Introduction

As our team worked to develop a novel influenza vaccine in the IGEM competition, we recognized that effective, scientific communication was crucial to bridging the gap between synthetic biology and public understanding. Our research revealed that despite widespread experience with influenza, vaccination rates were surprisingly low, often due to insufficient knowledge or misconceptions. This finding further underscored the urgency of our educational mission.

Thus, our educational activities centered not only on explaining the core principles behind our broad-spectrum vaccine but also on highlighting how synthetic biology can address pressing health challenges like influenza prevention. We conducted extensive outreach activities across multiple regions, including community workshops in Beijing, student workshops in Hong Kong, and elder care lectures in Zhejiang, each tailored to the needs of the audience.

Through hands-on activities and culturally responsive communication to foster dialogue, we worked to increase public knowledge about vaccines and build trust in scientific innovation. These efforts embody the iGEM ethos of open science and community collaboration, transforming awareness into action for a healthier society.

To ensure effective communication, we adopted a tailored approach and developed two different versions of the presentation. For students with some biology background, we designed a lecture that delved deeply into the principles of synthetic biology and explained how genetic engineering is enabling the development of new vaccines. In contrast, for older audiences in community settings and nursing homes, we focused on the importance of vaccinations and preventative healthcare measures, addressed common misconceptions about the flu vaccine, and provided a concise introduction to synthetic biology.

This layered approach made our synthetic biology presentation both engaging and accessible, ensuring that each audience member understood what we were doing in a way that matched their existing knowledge and interests.

Community Lecture - Beijing Erlong Road Community

The Importance of Influenza Prevention and Vaccinations

On August 1, 2025, four members of PROFUTURE BJ—Yang Shuya, Hong Feifan, Zhu Motang, and Su Qingyi—delivered a speech titled "The Importance of Influenza Prevention and Vaccination" in the Erlong Road community. Before the speech, the four members conducted a community survey to gauge the public's knowledge of influenza, as well as their understanding and attitudes toward vaccines and universal vaccination. They then refined the speech based on the survey results.

During the speech, the team members explained the dangers of influenza, the differences between drug treatment and vaccine prevention, and the principles and benefits of vaccines. They also provided information on synthetic biology. Finally, they emphasized the necessity and importance of universal vaccination and advocated for everyone to actively get vaccinated.

After the speech, the audience participated in a lively Q&A session. Vaccine safety was a major concern. Many attendees expressed concerns about potential side effects and whether the vaccines had undergone adequate laboratory and clinical testing. A common question is, "Are vaccines tested on mice before they are released to the market?"

Three years ago, rumors circulated online about the COVID-19 vaccine, claiming it had "side effects," "ineffectiveness," and "insufficient testing." These rumors led some members of the public to develop resistance to vaccines ⸺ a trend clearly reflected in our preliminary survey results. Of the 11 people we surveyed, five explicitly stated they would not get the flu vaccine, citing distrust of its effectiveness, concerns about safety, and concerns about side effects, thus expressing doubts about the vaccine's safety.

Four members of the publicity team used this opportunity to explain to the audience: "Vaccine safety has been rigorously tested. The vaccines recommended by the community health service center have all been approved by the state, so you can get vaccinated with confidence."

Someone also asked, "Is the vaccine the same every year?" This reflects the limited understanding of the influenza virus and vaccines among residents of the Erlong Road community. Of the 11 people who participated in the street survey, all said they had heard of the influenza virus. However, seven said they had "some understanding" or "very little knowledge" of the dangers of the influenza virus, and two said they had no knowledge of the risks at all.

When asked, "Did you know that the influenza virus mutates every year?" five responded, "I don't know" or "I'm hearing about it for the first time."

Based on the questions raised during the presentation and data from street surveys, PROFUTURE BJ concluded that the necessity of vaccination and knowledge about influenza viruses are not widely understood in the community. Furthermore, interviews revealed that the community is populated by elderly people who often lack organized vaccination services and are unable to get vaccinated every flu season. This further highlights the importance of developing a universal vaccine, which can produce antibodies against multiple viruses and thus reduce the risk of contracting variants during flu season.

With autumn approaching, we hope that PROFUTURE BJ's presentation on influenza prevention and the importance of vaccines on Erlong Road will enhance public awareness of influenza viruses, alleviate public concerns about vaccination, and encourage greater emphasis on the role of vaccines, encouraging them to actively get vaccinated, and thus prevent influenza infections during the autumn and winter seasons.

Community Lecture - Beijing Xinyuan Xili Community

Chen Shuxuan, Chen Qingyi, and Yang Shuya from Profuture-BJ gave a presentation to the grandparents of the Xinyuanxili community on influenza prevention and the importance of vaccination.

They explained the benefits and principles of vaccines and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated. They also shared some information about our project and synthetic biology.

Before the presentation, the speakers asked the grandparents if they knew about influenza vaccines. Most of them said they didn't understand how vaccines worked, having heard they could prevent the flu. However, they were hesitant to get vaccinated themselves because they believed medications had side effects and worried about the potential harms of vaccines. Based on these concerns, the speakers explained, "Vaccines undergo countless experiments and clinical trials before being released to the public. All vaccines available on the market have undergone rigorous national review and approval. You can get vaccinated without worrying about toxicity."

