Collaboration Meeting with IISER Kolkata
Overview
The collaboration meeting between Team iGEM IISER Berhampur and Team iGEM IISER Kolkata took place on July 19, 2025. The session aimed to exchange project insights, discuss funding strategies, explore avenues for collaboration, and share experiences related to both technical progress and community engagement. Both teams appreciated the opportunity to connect across institutes and identify shared challenges and solutions in the journey toward the iGEM 2025 competition.
Strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and exchanging actionable ideas for iGEM 2025 success.
Team-building, funding, methodology, and human practices formed the backbone of this interaction.
Introductions
The meeting began with short introductions from both sides, where each team member presented their role and area of contribution. While the IISER Kolkata team was composed primarily of newer members from younger batches, the IISER Berhampur team represented a diverse blend of 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year students. This cross-sectional representation allowed both teams to gain perspective on different models of team structure and internal collaboration.
- IISER Kolkata: enthusiastic young team exploring their first major iGEM project cycle.
- IISER Berhampur: balanced team with senior mentorship guiding new members.
- Exchange of best practices for teamwork, division of responsibilities, and efficient communication.
Sponsorship and Funding
A significant portion of the meeting focused on one of the most persistent iGEM challenges—securing sponsorships and funding. Both teams shared their experiences reaching out to organizations, outlining proposals, and overcoming roadblocks in financial outreach. An interesting concept emerged during the discussion: "Sponsorship through Commodities", where sponsors contribute resources or services instead of direct monetary aid. The idea was well received by both teams, especially as it could attract organizations like UnStop to support teams through event collaborations and competitions.
- Explore non-monetary sponsorship avenues like event hosting or equipment supply.
- Share sponsor databases and letter formats among teams to increase success rates.
- Continue periodic inter-team meetings for sharing fundraising progress.
Scientific Methodology Exchange
The discussion moved to project methodology—covering wet lab planning, dry lab progress, and data validation approaches. IISER Kolkata described its experimental workflow and team organization for wet lab execution, while IISER Berhampur emphasized completing all dry lab components before resuming wet lab activities post-Mock Jamboree (AIIM). Both teams provided constructive feedback and shared workflow optimization ideas that could enhance efficiency and data reproducibility.
Exchange of methodologies between wet and dry lab workflows ensured mutual learning and optimization.
Both teams celebrated the open, constructive feedback culture that defines iGEM’s research ecosystem.
Outreach and Human Practices
The IISER Berhampur team shared updates on its extensive Human Practices and Outreach activities—including school visits, international expert talks on wastewater management, and the Dockingthon Workshop. They also mentioned upcoming initiatives such as the poster-making sessions, village visits, and an educational workshop at AIIM 2025 in Mumbai. In contrast, IISER Kolkata presented its community-driven Human Practices model involving field visits to hospitals and clinics to collect real-life perspectives from patients and medical professionals related to their project theme.
- Jointly organize awareness or educational events under a shared iGEM India banner.
- Conduct a cross-institute data workshop on community engagement metrics.
- Co-develop a joint publication summarizing HP strategies and outcomes.
Miscellaneous Discussions
The meeting concluded with light-hearted reflections on the broader iGEM journey—its role in fostering scientific creativity and developing interdisciplinary skill sets. Senior members from both teams discussed mentoring strategies for new batches and the importance of maintaining institutional continuity in iGEM participation. The discussion reinforced the shared belief that collaboration within the iGEM community is a long-term investment in scientific progress and youth-led innovation.
Beyond data and funding, collaboration nurtures the scientific mindset and builds leadership in young researchers.
This dialogue seeded a network of continued mentorship, shared events, and cross-institute innovation.
Outcome
This meeting with IISER Kolkata was not merely a discussion—it became a blueprint for sustained collaboration across iGEM India teams. By addressing common challenges, sharing methodologies, and aligning outreach strategies, both teams strengthened the foundation for future interdisciplinary projects. The interaction also established a framework for continued communication and possible co-organized events leading up to the Grand Jamboree.