COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

During the 2025 iGEM journey, the BUCT-China achieved fruitful results through extensive communication and in-depth collaboration. We not only visited cutting edge research institutions and held productive project discussions with more than 30 teams, but also engaged in deep collaboration with more than 10 teams, covering multiple dimensions such as experimental techniques, science education, and sustainable development. These collaborations not only inspired numerous innovative ideas but also left a collaborative paradigm for future iGEM teams for reference.

Communication

The 12th Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC) SynBio & Synbiopunk

Purpose of Communication:
By participating in The 12th Conference of China iGEMer Community SynBio & Synbiopunk, our team communicated and learnt from outstanding teams across China and gave a preliminary presentation of our iGEM project. We were particularly looking forward to in-depth discussions focusing on two main aspects: the innovative ideas behind the project’s experimental design, and the social significance and value of the Human Practices (HP) work. We hoped to solicit suggestions from various parties, incorporate diverse perspectives, and use this feedback to optimize the project.

Communication Content:
At this CCiC conference, our team participated in multiple sessions. In addition to attending frontline lectures and delivering our project presentation, we also engaged in meaningful discussions during the poster session. We explored the engineering application prospects of our project with peers from the Beijing Institute of Technology. Furthermore, from the team at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, we gained specific, actionable suggestions on enhancing key enzyme catalytic efficiency and refining our Human Practices (HP) research methodology. These discussions provided important references for our subsequent project optimization.

The 9th iGEM Southern China Regional Meeting

Purpose of Communication:
Our participation in The 9th iGEM Southern China Regional Meeting aimed to conduct cross-project, cross-disciplinary communication with multiple outstanding teams. To broaden our perspectives on technical solutions and Human Practices, we paid close attention to several teams, including CCGS, AIS-China, SUSTech-OCEAN, SCAU Guangzhou, Shenzhen University, Lingzhu Laboratory, and South China University of Technology. By learning from their project ideas and mid-term progress, we aimed to draw inspiration for advancing our own work.

Communication Content:
During the meeting, we carefully examined the research designs and phased achievements of various teams working across different areas of synthetic biology. We also engaged in discussions and raised questions on topics of particular interest. We had brief yet efficient interactions with some teams regarding project feasibility, data presentation methods, and social promotion strategies, deepening our understanding of multiple projects through these communications.

Outcomes & Impact:
Through this meeting, we not only learned about the innovative ideas and solid work of teams in Southern China within the iGEM competition but also gained many inspirations from the presentation formats and project planning. The approaches of some teams provided valuable references in interdisciplinary integration, community engagement, and technical optimization, enlightening us to better our project.

Theme Communication Meeting on “Plastic Degradation”

Purpose of Communication:
Building on connections made at the CCiC conference, we initiated follow-up communication with fellow teams specializing in plastic degradation. This effort aims to create an open and collaborative platform to facilitate deeper dialogue and knowledge exchange in the field of plastic pollution control.We invited MammothEdu-South, XJTLU-AI-China, TJUSLS_China, ZJUT-China, and the BUCT team to participate, hoping that this meeting would advance the innovative application of synthetic biology technology in plastic degradation, strengthen the methodological complementarity between wet lab experiments and computational modeling, and stimulate potential for cross-team, interdisciplinary collaboration. Simultaneously, we were committed to raising public awareness of the plastic pollution issue and promoting the organic integration of science communication and environmental action.

Communication Content:
In this communication meeting, we organized multiple rounds of thematic discussions and open communication sessions. Various teams shared insights on the technical challenges and innovative solutions for plastic biodegradation. The XJTLU team presented their AI-powered platform for predicting enzyme degradation, while the ZJUT team demonstrated an integrated system for microplastic detection and degradation. Other teams shared valuable insights from perspectives such as enzyme engineering and alternative material development.We promoted in-depth discussions among participating teams on key issues like standardization of experimental validation and technological sustainability, methodological exchange and collaborative idea generation. The interaction was lively, yielding many suggestions and concepts with practical value.

