Classroom to lab-bench — bringing synbio to high schools
Between April–October 2025, we launched a series of educational outreach activities aimed at introducing synthetic biology to high school students across Latvia. Our goal was to not only explain the science behind synthetic biology and iGEM, but also to inspire a deeper interest in STEM fields, research, and innovation.
We visited five schools in Riga and surrounding regions, integrating our presentations into academic lessons. During these sessions, we introduced students to the core concepts of synthetic biology, its real-world applications, and how it connects with global challenges. In addition, we shared insights into iGEM and its opportunities in Latvia, while encouraging students to explore how they themselves could apply biology to solve pressing societal problems.
One of the goals was to inspire highschoolers to create their own iGEM team…
To make these sessions interactive, we led hands-on workshops where students could try their hand at problem-solving through a synthetic biology lens—turning theory into action. This experience allowed students to think critically, creatively, and scientifically.
A particularly exciting milestone was our visit to the national summer camp for talented youth, “Alfa”, which brings together high school students who have received top placements in national science Olympiads. There, we presented our project and led an engaging workshop, further deepening students’ exposure to the possibilities of synthetic biology and how they can get involved.
In total, we reached 330 students from five major Latvian high schools— Riga State Gymnasium No. 2, Ogre State Gymnasium, Āgenskalns State Gymnasium, Ikšķile Secondary School, and Sigulda State Gymnasium—along with 30 students from the Alfa camp.
Beyond simply sharing knowledge, our broader goal was to spark curiosity and confidence. We encouraged students not only to learn but to lead—perhaps even forming their own future high school iGEM team representing Latvia.
Through these public engagement efforts, we built bridges between research and education, showing the next generation that science is not a distant concept—it's something they can shape, create, and be a part of.
Engaging diverse communities through research
Children & parents
“Zinošs un drošs”
Science peers
National Microorganism Day
LJZA
Science-enthusiasts
European Scientists’ Night
Professionals & Industry
PMNET
Science on air: Sharing Our Voice
RSU Podcast: “Ugunskura sarunas”
We joined the RSU conversation series to discuss synthetic biology, iGEM, and why hands-on research matters for students across Latvia.
Radio “NABA”
Sharing our voice with a broader audience—how everyday biotechnology is shaping health, environment, and innovation.