Date: 05/11/2024
Media: HK01
Target audience: General public

The local newspaper HK01 invited the HongKong-JSS team for an interview, where we shared our insights and experiences from participating in the iGEM competition. Our goal was to promote a better understanding of synthetic biology and its significance to the public. We also aimed to address public concerns surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and encourage more students and schools to participate in iGEM. Through this interview, we hope to raise awareness, reduce misconceptions, and inspire future generations to explore the potential benefits of synthetic biology.

Date: 10/07/2025
Media: AM730
Target audience: General public

AM730 invited the Hong Kong-JSS Team for an interview, where we discussed the importance of leveraging STEM to solve everyday challenges. During the conversation, we shared insights into how our team utilized STEM principles to develop innovative devices to solve problems and interactive educational tools in our iGEM projects.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Date: 16/11/2024 10:00-16:00
Target audience: Public visitors (~500 people)

During the school information day, we set up a booth to showcase our goals, objectives, projects, and the iGEM competition. Using interactive displays, we introduced the basics of synthetic biology and emphasized the importance of the iGEM competition in promoting innovation. Our team engaged actively with attendees, encouraging questions and fostering discussions to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for science. This event provided an excellent opportunity to inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Dates: 16/11/2024 09:30-16:00 & 13/11/2025 13:00-14:00
Target audience: General public (~80 people) & Grade 7-12 (~30 people)

We organized a Strawberry DNA extraction workshop for the public and students in grades 7 to 12. Participants used common household materials such as detergent, ethanol, and meat tenderizer to successfully isolate DNA from fresh strawberries. This hands-on session demonstrated fundamental molecular biology concepts, providing students with a tangible understanding of DNA and igniting their interest in biotechnology.

Organizer: PLK Celine Ho Yam Tong College
Date: 08/12/2024
Target audience: 2500 local primary school students and their parents

Our iGEM team hosted an Open Day Workshop for over 2,500 local primary school students and their parents, introducing them to the exciting world of genetic engineering. Through an engaging presentation, we explained the basics of synthetic biology, how genetic engineering works, and what iGEM is all about. The highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop where students extracted DNA from fruits like strawberries and bananas using simple household materials. Alongside this activity, we introduced the central dogma of molecular biology—DNA makes RNA, which makes proteins. The event was a great success, sparking interest in science and giving students a memorable first experience with biology and DNA.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Date: 18/01/2025 14:30-15:30
Target audience: Primary school students and parents (~50 people)

At our promotional booth, we engaged the public to introduce iGEM and the potential of synthetic biology. Our primary goal was to explain our specific project, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a diverse audience. We interacted with students and community members, fostering discussions about our work and its broader implications. The outcome was highly productive. We received a wealth of valuable feedback and fresh perspectives from the community. This direct engagement provided crucial insights that are now helping us refine our project's design and human practices, ensuring it is both innovative and responsive.

Organizer: HongKong-JSS
Date: 22/02/2025
Target audience: Local high school students and teachers (400 people)

On February 22, 2025, our team co-organized the Hong Kong High School iGEM Commemorative Ceremony alongside other local high school iGEM teams. The event welcomed over 400 students and teachers from various schools, aiming to promote synthetic biology and introduce the iGEM competition to a wider audience. The Hong Kong Secondary School iGEM Sharing Session, held as part of the event, provided a platform for local secondary school students to exchange ideas in synthetic biology. Student teams from different schools presented their project achievements, sharing their research processes, such as resolving technical challenges in experiments or engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration. This cross-school exchange fostered a learning community in synthetic biology in Hong Kong, with students maintaining contact and continuing collaboration post-event. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the various schools and their principals for participating in our sharing sessions. We also express our gratitude to Prof. Nancy Ip, the President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, for her support.

Organizer: PLK Celine Ho Yam Tong College
Date: 25/04/2025
Target audience: High school students and teachers (50 people)

On April 25, 2025, our team hosted an iGEM workshop as part of an exchange program with over 52 students and teachers from two sister schools—ShanTou DaHao Overseas Middle School of Guangdong and the Affiliated Haojiang Experimental School of SCNU. As biotechnology is not yet part of their school curriculum, this visit provided a valuable opportunity for them to gain hands-on experience and learn more about synthetic biology. During the workshop, we introduced the iGEM competition and explained its role in promoting student-led research and innovation in biology. Students then took part in a practical session on DNA gel electrophoresis, allowing them to explore lab techniques for the first time. Our team also had in-depth discussions with their teachers, who expressed interest in developing biotechnology education in their own schools. Through this exchange, we successfully promoted both iGEM and biotechnology, fostering future collaboration and scientific exploration across schools.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Dates: 30/06/2025, 07/07/2025
Target audience: Junior high school students (30 students)

In our junior high science enrichment class, we introduced the concepts of microbiology to provide students with a foundational understanding of microorganisms. Through hands-on activities, students were given the opportunity to observe microorganisms, fostering curiosity and engagement. The goal of this program is to spark students' interest in biotechnology and its applications, while nurturing a group of potential young talents who may one day participate in iGEM. This initiative serves as a stepping stone for inspiring the next generation of innovators in the field of synthetic biology.