Outcomes & Feedback:
By hosting this meeting, we not only enhanced our cross-team coordination and academic organization capabilities but also gained a deeper understanding of the current research challenges and collaborative opportunities in the field of plastic degradation. Suggestions on various aspects - such as enzyme design and detection system development - from the participating teams offered valuable insights for our subsequent project optimization. The lively discussion atmosphere and positive feedback post-event affirmed the value of this platform. We plan to use this as an opportunity to build a more sustained team collaboration network, collectively promoting the transition of plastic degradation from concept to practice, truly realizing the impact of synthetic biology in sustainable development.

XJTLU-AI-China & BUCT Biotechnology Communication

Purpose of Communication:
This biotechnology communication with the XJTLU-AI-China team aimed to address the question of how to qualitatively validate dry lab prediction results through wet lab experiments. Through in-depth dialogue, we sought to identify effective ways to bridge enzyme function prediction with experimental validation, with the goal of collectively refining the scientific path from data inference to experimental verification. Concurrently, we discussed the requirements for technical iteration and innovativeness in iGEM projects, providing directional guidance for advancing both teams’ projects.

Communication Content:
During the meeting, our two teams had deep discussions centered on the experimental validation of enzyme degradation prediction results. We exchanged views on the feasibility and reliability of various validation methods and shared our respective experiences and thoughts on experimental design. Other teams, from the perspective of past participation, offered important suggestions regarding technical iteration and demonstrating innovativeness, providing diverse perspectives for project improvement.

Outcomes & Feedback:
This communication offered us a valuable cross-team learning opportunity. The innovative ideas from the XJTLU-AI-China team on enzyme function verification inspired us to optimize our experimental design plan; the technical iteration experiences shared by other teams also helped us better grasp the direction for project improvement. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future, jointly advancing the synergistic innovation of computation and experiment, and enhancing the scientific rigor and practical value of our projects.

Shenzhen Research Institution Visit

Purpose of Communication:
To deepen the connection between the BUCT-China 2025 project and cutting-edge research and industrial practice, our team traveled to Shenzhen for a study tour. The primary aims were twofold. First, through field visits to leading synthetic biology infrastructure and industrial platforms, we sought to gain a firsthand understanding of the industry’s technological frontiers and application landscape. Second, we aimed to draw practical insights from close communications to better inform the design of our experimental processes and the planning of our results translation pathway. This will help ensure that the BUCT-China 2025 project optimally balances innovation, feasibility, and social value.

Communication Content:
We first visited the Shenzhen Synthetic Biology Infrastructure, gaining an in-depth understanding of this core platform focused on synthetic biology. On-site, we toured several “functional island zones” built on highly automated, high-throughput equipment. These zones showcased a fully automated workflow from design and construction to testing. We also learned about the platform’s core advantages: it uses domestically developed systems to ensure technological autonomy while offering customized solutions for diverse research needs.
Subsequently, the team proceeded to the Shenzhen Engineering Biology Industrial Innovation Center to investigate the industrial application practices of synthetic biology. In the exhibition area, we explored typical applications of this technology across diverse fields, including materials, agriculture, chemicals, cosmetics, and healthcare. Our focus was on understanding the distinctive “innovation upstairs, entrepreneurship downstairs” development model. This provided a clear grasp of the complete chain from basic research to industrial translation in synthetic biology, as well as the comprehensive support system provided by the Shenzhen municipal government for the bio-manufacturing industry.

Outcomes & Feedback:
This visit provided the team with multi-dimensional inspiration. On a technical level, understanding the concepts of automation and standardized operation offered valuable references for optimizing the experimental processes of our team’s project, giving members a more concrete understanding of efficient scientific research implementation. The exposure to industry application cases at the Industrial Innovation Center catalyzed a critical re-evaluation of the project’s practical translation potential by vividly demonstrating its wide-ranging applicability.
This visit further clarified the direction for the team’s subsequent project design—enhancing the connection of our work while paying greater attention to downstream application. From the perspectives of innovation value, social impact, and team management, it provided strong action recommendations for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Collaboration

Illustrated “Synthetic Biology Chassis Organism White Paper”

Activity Purpose:
In a collaborative effort, the JLU-NBMS, BUCT-China, Tsinghua, NJTech-China, ZJUT-China, and XJTLU-AI-China teams launched a project to create an illustrated “Synthetic Biology Chassis Organism White Paper”. The aim was to provide a comprehensive yet accessible reference to help readers understand and apply different chassis organisms, summarizing their key characteristics, applications, and safety protocols.

