Forum

iGEM Great Bay Area Industry-Academia-Research Forum——Guangzhou Regional Meeting

Time:2025.4.19

Content

On April 19, 2025, we successfully hosted the Guangzhou Regional Exchange Conference of the iGEM Greater Bay Area Synthetic Biology Industry-Academia-Research Forum at Southern Medical University. Representatives of iGEM teams from universities across Guangzhou gathered in the city to empower competition preparedness, engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, and deepen industry-academia-research integration, injecting new momentum into youth talent development in synthetic biology within the Greater Bay Area.

 

Deepening Collaboration and Exploring Innovation

At the conference, Mr. Wenyu Liao, Chairman of the iGBA Synthetic Biology Regional Alliance Council, emphasized the need to further strengthen collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to jointly explore cutting-edge developments and innovative practices in synthetic biology. Mr. Zixi Li, iGEM Ambassador for Asia and Oceania and former gold medal team leader, systematically analyzed competition rules and deconstructed the end-to-end logic of project design, experimental validation, and social research through case studies of outstanding projects, providing a reusable methodological framework for new teams.

Project Progress and Legislative Innovation

Our team leader, Ke Liu, exchanged insights with various teams on current project advancements and proposed a framework for synthetic biology legislation, aiming to incorporate diverse opinions and suggestions to collectively advance this initiative. Regarding cross-team collaboration, Captain Liu emphasized strengthening collaborative logic by defining open-source technology, resource-sharing models, and phased goals, demonstrating the feasibility of industry-academia-research synergy.

Integrating Theory and Medical Applications

As the finale, participants collectively visited the Human Body Science Museum at Southern Medical University. By observing clinical anatomical specimens and digital human modeling systems, we deeply integrated synthetic biology theory with medical application scenarios.

Triple Value Reconstruction: Anchoring Innovation for the Greater Bay Area

The success of this conference established a hub for experience sharing and technical collaboration among iGEM teams in the Greater Bay Area, anchoring coordinates for regional synthetic biology innovation through triple value reconstruction:

1. Breaking the traditional "solo combat" model among universities and establishing a multidimensional mentorship system across institutions, disciplines, and academic years to systematically enhance young researchers' ability to tackle complex scientific problems.

2. Integrating university technical resources guided by industry needs, shifting synthetic biology basic research from "paper-oriented" to "scenario-driven," and accelerating the industrialization of innovations in biomanufacturing, healthcare, and other fields.

3. Forming a closed-loop ecosystem of "competition incubation-technical-industrial application" by building standardized resource-sharing networks and long-term collaboration mechanisms, reserving core momentum for the Greater Bay Area to become a new global hub for the bioeconomy.

As an attending expert noted: "When the lights of laboratories in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao connect into a galaxy, we are illuminating a lighthouse for China's synthetic biology to align with international frontiers." The innovative potential sparked by this collision of ideas will undoubtedly continue to transform into a powerful force driving the revolution in biotechnology.

Gaining Insights and Building Partnerships: A Recap of the Meeting in HKUST

Time: 2025.4.27

Content

Our team was invited to attend the iGEM Great Bay Area Preparation Meeting and Cross-campus Exchange, hosted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) iGEM team. The event brought together representatives from multiple universities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region to discuss competition preparation, cross-team collaboration mechanisms, and technical strategies.

     

During the meeting, the organizers provided a detailed explanation of the updated 2025 iGEM competition rules and outlined key deadlines, offering clear guidance for subsequent preparation plans. In the cross-campus exchange session, representatives from teams including HKUST, University of Macau, and Beijing Normal University shared insights on overcoming technical challenges, designing human practices, and improving team collaboration. Our team engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as "interdisciplinary team division" and "efficient utilization of experimental resources," gaining practical recommendations. Additionally, we explored potential collaboration opportunities with neighboring teams, laying the foundation for regional cooperation.

This exchange not only provided us with up-to-date competition information but also broadened our preparation perspectives through face-to-face interactions with outstanding teams, supporting the high-quality development of our project.

Participation in the 9th iGEM South China Exchange Conference

Time:2024.5.17

Content

On May 17, 2025, our team attended the 9th iGEM South China Exchange Conference, hosted by Shenzhen University, where we engaged with other teams to explore cutting-edge topics in synthetic biology and foster academic collaboration and innovation.

