Background of Establishment
Synthetic Biology is one of the most forward-looking and strategically significant interdisciplinary fields of the 21st century. It is not merely an extension of molecular biology and genetic engineering, but centers on the “engineering-based reprogramming of life,” treating biological systems as modular units that can be designed, assembled, and optimized. Through the construction of genetic circuits, artificial metabolic pathways, and organelle reconstitution, humanity gains the ability to program cells at a deep level, thereby extending and reshaping natural life forms.
At the international level, synthetic biology is widely regarded as a critical field—after information science and artificial intelligence—that may drive the next wave of scientific and industrial revolutions. In 2019, the U.S. National Academies released the Engineering Biology Roadmap, which emphasized the profound impact of synthetic biology across energy, environment, healthcare, agriculture, and national defense. Institutions such as the EU Horizon Program, Japan’s Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the UK Synthetic Biology Research Centre have all launched dedicated funding schemes to support fundamental research and translational applications in the field. Market data indicate that the global synthetic biology sector exceeded USD 10 billion in 2021, and is projected to surpass USD 100 billion by 2030, positioning it as a strategic frontier in global science and technology competition.
China has likewise placed strong emphasis on the development of synthetic biology. The 14th Five-Year National Key R&D Program identifies synthetic biology as a priority in frontier interdisciplinary research, highlighting its critical role in advancing carbon neutrality, public health, food security, and environmental governance. In recent years, Chinese researchers have achieved a series of pioneering breakthroughs: from the artificial synthesis of yeast chromosomes, to engineered microbial strains for efficient drug production, and environmentally friendly strategies for carbon capture and plastic degradation. These advances underscore the discipline’s vast potential in supporting the “dual carbon” goals and driving the bioeconomy.
Tsinghua University has long-standing strengths in life sciences, chemical engineering, and information science, and has undertaken numerous national research initiatives that produced significant contributions to synthetic biology. Meanwhile, the Tsinghua iGEM team has consistently achieved outstanding results in the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition. Team members have not only gained rigorous scientific training, but also accumulated rich experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, public science communication, and international exchange.
Nevertheless, student engagement in synthetic biology at Tsinghua remains largely project-based, lacking a long-term, stable, and systematic interest group. The valuable experiences and research outcomes gained through iGEM and similar competitions often prove difficult to sustain after the contest season, resulting in limited knowledge accumulation and translation of research outputs. To address this gap, we propose the establishment of the Tsinghua University Student Synthetic Biology Interest Group.
This group will serve as a long-term platform to extend iGEM achievements and support Tsinghua students’ continuous exploration in synthetic biology. It will not only act as a practice base for undergraduate and graduate students engaged in interdisciplinary research, but also as a starting point for their future contributions to national strategies and global scientific development. Through this initiative, we aim to cultivate a new generation of young scholars equipped with scientific rigor, engineering mindset, and social responsibility, thereby contributing Tsinghua’s strength to the advancement of synthetic biology.
Research Exploration
One of the core objectives of the team is to continuously advance research in the field of synthetic biology. Leveraging Tsinghua University’s research resources and the guidance of faculty advisors, we plan to establish a number of long-term research projects within the group. These projects will span areas such as metabolic engineering, genetic circuits, environmental synthetic biology, and biomedical applications.
Through this structure, junior students will be able to gain valuable research experience by active participation, while senior students will take on leadership roles in driving research progress. Ultimately, we aim to create a virtuous cycle in which each cohort of members continues the exploration of their predecessors, thereby generating sustained outputs and gradually developing distinctive expertise in selected subfields of synthetic biology.
Academic Exchange
We seek to establish an open and dynamic platform for academic exchange. This will not be limited to internal literature reviews and discussions, but will also include cross-departmental forums, inter-university collaborations, and interactions with domestic and international experts. By regularly inviting faculty from diverse disciplines to deliver lectures and workshops, we aim to broaden members’ research perspectives and help them understand the intersections of synthetic biology with computer science, materials science, and biomedical engineering.
Furthermore, we plan to encourage members to present their work at national and international conferences and competitions. Such opportunities will not only enhance their ability to communicate scientific ideas, but also raise the team’s academic visibility.
Outcome Incubation
Beyond exploration and exchange, we hope to foster the consolidation and transformation of research. We will encourage members to participate in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition as a pathway for translating their work. In particular, by leveraging Tsinghua University’s research infrastructure and entrepreneurial resources, we aim to provide multiple avenues for project incubation. In this way, the group will not only serve as a platform for learning and practice but also as a cradle for innovation, contributing to the advancement of synthetic biology research and its applications.
Talent Development
As an inherently interdisciplinary discipline, synthetic biology demands individuals with broad and diverse skill sets. To cultivate such talent, we will provide systematic internal training, hands-on research opportunities, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. We place special emphasis on a “mentorship” mechanism, whereby senior students guide new members step by step—from literature review and experimental techniques to project design.
At the same time, the team will offer academic recommendation opportunities and research platforms for those aspiring to pursue further studies, thereby nurturing a new generation of young researchers equipped with scientific literacy, engineering thinking, and effective communication skills.
Social Responsibility
Scientific research is not only about academic breakthroughs but also about its relevance to society. In addition to research, we plan to actively engage in public outreach on synthetic biology. Activities will include lectures, science communication articles, and interactive experiments aimed at middle schools and broader communities, thereby improving public understanding of genetic engineering, green energy, and diagnostic technologies.
We also encourage members to engage with ethical, legal, and societal discussions in the context of synthetic biology. By doing so, we aim to foster a sense of “dual responsibility”—to both science and society—among our members.
International Collaboration
Synthetic biology is a global and highly collaborative discipline, and our group will actively seek to build partnerships with leading international institutions. By establishing regular exchanges with student organizations at institutions such as MIT, Stanford, the National University of Singapore, and Imperial College London, we will create opportunities for members to learn from cutting-edge research practices and outcomes.
In addition, we encourage participation in international conferences and symposia, where members can present their research and engage with peers worldwide. These initiatives not only strengthen scientific competencies but also enhance cross-cultural communication and global perspectives, enabling Tsinghua students to stand at the forefront of synthetic biology on the world.