Activity Content:
This co-creation activity featured “rich illustrations complementing the text” as its core characteristic. Teams divided work focused on creating content for different chassis organisms: from eukaryotic chassis like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris, to prokaryotic chassis like Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, as well as specialized strains like Bacillus subtilis and Lactococcus lactis, all were covered.
Our team was responsible for the “Escherichia coli BL21 & DH5α” chassis organisms. From explaining technical features like BL21’s high protein expression efficiency to showcasing industrial applications such as recombinant hepatitis B vaccine production, our team guided readers layer by layer through core characteristics, applications, prospects, and risks. This was achieved through accessible cartoon-style illustrations and concise text. It also included popular science on biosafety and ethical considerations. We made complex synthetic biology knowledge jump out of the lab, becoming vivid and tangible.

Outcomes & Feedback:
In this co-creation activity for the Synthetic Biology Chassis Organism White Paper, our gains were particularly profound in cross-university collaboration and knowledge co-creation. The division of labor among multiple teams transformed knowledge about nine chassis organisms from scattered lab points into a systematic and visualizable popular science resource. We demonstrated the potential for cross-team collaborative action to the community, providing a replicable paradigm for cross-university knowledge linkage. Furthermore, the collision of viewpoints and sharing of experiences during the collaboration pushed us to view important information from a single team’s perspective, learning to convey professional content in ways more suited to different audiences. This advanced the dissemination of chassis organism information with a refreshing resonance, achieving both collaborative value and enhanced communication effectiveness.

Joint Plastic Product Recycling Activity

Activity Purpose:
This joint initiative with XJTLU-AI-China and other teams for plastic waste statistics and classification aimed to build an open, dynamic field database on plastic pollution through cross-team, multi-location collaboration. We aimed to systematically document the types, distribution, and degradation status of plastic waste in daily life by conducting on-site collection, classification, and data integration. This effort provided high-quality data to support the subsequent targeted screening of degradation enzymes and the development of application strategies.

Activity Content:
In the joint action, teams divided work and cooperated, simultaneously carrying out plastic waste collection and classification work in various scenarios such as urban parks and coastlines. Together, we designed a unified data entry template, performed on-site identification and image recording of biodegradable/non-biodegradable plastics, and utilized AI image recognition tools for preliminary automatic garbage categorization and quantity statistics. Throughout the process, teams shared data in real-time, cross-verified classification results, and conducted multiple joint analyses and discussions on the environmental persistence and degradation characteristics of common plastic types.

Outcomes & Feedback:
This joint action significantly enhanced our understanding of the distribution characteristics of plastic pollution and classification practices through cross-team field collaboration. In close cooperation with XJTLU-AI-China and other teams, we collectively refined the plastic waste classification standards, unified the data recording process, and accumulated first-hand classification data covering multiple scenarios. The complementary experiences of different teams in classification techniques, regional samples, and public mobilization laid a solid foundation for building a more systematic and shareable plastic waste database in the future.

Enzymatic Cycle: A Synthetic Biology Roadmap and Action Initiative towards a Plastic Closed Loop Economy

Activity Purpose:
In collaboration with the ZJUT-China and XJTLU-AI-China teams, we co-authored the white paper “Enzymatic Cycle: A Synthetic Biology Roadmap and Action Initiative towards a Plastic Closed Loop Economy”. The paper aims to break from traditional technology displays by establishing a complete plastic governance pathway that integrates rational enzyme design, biological sensing, efficient degradation, and product valorization. Through this cross-team, interdisciplinary collaboration, we aimed to outline synthetic biology’s key technological directions and implementation paths for tackling plastic pollution. This framework provides clear guidance for scientific research, industrial application, and policy-making. Ultimately, it offers a systematic solution to advance the global goal of a plastic closed-loop economy.

