The traditional Polish education system lacks comprehensive synthetic biology education.
ACTIONS
We created the gamified eduplatform and diverse edutainment tools.
IMPACT
We successfully made synthetic biology accessible and engaging for thousands of students across Poland
Primary School: Fun with Synbio
We participated in two science fairs—the V Bemowo Science Picnic (aprox. 1000 visitors) and the University of
Warsaw’s Ochota Campus Discovery Day (aprox. 5000 visitors)—to introduce our project and the basic concepts
of synthetic biology to the youngest learners. Our booth featured a variety of interactive games that made learning fun.
1. Biological “Guess Who?”
Based on the classic game, players used a set of clues and descriptions of different cell types
to guess whether their opponent had chosen an HCC cell or a regular hepatocyte. This taught them
about cellular diversity in a playful way.
High School: The HepaSwitch Academy
Hepa, our mascot, also guided students through our free, original educational platform.
We chose this format to reach students in smaller towns and rural areas where synthetic biology outreach is rare.
We designed the platform in consultation with an experienced genetics popularizer and the director of a top-tier high school
to ensure our content was both accurate and aligned with student needs. The platform was also pilot-tested with members of
our team and during a one-week open-access demo. The result is an interactive learning tool that offers:
FOR STUDENTS
Learn concepts that go beyond school textbooks and are used in cutting-edge labs.
Engage with exciting challenges, quizzes, and interactive simulations.
Understand how genetic engineering drives innovation and your role in Polish biotech.
FOR TEACHERS
Top classes could join advanced laboratory sessions in Warsaw.
Optional lesson plans fitting 2–3 hours of class time.
Program split into 2–3 × 45-min modules (great for clubs or dynamic lessons).
Students can complete platform tasks at their own pace, also outside class.
Platform Content: Journey into Synthetic Biology
We developed 10 modules filled with interactive elements and infographics. They cover essential topics,
including experimental design, the synbio cycle, riboswitch production, in silico modeling, RNA modification,
Golden Gate cloning, restriction enzymes (including BsaI), and plasmid structure.
To boost motivation and engagement, we incorporated gamification elements:
The platform features thematic mini-games to help students better understand concepts.
The final check is a decision-based game where users act as young bioengineers designing a lung cancer therapy.
Module-end quizzes awarded points; top teams won a full-day synbio workshop.
Our initiative's winner was the klasa4c Team from II Liceum Ogólnokształcące z Oddziałami Dwujęzycznymi High School, who will have a great time at our DNA isolation workshop on 18th October.
Additional Learning Materials
We also prepared three lesson scenarios to supplement the platform, focusing on the social and ethical context of synthetic biology. These scenarios encourage students to design innovative solutions to real-world problems (environmental, medical, and agricultural) using synbio and AI tools.
Regulations in Synthetic Biology – From Breakthroughs to Controversies
This lesson positions students at the core of the ethical and regulatory dilemmas emerging from the latest synthetic biology advancements. The session initiates with a thought-provoking poll—concerning genome editing for disease or aesthetic traits—to establish a foundation for critical discussion. Participants then engage with detailed case studies, analyzing the complex dualities of scientific progress. Students work collaboratively to define their stance, culminating in a moderated debate that requires them to articulate and justify the framework for ethical governance and regulation within this rapidly evolving field.
This module empowers students to function as biological designers, illustrating that synthetic biology involves the programming of organisms to solve pressing societal problems. Following an introductory overview, students form teams to develop innovative mini-projects, focusing on improvements in key areas such as biofuels, cancer therapy, or plant resilience. Crucially, the process integrates AI tools, which are not only permitted but recommended, mirroring contemporary scientific methodology. Projects require students to rigorously define the Problem (Why?), propose the functional Mechanism (How?), and substantiate their claims with scientific literature (Proof), thus sharpening essential research and critical technology evaluation skills.
Synthetic Biology in Practice – From Genes to Innovation
This module provides a robust, practice-oriented introduction to synthetic biology. Students learn to utilize genetic tools to address significant global medical challenges. The curriculum immediately transitions from theory to application via the HepaSwitch Academy program, ensuring participants develop practical skills. The motivation structure includes opportunities for laboratory workshops, field trips, and hands-on lab sessions, directly encouraging students to master advanced research techniques and understand the translational path from genes to real-world innovation.
Due to the level of English among Polish students and teachers, it was decided to use materials in Polish. For the needs of iGEM organizers, materials in English can be made available by email.
HepaSwitch Academy in Numbers
User feedback
Even with advanced biology classes, topics like genetics and biotechnology always seemed overly complicated at school. When our teacher showed us this platform, I never expected such advanced subjects could be explained so accessibly. I especially loved the thematic mini-games and quizzes after each module—they made complex learning engaging and fun!
High School Student, Lublin
When I was in college, synthetic biology was unheard of, and frankly, I didn't feel knowledgeable enough to tackle the topic in the classroom. Thanks to the HepaSwitch platform, I now have a tool that not only intrigues my students but also allows me to update my own scientific knowledge. It’s truly fantastic that young people are actively trying to improve the Polish education system.
Biology Teacher, Warsaw
I'm studying sociology, so my formal biology education ended years ago. However, seeing how passionate the societal discussions about synthetic biology can be, I realized I needed to learn more to better understand them. I'm so glad I found your platform—it opened up a completely new world that no longer seems as scary as it once did!
Non-STEM University Student, Warsaw
These positive results have encouraged us to pursue a collaboration with the Ministry of Education
to permanently incorporate our platform's materials into the official zpe.edu.gov portal (work in progress).
Looking to the Future: Beyond the Platform
We not only wanted to give students knowledge but also to show them a potential career path. That’s why we created a benchmark report on synthetic biology-related majors and careers in Poland and abroad.
