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Education

iGEM is about more than reaching technical milestones; it’s about building a global community and sharing science in creative, meaningful ways. With our project ClaresO4-, aimed at detoxifying perchlorate-contaminated water on Mars, we engaged in two interactive outreach events to spark curiosity and dialogue.

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Biohackathon

At the end of March, we participated in the BioHackathon, where we joined inspiring online workshops and even met Prof. George Church, who shared motivating insights into synthetic biology.

In a short pitch competition, we had just one day to prepare a two-minute presentation and project video. Our effort paid off — we were thrilled to win the award for the “Most Innovative Idea.”

The event was an inspiring experience that strengthened our passion for science and gave us new motivation for our iGEM journey.

Open Campus Day

During the university’s Open Campus Day, we invited visitors of all ages to explore synthetic biology through playful learning:

  • Gene-Order Challenge : a hands-on game where participants raced to arrange genetic sequences correctly, introducing key molecular-biology concepts.
  • Draw Yourself a Rocket : a creative station where children and adults imagined their own space missions while learning about the need for safe water on Mars.
  • Poster Presentations : our team explained ClaresO4-’s approach and answered questions about perchlorate detoxification and its potential benefits for space exploration and terrestrial water safety.
  • These activities turned complex science into engaging experiences, encouraging discussion and sparking interest in synthetic biology.

Immersive Escape Room Event

On the Darmstadt Heinerfest, we hosted an Escape Room that placed participants in the role of stranded astronauts with only 40 minutes to secure clean drinking water.

Their mission: find the ice, collect the enzymes, and locate the bioreactor to purify perchlorate-contaminated water before their oxygen ran out.

This high-energy challenge highlighted the urgency of reliable water-purification systems and the practical value of our ClaresO4- project.

Lasting Impact

Both events fostered two-way dialogue with our local community and inspired future scientists while letting us reflect on the societal and ethical dimensions of space biotechnology—key goals of iGEM’s Human Practices framework.