iGEM 2025: The Conclusion of an Inspiring Journey and the Birth of a New Toulouse Generation

When we first met, none of us imagined how much this journey would transform us. Strangers at the beginning, we slowly became teammates, and eventually friends, united by a common curiosity and a shared concern for the environment. Long discussions, moments of doubt, laughter, and countless hours in the lab have shaped an experience we will never forget.

Our project on PFAS degradation grew from this shared passion for protecting our planet. These persistent pollutants represent a major environmental challenge, and tackling them felt like a way to act on our values. Through months of research, creativity, and problem-solving, we learned to turn scientific uncertainty into opportunity — combining our skills to design something that could have a real impact.

Beyond the results, we discovered what collaboration truly means. Every decision was a collective effort; every obstacle, a lesson in resilience. Together, we learned how to communicate, plan, and innovate, skills that go far beyond biology and that will follow us long after iGEM.

We owe much of this journey to the incredible people who supported us. Our mentors guided us with patience and expertise, offering both knowledge and encouragement. Our sponsors trusted us and gave us the means to pursue our vision. And to all who stood by our side, sharing advice, enthusiasm, a kind word : thank you!

As we close this chapter, we do so with gratitude and pride. iGEM has been more than a competition: it has been a human adventure, a moment of collective growth, and a powerful reminder that when science meets purpose, change becomes possible.

PRIZE

We are thrilled to celebrate our 12th Gold Medal at iGEM! This achievement means a lot to us, it’s the result of months of hard work, creativity, and teamwork. For 12 years, iGEM Toulouse has proudly maintained a tradition of excellence, and we’re so happy that our efforts this year have kept that legacy alive. None of this would have been possible without the constant support of our mentors and institutions, who have guided and encouraged us every step of the way. This medal is not just a reward, it’s a celebration of the passion and dedication that drive our entire team.