Activity Content:
During the white paper writing process, we collaborated deeply with the various teams, systematically sorting out technical modules such as AI-assisted enzyme design, biosensing monitoring, and the safe deployment of engineered strains. The ZJUT-China team contributed strategies for CRISPRa-based microplastic biosensing and concepts for the safe deployment of engineered strains. The XJTLU-China team focused on AI-assisted enzyme design and high-throughput screening pathways. Centered around the synergistic framework of “Screening–Sensing–Degradation–Valorization”, we integrated the technological strengths of multiple teams to propose the concept of an integrated “Sense–Target–Degrade–Valorize” platform. We also put forward specific and actionable action recommendations concerning strain safety, policy support, and investment direction, ensuring the roadmap is both innovative and implementable.

Outcomes & Feedback:
Through this in-depth collaboration, we established solid technical complementarity and collaboration mechanisms with the ZJUT-China, XJTLU-China, and other teams. The professional expertise of each team in areas like biosensing, AI prediction, and engineered strain design provided crucial technical support and innovative ideas for the white paper. We not only clarified the integrative advantages of synthetic biology in plastic pollution control but also established a cross-team, cross-module collaborative innovation model. We will use this white paper as a foundation for ongoing collaboration, working with partners to bridge the gap between conceptual innovation and practical application in sustainable plastic management.

“Synthetic Scapes” Art Exhibition

Activity Purpose:
The core purpose of participating in the “Synthetic Scapes” art exhibition curated by the CAFA-Beijing iGEM team was to use inter-university team collaboration as a link to break down the barriers between synthetic biology and art/public perception. We hoped to strip away abstract synthetic biology concepts from the laboratory setting, allowing science to enter public perception through artistic and physical creative forms. The exhibition also served as a vital cross-disciplinary platform. There, we fostered exchanges on innovative communication strategies and technical applications with other teams, collectively exploring new frontiers in public engagement for the field.

Activity Content:
As one of the exhibiting teams, we presented a series of works titled “3D Printed Biology-Related Souvenirs”. Using precise 3D printing technology, we enlarged microstructures familiar from experiments, such as enzyme molecules and fermenters, into concrete models, transforming abstract scientific concepts into intuitive visual and tactile experiences. One piece, a shoe printed with flexible TPO material, was juxtaposed with other rigid models made from biodegradable PLA polylactic acid, cleverly metaphorizing the diverse possibilities from rigid structures to flexible adaptations in biotechnology applications.
During the opening day salon, we listened to the “Perception Circuit” sharing by the CAFA-Beijing iGEM team and participated in discussions among various university teams centering around “Synthetic Biology and Perception”. These explorations fostered a rich dialogue on the transformation of data into experience: how skin physiology translates into flowing light and shadow, and how 3D printing materializes biological blueprints into aesthetically engaging spatial entities. These exchanges deepened our understanding of technology’s power to reshape perceptual dimensions.These creators fostered a rich dialogue on the transformation of data into experience: how skin physiology translates into flowing light and shadow, and how 3D printing materializes biological blueprints into aesthetically engaging spatial entities. These exchanges deepened our understanding of technology’s power to reshape perceptual dimensions.

Outcomes & Feedback:
The collaborative, multi-university exhibition saw the artistic creations of various iGEM teams synergize to transform obscure synthetic biology concepts into visual and tactile experiences close to daily life, making the discipline more accessible to the public. Many audience members feedback that it was the “first time they understood the shape of an enzyme molecule through a physical model and felt the warmth of biotechnology.” For our team, this event was not just a display but a valuable learning and exchange opportunity. In the collision of ideas with the CAFA-Beijing iGEM team and other university teams, we stepped beyond a purely scientific research perspective, gaining new inspirations in areas like “using artistic thinking for science communication” and “innovative applications of 3D printing materials”, which broadened our thinking for subsequent team science communication work and technical practice.