   

Showcasing FluBlockers: An Innovative Defense System

The project presentation session served as the academic highlight of the conference. Our research, "FluBlockers: Intelligent Defense System Against Influenza A Virus Based on Engineered Probiotics," attracted widespread attention due to its innovative technical approach and broad application prospects. Through dynamic demonstrations and detailed explanations, we systematically elaborated on the project’s working mechanism and clinical potential. Attendees frequently raised questions, leading to in-depth discussions on technical details and creating a vibrant academic atmosphere. These high-quality dialogues not only highlighted the project’s scientific value but also provided valuable suggestions for future research.

Interactive Exhibition: Bridging Science and Public Engagement

At the interactive exhibition zone, our team creatively integrated scientific elements into engaging games, designing entertaining and educational activities such as Minesweeper and puzzles. Customized cultural products, including seed paper and themed postcards, served as unique mediums to communicate our project’s concept and disseminate scientific knowledge, attracting numerous participants for meaningful exchanges. This edutainment approach effectively narrowed the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding.

Fostering Collaboration and Future Initiatives

The conference established a regular inter-university collaboration mechanism and facilitated multiple joint research initiatives. Through in-depth exchanges with other teams, we gained significant technical insights and laid the groundwork for future collaborations. Such cross-institutional academic interactions hold profound significance for the continued development of our project.

Recognition from Experts

Professor Ling Li, Principal Investigator of the Southern Medical University team, remarked: "The iGEM South China Exchange Conference reflects the rapid growth of synthetic biology in the region. The exceptional quality of this year’s projects demonstrates the enhanced research capabilities of participating institutions and signals even broader prospects for the field."

Bridging Synthetic Biology and Clinical Needs: Expert Consultation on Influenza Prevention

Time:2025.5.17

Content

To better align our iGEM project with real-world clinical needs, our team attended an academic conference on the rational use of antimicrobial agents in Shenzhen on May 17th. A key part of this visit was an in-depth interview with Dr. Liuqing Yang, Chief Physician and Director of the Respiratory Department at Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, an expert in infectious diseases.

   

Our discussion focused on "clinical challenges in influenza prevention and treatment" and the "potential application scenarios for probiotic interventions." Dr. Yang highlighted critical issues in current strategies: the growing resistance to traditional antivirals, noticeable side effects in some patients, and limited coverage in preventive settings. She also pointed out that existing vaccines face challenges due to lengthy development cycles and suboptimal public compliance. Regarding our proposed intranasal spray delivery method, Dr. Yang emphasized the crucial importance of balancing mucosal immune activation efficiency with safety.

This consultation was invaluable. It not only helped us solidify the clinical value proposition of our project but also provided direct feedback from a frontline physician, allowing us to prioritize our technical optimization efforts. Moving forward, we have refined our experimental design based on Dr. Yang's recommendations and plan to establish a long-term communication channel channel to facilitate the translation of our work from the lab to clinical practice.

Summer iGBA Forum: Where Innovation Meets Responsibility

Time:2025.7.13-2025.7.16

Content

This summer, we traveled between the lecture halls of the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen and The University of Hong Kong (HKU), engaging in thought-provoking exchanges with top iGEM teams from across the nation at the 3rd iGEM Great Bay Area Synthetic Biology Industry-Academia-Research Forum (iGBA). Over three immersive days, we explored cutting-edge industry advancements and captured attention with our innovative contributions.

   

Day 1: Simulated Jamboree at HKU - Presenting Beyond the Lab

The highlight of the first day was HKU's simulated Jamboree, where we refined our presentation strategies through in-depth discussions with fellow teams. For the first time, we publicly showcased our "Prenatal Flu Prevention Kit", a tangible extension of our project that bridges synthetic biology with real-world applications. The overwhelmingly positive reception far exceeded our expectations!

We were also deeply inspired by Prof. King-Lau Chow (HKU Cell Biology), who reminded us of the true spirit of iGEM: "Take from society, give back to society." His words reinforced that iGEM should be a starting point in our scientific journey—not just a pursuit of medals.

Day 2: Exploring Shenzhen's Synthetic Biology Frontier

On the second day, we delved into Shenzhen's thriving synthetic biology ecosystem, touring the Guangming Engineering Biology Industrial Innovation Center. Interactive sessions with researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) provided valuable technical insights, further shaping our experimental approach.

Day 3: SDG-Inclusivity Workshop & Biosafety Reflections

The final day featured our team's active participation in the SDG-Inclusivity Workshop,where expert feedback offered profound guidance for our project's societal impact.

