Collaboration Meeting with ZJU China
Introduction
On August 11, 2025, our team held a virtual collaboration meeting with the ZJU China iGEM Team from Zhejiang University. The session served as an international exchange of ideas where both teams discussed their respective projects, progress, and technical challenges. It helped us understand how different global teams integrate synthetic biology with sustainability, education, and outreach.
Virtual collaboration held between IISER Berhampur and ZJU China to exchange environmental biotechnology insights.
To discuss synthetic biology applications in water purification and biosensing across global contexts.
Discussion Summary
The meeting began with project introductions from both sides. We presented Project POSEIDON, highlighting our approach to water purification using immobilized peptides, and shared updates on our outreach and human practices. ZJU China introduced their project focused on environmental biosensing and discussed their implementation strategy for real-world application. The open exchange led to valuable knowledge sharing and a comparison of international perspectives on environmental biotechnology.
- Exchange of biosensing techniques and immobilization methodologies.
- Discussion on biofilter efficiency, adsorption kinetics, and reusability.
- Sharing outreach strategies to engage local communities and schools.
- Comparative insights on metal contamination awareness in China and India.
- Future collaboration potential through shared workshops or publications.
Technical Insights
ZJU China shared their experiences in designing and testing biosensors for detecting specific pollutants. They also described how computational modeling supported their optimization process. Our team, in turn, discussed our mathematical modeling approach for adsorption and diffusion of heavy metals, and our use of alginate bead encapsulation for biological safety. Both teams exchanged practical advice on data visualization, assay standardization, and sustainable biodesign.
Focused on adsorption modeling, biosensor mechanisms, and eco-safe biological immobilization methods.
Both teams shared experimental and computational strategies, enhancing mutual technical understanding.
- Shared understanding of combining biosensing with bioremediation for enhanced impact.
- Importance of reproducibility and cross-lab validation for global applicability.
- Recognized potential of biopolymer matrices for safer microbial deployment.
- Agreement to share post-modeling results for comparative validation.
Outreach and Cultural Exchange
Beyond science, the discussion emphasized cross-cultural collaboration and mutual learning. ZJU China shared their student-driven outreach model involving creative public campaigns. We introduced our community engagement through village visits, school outreach, and awareness campaigns on metal contamination. Both teams identified common goals in promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and the accessibility of synthetic biology education.
Highlighted shared values of inclusivity, education, and sustainability between the two iGEM teams.
Reinforced the importance of localized communication and public engagement in global science initiatives.
- Use of multilingual science communication tools for wider impact.
- Integrating cultural context into local outreach programs.
- Encouraging women and youth participation in STEM awareness initiatives.
- Expanding inter-team dialogue through social media collaboration.
Reflection and Outcome
This collaboration with ZJU China reinforced the spirit of international cooperation in science. The interaction helped us broaden our understanding of how global iGEM teams tackle similar environmental challenges through diverse methodologies. The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and intent to continue information exchange through shared documentation and post-project evaluations.
Established cross-team understanding on combining scientific innovation with social awareness.
Agreed on maintaining long-term collaboration and shared results dissemination post iGEM.
Such global dialogues not only enhance the scientific strength of our project but also build bridges of understanding between nations working toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable planet.