Organizer: Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School
Dates: 15/05/2025, 29/05/2025, 04/06/2025
Target audience: High school students from 5 local schools (30 students)

On May 15, 29, and June 4, 2025, our team organized a three-day course titled iGEM101: Introduction to Molecular Biology for 30 high school students from five local schools. Designed for gifted students with a strong interest in science, the course aimed to provide a comprehensive and hands-on experience in molecular biology, far beyond the scope of the typical high school curriculum. Throughout the course, students performed a full experimental workflow, including restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, and bacterial transformation. By completing the genetic modification of E. coli, participants gained a practical understanding of synthetic biology techniques and lab skills essential for future iGEM participation. The course not only prepared students for high-level competitions like iGEM but also sparked deeper interest in biotechnology and research. It was a meaningful step in nurturing the next generation of young scientists and future iGEM team members.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM, Trumptech Digital Education Services Ltd.
Dates: 02/07/2025 15:00-16:30 & 04/07/2025 09:30-12:30
Target audience: Primary school students (~60 people) & Secondary school students (~20 people)

The "Marine Mission" education seminar and STEM workshop aimed to tackle ocean pollution by starting with a seminar on marine pollution, including medical waste. Students engaged in group discussions to brainstorm ways to prevent medical waste pollution and participated in a hands-on activity using the LEGO Spike Prime platform to construct solutions. This initiative successfully transformed environmental awareness into creative solutions while cultivating students' computational thinking and environmental consciousness.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Dates: 21/08/2025 08:30-10:30 & 27/09/2025 10:20-11:20
Target audience: Grade 7 (~116 people) & Grade 5-6 (~50 people)

We held a workshop to introduce students to microorganisms and foundational biology concepts. By demonstrating how to use a microscope, they observed various types of microorganisms, gaining insight into how biology is integrated into daily life. The workshop facilitated discussions on the significance of microorganisms and sparked interest in microbiology, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining our ecosystem.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Date: 04/09/2025
Target audience: Grade 7-12 students (696 people)

We organized a school broadcast targeting students and teachers in which we introduced synthetic biology, iGEM, and the competition along with our project’s background, targets, and aims. We talked about how synthetic biology is linked to us, what the competition is all about, and also about how harmful medical waste is and how we’re thinking to combat that. We received enquiries from multiple teachers and students, so we believe this was a successful promotion.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM and AD&FD POHL Mrs Cheng Yam On School
Date: 12/09/2025 14:20-15:20
Target audience: Grade 6 students (99 people)

We organized an educational talk for grade 6 students to enhance their understanding of synthetic biology and the issue of drug pollution. A key highlight was our clear explanation of biotechnology, broken down into simple terms with real-life examples. We addressed the dangers of drug pollution and discussed preventive measures. To engage students further, we created a Blooket Quiz and a worksheet for interactive learning during the session. Our goal was to inspire the children with early education about biotechnology and nurture future scientists who will explore synthetic biology!

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM and the Hong Kong University iGEM Team
Date: 17/09/2025 16:00-17:30
Target audience: Grade 7 students (116 people)

We distributed our educational outreach by co-organizing a biotechnology talk with The University of Hong Kong (HKU) for Form 1 students. The session introduced our iGEM project on drug pollution and engaged the students through an interactive Blooket game and a worksheet. The students participated actively and demonstrated a strong understanding of the topics presented.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM and the University of Hong Kong iGEM team
Date: 10/09/2025 14:30-18:00
Target audience: Grade 9-11 students (25 people)

In collaboration with Hong Kong University’s iGEM team, we conducted a workshop to teach students about DNA, including its structure and key concepts like complementary base pairing. Students familiarized themselves with various lab tools for synthetic biology experiments, such as micropipettes. During the hands-on lab experience, they engaged in yeast fermentation and gel electrophoresis. While awaiting their results, they completed a worksheet to reinforce their understanding of the techniques they had just practiced. High school students seized the opportunity to engage in conversations with university students, asking about their projects and experiences in the lab. We hope this interaction fosters better connections between aspiring scientists and current science students, nurturing a new generation of future scientists and encouraging their passion for the field.