A thought-provoking biosafety panel left us contemplating our roles as synthetic biologists: "In this Eden of synthetic biology, we are both fruit-pickers and guardians of the forbidden fruit." These discussions pushed us beyond vertical project thinking, prompting deeper reflection on scientific responsibility and ethics.

Through iGBA, we gained not only technical inspiration but also a renewed commitment to responsible innovation—a perspective we will carry forward in our iGEM journey and beyond.

SMU-Union-China at CCiC: Expanding Horizons Through Collaboration

Time:2025.8.6-2025.8.8

Content

The SMU-Union-China team traveled to the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing to participate in the 12th China Conference on iGEM (CCiC) & 2nd Global Bio-Developers Conference, a premier gathering in the field of synthetic biology. At this prestigious event, we showcased our project, engaged in in-depth discussions with top teams nationwide, and gained invaluable insights from industry leaders.

   

Showcasing Our Work: From Posters to Presentations

Through a carefully designed poster presentation and an engaging PPT pitch, we comprehensively demonstrated our project's scientific merit and societal impact, drawing significant interest from attendees. Our presentation not only highlighted technical innovations but also emphasized how our work could address real-world challenges.

Learning from Peers: A Two-Way Exchange of Ideas

"Hearing diverse perspectives broadens one's own thinking." Following our presentation, we actively exchanged ideas with teams from other universities, fostering collaborative brainstorming. The poster session was not just about presenting—it became a dynamic dialogue where we received constructive feedback to refine our approach.

One particularly inspiring interaction was with teams from Nanjing Normal University and Huazhong Agricultural University, who introduced the concept of using illustrated storybooks to communicate complex scientific knowledge. After productive discussions, we decided to collaborate on a pregnancy-themed educational booklet, further expanding the outreach potential of our project.

Key Takeaways: Breaking Barriers, Gaining New Perspectives

The CCiC conference proved transformative, exposing us to cross-disciplinary insights that challenged conventional thinking. The sharing of cutting-edge methodologies and practical experiences provided us with fresh perspectives and diverse problem-solving strategies.

Armed with these new ideas, we return to our research with renewed enthusiasm and a sharper vision, ready to push forward in our iGEM journey with greater innovation and responsibility.

Picture book

Collaborators:NNU-China, and HZAU-China

To bring the "high-end" field of synthetic biology into everyday life, three iGEM teams—SMU-Union-China, NNU-China, and HZAU-China have collaborated across disciplines to create an original illustrated book for pregnant women. From theme planning to scriptwriting and hand-drawn coloring, all tasks were independently completed by team members. The content focuses on three major pain points frequently encountered by pregnant women: "folic acid nutrition, hemorrhoid prevention, and influenza medication." The book is interspersed with experimental data and design concepts from each team: it deconstructs the folic acid metabolic pathway, uses original comics to illustrate the mechanism of hemorrhoid formation, and includes interactive Q&A pages to guide safe medication use and vaccination. Transforming laboratory charts into warm stories for expectant mothers, the book colors the health of two generations with science and embodies our original aspiration to "improve the world through biotechnology."

White paper

Collaborators:NUDT-CHINA,SUSTECH-MED

Content:

The doctor-patient relationship has become one of the most sensitive and controversial issues in contemporary healthcare. In contemporary healthcare, the contrast between advances in medical technology and tensions in social ties between doctors and patients, and the existence of mistrust, communication barriers, and even violence between doctors and patients have both undermined the quality of medical care and weakened the public's confidence in the healthcare system.

Empirical data show that the problem is widespread: 50.7 per cent of doctors consider the doctor-patient relationship to be 'disharmonious', whereas only 13.1 per cent consider it to be 'harmonious'. Nearly 70 per cent of patients, however, feel that the relationship is 'not tense'. On a five-point scale, doctors' trust in patients averaged 3.87, while patients' trust in doctors averaged 4.05. However, only four minutes of the fifteen-minute consultation was spent on direct communication, with the rest taken up by administrative tasks, which prevented effective dialogue and empathy.

During the iGEM project, the research team observed that communication barriers hinder trust-building, and realised that the medical applications of synthetic biology must be grounded in open and honest communication. Based on these experiences, we believe that the success of synthetic biology in healthcare depends not only on laboratory innovations, but also on effective, trust-based communication with the target population. Consequently, we have developed a manual to analyse deficiencies in doctor-patient communication and provide practical guidance.