Best Software Tool

Regardless of what the topic is, iGEM projects often create or adapt computational tools to move their overall project forward. Because they are born out of a direct practical need, these software tools (or new computational methods) can even prove surprisingly useful for others. Without necessarily being big or complex, they can make the crucial difference to a project's success. This award tries to find and honor such "nuggets" of computational work. To be eligible, your software has to be documented and made available under an OSI-approved open-source license.

Visit the Special Prizes page for more information.

What Should this Page Contain?

This page should aim to make your software accessible and understandable to a wide audience, supplementing the detailed technical documentation available on the repository.

  • Provide a clear and concise overview of the software's purpose and functionality.
  • Use non-technical language to make it accessible to a broad audience.
  • Create step-by-step instructions on how to use the software.
  • Include screenshots and visual aids to guide users.
  • Explain how to integrate the software with other tools or platforms.
  • Explain the key design choices made during the software's development.
  • Discuss any trade-offs or compromises made during the design process.
  • Provide a high-level overview of the software's architecture.
  • Provide clear instructions on how to deploy and install the software.
  • Provide an overview of the software's API, if applicable.

Inspirations