Organizers: The YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng College
Date: 19/09/2025 08:00-08:30
Target audience: Whole school (Teachers, Grade 7 to 12 students)

The core educational goal of this morning assembly was to alert the whole school (Grade 7-12) to the critical issue of antibiotic contamination in Hong Kong's rivers and its direct threat to public health. We educated students on the science of antibiotic resistance, explaining how the indiscriminate use of antibiotics leads to "superbugs" and pollutes local waterways, including the heavily contaminated Kai Tak River. We emphasized that this environmental crisis is a personal health risk, as exposure to contaminated water can promote antibiotic resistance in their own bodies and worsen the city’s healthcare burden by increasing hospital waiting times. Finally, we introduced our team’s participation in the iGEM competition and presented our solution, Remedix, a device using genetically modified E. coli to detect and degrade key contaminants, demonstrating how synthetic biology can offer practical solutions to this pressing societal problem.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Date: 27/09/2025 08:45-12:45
Target audience: Grade 5-7 students (~180 people)

We organized a math and science competition for students in grades 5 to 7, with a total of 8 primary schools participating. The event included three parts: the Heat Session (Written Exam), the Final (Hit-the-Buzzer Session), and the Audience Session. Questions covered topics such as cell biology, microorganisms, and the application of biotechnology. Students engaged in rigorous and challenging sets of math and science problems designed to test their analytical skills and applied knowledge in both fields. The competition fostered critical thinking skills and sparked a high level of academic enthusiasm among participants. The dedication and talent displayed by the Grade 5-7 students were truly exceptional, and we are grateful for their enthusiastic participation.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM
Date: 23/08/2025 09:30-12:30
Target audience: General Public (~200 people)

On an open school day, we organized a mini iGEM booth to showcase our target and goals for this year while also briefly introducing the iGEM competition. We distributed personally designed information cards to public visitors, detailing where to recycle leftover or expired medicine to raise awareness of drug pollution.

Organizer: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of MFBM x Taxi Crew
Target audience: General public (~1500 people)

We partnered with taxi crews to place our information cards in their vehicles, recognizing that taxis are widely used by people everywhere. This initiative allows customers to easily grab a card and learn how to manage their medications properly. By promoting awareness among both passengers and drivers, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.

This puzzle model was designed by our students using Tinkercad to create 3D models, which were then brought to life through 3D printing techniques. The DNA structure model is specifically created to assemble the iconic double helix, showcasing key components such as base pairs, deoxyribose, and the phosphate backbone. As an engaging three-dimensional learning tool, it enables students to explore the unique features of the DNA double helix in detail, enhancing their understanding of its structure and function.

To further reinforce their learning, we organized a workshop and competition. After teaching students about DNA structure and complementary base pairing, they were challenged to assemble a 40-base DNA model, competing to see who could complete it in the shortest time!

To promote proper drug disposal, we have compiled a list of medication drop-off sites across the district and printed their locations on convenient info cards. These cards will be distributed to the public and placed in accessible public areas for individuals to take freely. Designed to be portable, the info cards make it easy for citizens to find the nearest drop-off site while raising awareness about the environmental impact of improper medication disposal.

We created an Instagram account to share basic genetic knowledge, biotechnology insights, and solutions to drug pollution problems, including proper drug disposal. All posts, diagrams, and videos are self-designed to present complex topics in a simple and engaging way. With social media's growing influence, our goal is to enhance public understanding of biotechnology and its relevance to daily life while promoting our projects and raising awareness about these important issues. Some of our posts have even reached over 2,000 views, highlighting the impact of our efforts!

We also created a Scratch game called “DNA Duo,” inspired by the classic matching game, but with our own twist. In this game, students must match the DNA bases—A with T and C with G. They select a card and try to pair it with its corresponding match until all cards are successfully paired. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also offers a practical application of their knowledge.

For each lecture and workshop, we designed a worksheet to help students take notes while listening and record the knowledge they acquire. This approach ensures that every student gains new insights during the workshop and has the opportunity to review the content afterward.

We developed an interactive quiz game to enhance educational engagement. This game allows students to reinforce what they learned in the workshop while actively participating. The excitement comes from the competitive element: if they don’t answer quickly or accurately, their gold in the game can be stolen or exchanged! Many students achieved high scores, reflecting their understanding and retention of the material covered in our workshop.