Safety Form - Parts 1, 2, and 3 Due
Check the calendar below for more details!
Apply to be a Judge!
We are looking for talented and enthusiastic people to apply to judge teams at the iGEM 2017 Giant Jamboree. Last year, we had about 150 volunteer judges from many different disciplines, from all over the world to evaluate our 300 teams.
The second round of applications are now open. Apply by June 30th!
Giant Jamboree Accommodations
Teams can now book their hotel accommodations for the Giant Jamboree!
Details can be found online here: https://2017.igem.org/Giant_Jamboree/Accommodations.
iGEM Visa Application Day
We recommend that teams who need a visa to travel to the United States of America should apply for their visa as early as possible. It can take a long time for some visas to process. Even if the rest of your team has received their visa quickly, it may take longer for yours to be approved. You don't want to miss out on the amazing experience at the Giant Jamboree, so apply early!
Check out our Visa Application Help Page for more details.
The HQ Representative Program
The iGEM HQ Representative Program will be starting this month! This Program is an email-based initiative focused on creating personal connections between iGEM teams and members of the iGEM HQ staff. The goal of the program is to provide teams with a personal contact at iGEM HQ through which team members can ask questions and get any help they might need during the season. Keep an eye out for an email from one of us over the next week!
We hope you find this program helpful and we look forward to getting to know you!
Distribution kit shipment
We've begun shipping 2017 distribution kits! This year's distribution kit includes over 2000 parts, including submissions from the 2015 teams. The kit also includes the following:
- Linearized Plasmid Backbones
- Competent Cell Test Kit
- InterLab Measurement Kit
- Part Submission Kit
- iGEM Stickers and Pins
- Sponsor Material
Check out the Distribution Handbook for more information.
Late registration for iGEM 2017 ends on May 1
Register your team for iGEM 2017 by the late registration deadline Monday May 1! See the Registration page for information about the registration process and necessary materials. Team applications will only be approved if all the necessary components have been submitted.
iGEM 2017 distribution kits are now being shipped! Be sure to submit all your registration materials in order to be approved and receive your team's distribution kit!
The 2017 Mentorship Program applications are now open!
To our 2017 iGEM teams and broader community: Are you and your team looking for some extra mentorship? Or are you looking to help out a team with some advice and guidance? Then you should apply and join our 2017 Mentorship Program! Please click on the button below for more details and for ways to apply.
The second round of applications are due April 28, 2017.
Late registration for iGEM 2017 is now open!
We look forward to welcoming you to iGEM 2017!
Be sure to read about the participation requirements on the Competition Hub before having your team PI register the team. He/she will need an igem.org user account in order to complete the team application. Be sure to also submit the team registration fee. The team registration fee is $5,000 for late registration.
High school teams and community lab teams, please see your additional team registration materials.
Registration for iGEM 2017 is now open!
We look forward to welcoming you to iGEM 2017!
Be sure to read about the participation requirements on the Competition Hub before having your team PI register the team. He/she will need an igem.org user account in order to complete the team application. Be sure to also submit the team registration fee.
High school teams and community lab teams, please see your additional team registration materials.
iGEM PLOS Online Peer Review Jamboree
On the 28th of January, iGEM, PLOS and Breezio hosted the first online Peer-Review Jamboree for iGEM 2016 projects. Twenty-two teams submitted high quality manuscripts through the Breezio online platform to be considered for review in PLOS Collections. 73 users from 17 countries left almost four hundred comments for the authors of the articles.
Please see our PLOS iGEM Collaboration page for more information about the event, links to papers and instructions on next steps for authors.
Welcome to 2017.igem.org
iGEM is excited to announce the launch of the iGEM 2017 competition website! 2017.igem.org will be your key resource for all competition related details and announcements. Visit this page often for news and updates. To get started, learn about competition requirements and registration by visiting 2017.igem.org/Competition. Major deadlines have been posted! See the competition calendar for details on when things are due by visiting: https://2017.igem.org/Calendar
iGEM speaks at United Nations Biodiversity Conference
This past December Meagan Lizarazo, iGEM Vice President, made a statement in support of synthetic biology at the United Nations BioDiversity Conference in Cancun, Mexico. iGEM headquarter staff, along with 5 iGEM delegates, participated in the event, joining over 7,000 participants from 170 countries and over 400 organizations as they came together to address biodiversity on a global scale. For more on the conference and iGEM's participation visit us at: https://igem.org/Global_Impact
New to iGEM? Not sure what to expect?
Experience iGEM by looking back at the completed season. Visit the official iGEM 2016 Giant Jamboree photo library or watch the wrap up video of event highlights here.
Partner Offer: iGEMers receive 30% off SynBioBeta Event Registration
A special discount offer is available for the iGEM community. Both past and present iGEM participants can attend SynBioBeta London (April 4-6) and SynBioBeta San Francisco (October 3-5) at a discounted price. To learn more about SynBioBeta and receive your 30% discount code click here.
Partner Sponsor & Special Offers
We are proud to announce our Partner Sponsors & Special Offers for iGEM 2017. We welcoming back IDT's free custom DNA offer, Mathwork's free software kit (includes 12 products!) and Agilent's free SureVector kit. Visit the Partner's page to learn more and make sure to check back often for the latest updates.
