In the concept advocated by iGEM, inclusivity is the key to helping synthetic biology cross the boundaries of cognition, groups, and disciplines, enabling both diversified development and broad dissemination. NAU-CHINA has always put this concept into practice, striving to allow groups with different backgrounds, knowledge levels, and even life scenarios to participate in the communication and exploration of synthetic biology. From enthusiasts of traditional culture to residents engaged in community welfare and students from various majors on campus, we have tried to build diverse bridges that break barriers between knowledge and groups, so that the value of synthetic biology can be perceived more widely. At the same time, we continue to learn from these diverse interactions, ensuring that the development of synthetic biology follows a more inclusive path.

Figure 1 | Inclusivity as a Global Vision: Embracing Diversity, Bridging Cultures, and Engaging People

“Modern Silk Road” Themed Monopoly Game

To highlight inclusivity across ethnic groups, we designed a monopoly game infused with Uyghur cultural elements, including Uyghur language and Ädris textile patterns. Students engaged in playing the game while simultaneously learning about synthetic biology concepts embedded within its design. By integrating minority culture into a scientific context, we not only showed respect for ethnic diversity but also made the learning process more engaging and accessible.

Our Achievements:

• Celebrated minority culture within science communication.

• Improved cultural representation in synthetic biology education.

• Made learning more approachable by connecting with familiar cultural elements.

This activity proved that inclusivity is also about recognition — ensuring that synthetic biology resonates with groups that might otherwise feel distant from it.

Figure 2 | Cultural inclusivity through interactive learning

Passing Love with Old Clothes, Popularizing Science with Us

This activity combined community engagement with science popularization. We educated local residents about synthetic biology through interactive sessions, while also inviting them to join a charitable initiative by donating old clothes to children in remote mountainous areas. In this way, the event extended inclusivity by linking urban residents with under-resourced communities, making both groups part of our broader outreach effort.

Our Achievements:

• Lowered participation barriers by connecting familiar community welfare with science education.

• Enabled residents to see themselves as active contributors to bridging science and social responsibility.

• Expanded inclusivity by channeling tangible benefits to children in remote areas.

This demonstrated that inclusivity can be realized by combining scientific outreach with social solidarity, thereby broadening both the audience and the impact of our human practices.

Figure 3 | Bridging communities through charity and science

ICII Web Platform

We launched the Into China, Into iGEM (ICII) web platform to integrate synthetic biology with traditional Chinese culture. The platform presents English content and showcases cultural symbols such as silk, embroidery, and historical motifs, framing synthetic biology not as an abstract science but as something that can be narrated through culture. By making science more relatable to people with strong cultural identities, ICII reduces cognitive distance and makes the field accessible to broader audiences.

Figure 4 | ICII by NAU-CHINA: A Dialogue Spanning Millenia — the Modern Silk Road of Modern Synthesis

Our Achievements:

• Promoted cultural inclusivity by blending synthetic biology with recognizable traditions.

• Reduced language barriers through English content.

• Expanded science communication beyond academic spaces by rooting it in traditional culture.

Figure 5 | The three core sections — ICII Panorama, Dialogue Gallery, and Silk Road Forum

Through ICII, we redefined inclusivity as not only about who participates, but also about whose culture and values are represented in science education.

Across these initiatives, inclusivity was not treated as an abstract concept but as a practical design principle:

• Combining community welfare with science education.

• Bridging science and traditional culture.

• Respecting and representing minority culture.

Through these efforts, NAU-CHINA ensured that the benefits and values of synthetic biology are not limited to a single group but are instead shared across diverse communities. We believe inclusivity means not only lowering barriers to participation, but also embracing cultural and social diversity so that synthetic biology can truly become a field for everyone.

Note: All photos released in this page have been approved by the individuals involved.