After the presentation, the elderly gained a deeper understanding of vaccines and how they work, and raised several questions about vaccination, including, "Do vaccines have side effects?" "Is it necessary to get vaccinated if I don't go to crowded places?" "Can I get vaccinated if I have conditions like hypertension or diabetes? Are there any adverse reactions to medications or vaccines?" The speakers addressed everyone's questions and explained some vaccination precautions, such as "People with allergies to vaccine ingredients, severely immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women should not receive the vaccine," "Post-vaccination observation requires a half-hour stay in the hospital to confirm no allergic reactions or other adverse reactions before discharge," and "Avoid spicy foods after vaccination, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and get enough rest."

Some grandparents expressed concerns about their health due to the complexity of receiving different vaccines each year. Our speakers took this opportunity to further explain that our ongoing project addresses this very issue. The speakers explained in a clear and accessible manner the role of our broad-spectrum vaccine, which protects against multiple influenza strains with a single dose. Most grandparents expressed strong interest in our project, believing it to be a highly innovative design. However, a few remained skeptical. Our Profuture colleagues explained the principles of vaccines and proposed the application of synthetic biology in the project. After this in-depth understanding, the elderly expressed their willingness to receive the vaccine once the technology is proven.

School Workshop - German Swiss International School

On Thursday, September 4th, around 11:30 AM, team member Henry Cai gave a presentation at school, explaining the role and importance of influenza and vaccines, and introducing our team's project and how it would benefit society.

Including the class teacher, 27 people attended. Unfortunately, due to privacy policy restrictions prohibiting the use of some students' photos, we were not allowed to take a group photo of the class, but we did take a photo with our teacher.

The presentation began with an introduction to influenza and its severity, highlighting its history, impact on society, and some statistics. It then turned to medication and, near the end, addressed vaccines, going into greater detail about the role and benefits of vaccines: how they work in our bodies and how they can improve society. The presentation then introduced our project, the value of education, and concluded with a summary.

During the Q&A session, both students and teachers raised questions. Topics discussed included:

• Reasons many people are reluctant to get vaccinated
• Comments on key figures in the anti-vaccine movement and their significance
• The possibility of transforming anti-vaccine activists into vaccine supporters and how to achieve this
• Whether students should be allowed to attend school without being vaccinated and the potential consequences
• Ethical concerns about controversial vaccines

After the presentation, feedback from teachers and students was largely positive, with students expressing a keen interest in this field and its impact.

School Workshop - Beijing AIDI School

The member of Profuture-BJ gave a presentation at Beijing AIDI School, focusing on the importance and principles of influenza. We also introduce our topic and why we chose this project.

Totally, there were 21 attendees, including the class teacher and classmates. The presentation began by highlighting the severity of flu, covering its history, societal impacts (like healthcare strain and economic loss), and key statistics (such as annual infection and hospitalization rates). It then touched on flu medications before focusing on vaccines—explaining how they work in the body to build immunity and their societal benefits (reducing severe illness and protecting vulnerable groups). Finally, it introduced our team's project, emphasizing the value of flu education, and concluded with a call to action. Include what IGEM is and the benefits of the spectral vaccine we have developed.

During the Q&A, classmates and the teacher asked about topics like reasons for vaccine hesitancy, unvaccinated students in school, and ethical concerns over vaccines:

1. What special precautions should be taken when vaccinating individuals with weakened immunity or underlying health conditions?
2. Where is it most convenient to get vaccinated? Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
3. How long should you be observed after vaccination? What should you do if you experience symptoms such as fever and pain in your arm after going home?
4. Why do some vaccines require multiple doses？Can it be okay to get one less dose? Will it affect the effectiveness?
5. Some people around say, "I haven't been vaccinated and haven't gotten sick, so there's no need to get vaccinated." Is this view correct?
6. Is the vaccine free? If it is not, what are the differences between vaccines of different prices, and how should one choose?

Nursing Home Activity

On August 4, 2025, Wu Yixuan held a health education lecture at the Wuxi Zhanjiang Happiness Nursing Home, focusing on influenza prevention and the importance of vaccination. Over 20 elderly residents attended the event, which aimed to raise their awareness of the influenza virus and the role of vaccines in both personal and public health.

The lecture covered key topics such as how influenza is transmitted, the mechanism of action of vaccines, when and how to administer them, safety precautions, and the broader societal benefits of immunization. Wu Yixuan explained in plain language that vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies, providing protection before actual exposure to the virus.

During the question-and-answer session, two elderly women expressed concern about potential side effects of the vaccine. Wu Yixuan clarified that all vaccines recommended by the local health center have undergone rigorous testing and are approved by relevant national authorities. She noted that most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as a slight fever or pain at the injection site, and that the protective benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

The lecture was significant, as many elderly participants had previously lacked knowledge of how viruses mutate and why influenza vaccines are updated annually. Through the lecture, they deepened their understanding of the science behind vaccinations and expressed an appreciation for this information.

This event not only helped alleviate concerns about vaccine safety but also equipped elderly residents with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. This is a positive outcome of introducing scientific health education into elderly care facilities, especially in preparing for the upcoming flu season.