During this offline exchange, our team helped the ZQT-Nanjing team understand the relevant rules and regulations of iGEM and conducted synthetic biology skills training, hoping to encourage more high school teams like theirs to participate in the iGEM competition.
We first provided a project introduction to help them establish a foundational understanding, then proceeded to delve into practical tools. We guided them in using Origin software to process experimental data—specifically demonstrating how to organize experimental results into clear charts. We also demonstrated the use of SnapGene software. As a core tool for visualizing DNA sequences, the SnapGene demonstration effectively sparked their interest in gene design.
Laboratory safety knowledge was integrated throughout the activity. We carefully explained proper glove-wearing, chemical reagent storage procedures, and other operational protocols. Additionally, we introduced instruments like the micropipette (used for precise liquid handling) and centrifuge (used for sample separation), demonstrating how to use them properly.
Bio-based PA54 material, as a new synthetic material, has not yet been widely adopted. To ensure the effectiveness of subsequent science education activities, we first conducted a survey on bio-based materials targeting various social groups, using methods such as online questionnaires and offline distribution. The survey covered aspects like the level of awareness about nylon materials, attitudes towards new synthetic materials, and channels for obtaining information related to nylon materials.
The survey results indicated that public knowledge of nylon materials primarily comes from daily life, but understanding of new types of nylon materials remains relatively limited. Information channels vary; most groups learn about related content mainly through social media, while elderly individuals rely on traditional media like television and newspapers. Overall, public acceptance of nylon materials is quite high, with young people particularly valuing the environmental performance of materials. However, most people still lack understanding regarding the production processes of nylon materials.
This community survey has further motivated us to conduct comprehensive, multi-faceted educational outreach in the future. We aim to help more people understand and accept new materials through the power of education, and we also hope this approach will encourage more individuals to join our project, assisting in its sustainable development.
On the afternoon of April 28, 2025, the NJTech-China 2025 iGEM Carnival was successfully held at the Chenyi Plaza of Nanjing Tech University. The event, themed "Synthetic Biology Empowering Green Production," utilized a variety of formats, including exhibitions and interactive Q&A sessions, to systematically educate students and faculty about the green production concept of the new nylon material PA54. It vividly showcased the innovative applications of synthetic biology in the field of sustainable development.
The iGEM Carnival brought innovation and vitality to the campus in an engaging and entertaining manner, while also offering new ideas for promoting green technology. The event not only spread knowledge about synthetic biology across the campus but also effectively promoted the team project, practically embodying the concept of "advancing technology for good and empowering green development."
To promote synthetic biology knowledge across different age groups, members of the NJTech-China team visited the Pu Kou District Love Summer School on July 28th to conduct a science popularization lecture. The team members performed engaging experimental demonstrations, further sparking the children's enthusiasm for exploring biology.
This synthetic biology science outreach activity not only allowed the children to learn while having fun, but also ignited their passion for scientific exploration and their boundless dreams for the future. It is hoped that in the future, these children will carry their love for science with them, continuing to explore the mysteries of the biological world and contributing to the field of biological research.
Through the 2025 CCIC in Beijing, we reached cooperation with 33 teams, including the LU-NBBMS team from Jilin University, and jointly launched the first illustrated version of the "Synthetic Biology Chassis Strain White Paper."
This white paper, presented in a richly illustrated format, systematically summarizes the core characteristics, application cases, and safety guidelines for over ten typical chassis strains, including <>Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, and Bacillus subtilis. It aims to provide a reference that is both professional and easy to understand for synthetic biology research, teaching, and science popularization.
Synthetic biology is a cutting-edge discipline that uses engineering principles to redesign and optimize biological systems. Its value permeates multiple dimensions of human society—from developing life-saving innovative drugs to providing sustainable solutions for environmental crises—highlighting its transformative power. However, From the perspective of the general public, synthetic biology is often shrouded in the exaggerated scenarios of science fiction and unsubstantiated rumors, which not only mislead public perception but could also delay technological breakthroughs that could effectively address pressing global challenges.
To Break through public doubts about synthetic biology, the CJUH-JLU-China team from Jilin University, in collaboration with 33 teams including NJTech-China from Nanjing Tech University, published a Synthetic Biology Rumor Debunking White Paper. In our public science education efforts, we listed various achievements of synthetic biology, such as using microorganisms to degrade plastics and produce sustainable energy. This aims to stimulate public interest and enthusiasm for science, enhance public recognition of how technology can improve lives and protect the environment, thereby elevating the overall scientific literacy and fostering a social atmosphere that understands and supports technological innovation.
Rednote and WeChat are highly popular social media platforms among Chinese youth, and many students who interested in biology search for related knowledge on these platforms. To further promote communication and collaboration among iGEM teams, our team established a Rednote account and a WeChat public account. These two accounts document recoreded Human Practices activities of our university's iGEM team in real-time, including exchanges and interviews. Notably, we collaborated with multiple universities to co-create a Chassis Cell White Paper, which has garnered widespread attention from various parties.
Our social media accounts aim to become a core hub for inter-university exchange. By accurately conveying the team's technical directions and collaboration intentions, we seek to lay the foundation for in-depth exchanges with various universities in areas such as synthetic biology technology R&D, innovation in human practices, and sharing competition experience, thereby helping to build an open and collaborative iGEM inter-university network.
Since their inception, these two accounts have gained thousands of followers and achieved tens of thousands of reads, demonstrating a certain level of influence that continues to grow steadily. This sufficiently proves our success in the areas of education and collaboration.