SDG Sustainable Development Goals Course Recording

Activity Purpose:
To promote the awareness and cross-sectoral communication of the SDGs, our BUCT-China, together with the TJUSLS_China and XJTLU-AI-China teams, participated in the recording of the themed course "SDGs in Action: SynBio Powers Plastic Solutions for Earth". The video's primary goal was to show a public audience how synthetic biology addresses plastic pollution within the framework of the SDGs, making the role of biotechnology in environmental protection intuitive and clear.We used this course as an opportunity to share our team’s practical experience in applying synthetic biology to waste treatment. Simultaneously, we gathered valuable insights from academic, industrial, and community perspectives, which deepened our understanding of the SDGs’ implementation logic and provided resources for optimizing our project. We also hope this exchange will inspire more young people to contribute to the SDGs through practical action.

Activity Content:
The SDGs are the core of the United Nations' "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" proposed in 2015, encompassing 17 interconnected global goals including no poverty, zero hunger, clean energy, and sustainable cities. In this course, our team was responsible for SDG 11, which focuses on "Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable," a key lever for addressing rapid global urbanization. Currently, the global urban population of 3.9 billion is projected to increase to 5 billion by 2030 (Fragkias et al.,2013), while cities occupy only 3% of the Earth's land but consume 60-80% of energy and generate 75% of carbon emissions(Chew et al.,2021). In 2022, global food waste reached 1.05 billion tons, and PET plastic recycling rates were below 10% (Venkatachalam et al.,2024). These data all highlight the urgency of implementing SDG 11. We primarily shared our team's BrightWaste project, explaining the innovative solutions of synthetic biology in plastic waste treatment. Additionally, we incorporated industrial cases like Eastman and Carbios, as well as scenarios like rural school science camps, to comprehensively present the integration paths of technology implementation and SDG 11, proposing action recommendations for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Outcomes & Feedback:
In this SDG course communication activity, we gained much communication and exchange. We translated the SDGs from an abstract macro-agenda into tangible life practices, allowing the audience to truly understand the connection between the SDGs and their daily environment, and enabling non-specialist groups to see the practical value of biotechnology. Furthermore, by sharing the complete iGEM practice—from lab enzyme modification to community interviews and international collaboration—we demonstrated to the audience how young people can participate in the SDGs, providing a replicable model for engagement. This experience, in turn, led us to incorporate more practical perspectives into our subsequent outreach, ensuring that our communication of technology and SDG concepts is truly impactful and resonates with a broad audience.

Into China, Into iGEM (ICII)

1)Activity Purpose:
ICII is an educational webpage created by NAU-China. At the ICII platform, we used the theme “Dialogue Across Millennia: The Modern Silk Road of Synthetic Biology” to share with other iGEM teams how the “BrightWaste” project integrates synthetic biology with the traditional Chinese concept of “turning waste into treasure”. Simultaneously, we aimed to draw inspiration from cross-team communications to explore more possibilities for the integration of science and culture.

Activity Content:
During our participation, we submitted the required materials as requested, reflecting the connection between our project and traditional culture. The ecological wisdom of "turning waste into treasure" in traditional Chinese culture has a long history; the concept that "all things are in flux" in Zhuangzi • Free and Easy Wandering reveals the natural law of material transformation and cycles, and the Ming Dynasty work Tiangong Kaiwu also records waste reuse techniques like making bricks from rice husks and paper from straw. Our project is a modern scientific response to this Eastern philosophy, achieving the technological transformation of "turning waste into gold". At the same time, we reviewed the projects of other teams; from technical optimization and application scenarios to presentation formats, new possibilities emerged due to the collision of ideas across teams.

Outcomes & Feedback:
Through communication with other iGEM teams, we saw more clearly the value of synthetic biology responding to traditional cultural wisdom. The inspiration drawn from exchanges allowed our project to not only inherit cultural wisdom through scientific breakthroughs but also broaden the innovative boundaries and social value of the technology through cultural perspectives. We also gained new insights into technical iteration, application expansion, and team management. We look forward to continuing communications with more teams in the future, allowing the path of integrating synthetic biology with traditional culture to become wider and deeper.

http://www.icii-nau.cn/