Bologna - iGEM 2025

Oasi Felice

Oasi Felice is a monthly activity organized at Navile by chemistry students to promote science and community engagement. By participating, we had the opportunity to conduct interviews and spark conversations about synthetic biology with a diverse audience. It also allowed us to spread awareness of our iGEM project beyond the lab, making our work more accessible. This experience highlighted the value of outreach in bridging the gap between researchers and the public.

Takeaways

Public events like Oasi Felice are powerful platforms to share synthetic biology in an approachable way
Engaging directly with people outside the scientific community helps refine communication skills and clarify project goals
Outreach builds visibility for iGEM projects and fosters dialogue that can inspire new ideas and collaborations

Startup Day

Startup Day is the annual event organized by the University of Bologna to connect aspiring entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and investors. It provides a platform to develop innovative ideas into viable business projects through mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Takeaways

Worked with mentors to refine our Business Model and pitch, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurial strategy and communication
Discovered insights into diverse industries and innovation approaches, broadening our perspective on potential business applications
Proud to have our project acknowledged during the event with the special prize from MUG, the Emil Banca’s innovation hub

Gaetano Coletta

Head of the Technology Transfer Management, ENEA

I believe in knowledge exchange in an open innovation system

Francesco Spennati

Knowledge Transfer Manager, ENEA

I believe in the fusion of different knowledge backgrounds to achieve innovation

Vittoria San Pietro

Head of the Innovation and Startup Office at EMilBanca, MUG

"Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I will do what others can't" - Jerry Rice

Navile Day

Navile Day is a poster session organized by the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology to strengthen collaborations between researchers, students, and companies.

Takeaways

Attended seminars on diverse topics, with a focus on case studies bridging academia and industry
Presented our project during the poster session, introducing the iGEM competition to a new local audience and gaining visibility, interest, and financial support
Connected with experts who shared targeted advice for our molecular biology and chemistry work, helping us refine lab protocols and research strategies

Umberto Genchi

PhD, MEM lab

Just one rule: electroporate, repeat, celebrate

Coffee Break

A networking meetup in Bologna between the Bologna and Padova iGEM teams, organized with the support of Beckman Coulter.

Takeaways

Presented our project and engaged in Q&A sessions focused on experimental approaches
Co-created videos for our social media channels together
Participated in thematic roundtables on scientific communication, time management, and collaboration between teams
Shared experiences, tips & tricks to improve teamwork and project workflow