We gathered a group of students interested in synthetic biology and organized a life sciences competition among them. Through written tests and interviews, we comprehensively evaluated the participants to select outstanding talents in various aspects, preparing for the project.

Establishment of team NUDT-CHINA 2025. Team members from different majors and grade levels chose their preferred subgroups based on their interests and strengths, including wet lab, human practices, art and design, etc.

Brainstorm for 2025 team project.

We divided the team members into multiple groups to propose topics and design solutions, cultivating synthetic biology thinking and developing initial project ideas.

The team trained new iGEMers. They learned basic molecular biology experimental techniques, making preliminary preparations for subsequent wet lab experiments.

Determin the direction for the 2025 iGEM project, considering the use of a photosensitive system and a small molecule system to achieve a dissociation process.

Design questionnaire content and launched a public survey on preferences for different types of science outreach activities, initiating the education process.

Construct plasmids for the PhoCl family of photolyase proteins.

Preliminarily design and manufactur hardware for illumination.

In cell experiments, the constructed plasmids were transfected into cells. The cells were then exposed to light of different wavelengths and durations. After a certain period, the levels of indicator proteins secreted by the cells were detected. Changes in these indicators and controls were used to verify if the system was functioning properly.

Unfortunately, after repeated attempts, it was found that the constructed system consistently failed to work properly. With guidance from instructors, we realized this was because the ultraviolet light energy was too high, causing significant damage to the cells during irradiation, resulting in low cell survival rates and thus preventing our system from functioning well. To address these limitations, we switched to light of other colors, and the system was optimized accordingly.

Simultaneously, we held our first educational lecture titled "Why is Synthetic Biology Important to You?" at Zhucheng No.1 High School; held the second lecture "Why is Synthetic Biology Important to You?" at Changsha No.1 High School; and hosted a debate on "Is Gene Editing Beneficial to Humanity?" at Zhucheng No.1 High School.

Additionally, we made efforts in early childhood education by conducting a series of fun interactive classes titled "Exploring Magical 'Tiny Lives'", using activities like handicrafts and small experiments to explore the structures of cells, viruses, and DNA with children.

Construct mMaple photocleavable plasmids.
Construct CarH photo-separating protein plasmids.
The constructed plasmids were transfected into cells. The cells were then exposed to light of different wavelengths and durations. After a certain period, the levels of indicator proteins secreted by the cells were detected. Changes in these indicators and controls were used to verify if the system was functioning properly.
It worked,but we didn't stop here.
Interview Shaowei Zhang to gather ideas regarding the hardware (SPARKbox). Begin optimizing the existing hardware to enable it to emit four wavelengths of light, prevent light leakage, ensure ventilation, and remain user-friendly. Interviewed Jiawei Shao to understand the value of our project and wet lab design in the field of synthetic biology.

Construct small molecule system plasmids.
The plasmids were transfected into cells, and then the cells were stimulated with Gra. After a certain period, the levels of indicator proteins secreted by the cells were detected. Changes in these indicators and controls were used to verify if the system was functioning properly.
It still worked.
Promotion video is finished.
Participate in the Conference for China iGEMer Community (CCiC), present the project poster and deliver the presentation; engage in project exchanges with teams from across the country and establish multi-faceted collaborations, ultimately achieving second place.
Organize an online meeting with Jilin University_China (Jilin-China) to share respective projects and exchange experiences.
Hold an online meeting with Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT-CHINA) to discuss and divide tasks for the "Coordinated Development Handbook of Synthetic Biology and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)".

Finish the initiative From Static to Dynamic Regulation with Jilin-China,HZAU-China,HainanU-China.

Finish the mini-game.

Attend 3i Engagement online conference with PekingHSC, NJU-China,XJTLU-CHINA,Tongji-China,Tsinghua-China.

Finish the picture book with CAFA-Beijing and CJUH-JLU-China.

Safety form is submitted.

Finish Trust in Dialogue: A Handbook for Building Warm and Effective Doctor-Patient with SUSTECH-MED and SMU-Union-China.

Attend science popularization fair with CSU-CHINA and HNU-China.