(I) Project Message
We have come a long way.
This journey began with a scientific vision of “plastic rebirth,” yet it has transcended the boundaries of the laboratory. From the unloading point at Wuhou District's waste compaction center to the nitrification pond at Sangzhi County's landfill; from the control room at Everbright's incineration plant to the forest trails of Badagongshan Nature Reserve; from classrooms where children drew pictures of “plastic turning into treasures” to cross-disciplinary dialogues sparking ideas with medical and software engineering students—we have measured the true path of plastic's transformation from ‘pollution’ to “resource” with our footsteps, and built bridges connecting science to society and human hearts through sincere dialogue.
This journey taught us to move beyond merely questioning “Is this technology advanced?” to deeply contemplate “Does the world need it? Can it be used and trusted?” Book knowledge is flat, while real-world challenges are multidimensional and urgent. Soil permeated with microplastics from landfills, mixed waste amid the clamor of compactor machinery, plastic bags mistakenly ingested in nature reserves... These heartbreaking scenes have strengthened our resolve to ground ourselves in reality.
This journey has also emboldened us to continually reinvent ourselves. We embrace real-world feedback to iterate—or even overturn—our ideas. Many initial concepts were refined, optimized, or reshaped through rigorous questioning from industry experts, frontline workers, and the public. We now recognize that true innovation demands the courage to reconstruct.
This journey has further cemented our belief in the power of unity and collaboration. From lab partners to field research teammates; from co-creating picture books with Jilin University to industrial dialogues with Maike Gaocai; from interdisciplinary brainstorming on campus to shoulder-to-shoulder volunteering at the World University Games—we know that tackling systemic issues like plastic pollution requires openness, collaboration, and co-creation to harness the immense energy for change.
Ultimately, our project transcends a mere technical solution; it embodies responsible innovation in practice. Human practice, education, and biosafety form the soul-triangle of our initiative. These are not isolated components but an organically interconnected whole. Our project integrates rigorous wet and dry lab designs, comprehensive human practice across the entire value chain, innovative and diverse educational outreach, and forward-thinking biosafety considerations. We are committed to building a solution that is more resilient, pragmatic, and closely aligned with real-world needs.
We are not merely participating in a competition; we are sowing a seed called “possibility” for a greener, more sustainable future. May our work contribute not only a technical “alternative solution” but also exemplify an innovation paradigm that “starts with the end in mind and centers on people.” We hope this wisdom, sincerity, and responsibility from China's youth will not only earn the judges' recognition but also inject an optimistic, pragmatic, and humanistic youthful force into China's “Zero Waste City” initiative and the global circular economy for plastics.
(II) Acknowledgments: Gathering Sparks to Light Every Journey Together
The successful completion of this project owes much to the invaluable contributions of every participant, collaborator, and supporter. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
(1) Our Advisory Team: The “Guiding Lights” Who Calibrated Our Direction
We thank the faculty advisors from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and the School of Life Science and Technology. Your expertise and patience gave us the confidence to explore and experiment.
(2) Frontline Practitioners: Teachers Providing “Real-World Classrooms”
We thank all frontline workers who shared their insights candidly during our research. Your practical knowledge provided crucial anchors for our technological development and project positioning.
(3) Thank you to our partners: The “fellow innovators” who collaborate with us
We extend our gratitude to all cross-disciplinary partners.
(4) Thank you to the public and children: The “sources of inspiration” who fuel our creativity
We thank all members of the public and children who participated in our science outreach activities. Your imaginative ideas, enthusiastic engagement, and sincere feedback are the most precious sources of inspiration for our project, infusing science communication with warmth and vitality.
(5) Thank You to Every Team Member: Fellow Travelers Who Give Their All for Our Dream
We thank every member of the iGEM team at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. Through your shared dedication and mutual support, the grand goal of “plastic pollution management” has become a “shared cause” each of us is willing to pursue wholeheartedly.
(6) Thank You to Every Supporter: The Glimmers of Warmth You Share
Finally, our deepest gratitude goes to the iGEM competition platform. It inspires young scholars worldwide to courageously apply synthetic biology to address humanity's greatest challenges, gaining knowledge, friendship, and growth along the way.
Each of you collectively forms the most complete and moving picture of this project. We dedicate this project to all who care about Earth's future and are willing to work for it.