Abstract
We are dedicated to the innovation and sustainable development of synthetic biology. We firmly believe that the power of science lies not merely in technological breakthroughs but, more importantly, in the dissemination of knowledge and the cultivation of talent.
Centering around the protein design tool, rational evolution-based enzyme redesign (REvoDesign) , we have launched a variety of educational and science popularization activities targeting undergraduates, primary school students, researchers, and others. These activities aim to promote knowledge of synthetic biology, spread the innovative spirit of iGEM, and showcase the practical application value of REvoDesign.
University
Why choose to carry out science popularization for undergraduate students?
Young college students are the driving force behind future scientific innovation, inspiring them early can foster the thriving development of synthetic biology. Leveraging the academic environment at Yunnan Normal University, we organized academic lectures for first-year undergraduates with a strong enthusiasm for the life sciences. This activity aimed to introduce students to the frontiers of synthetic biology. We focus on the REvoDesign platform as a case study for innovative protein designing. Through these efforts, we aim to stimulate undergraduate students’ interest in scientific exploration and promote their participation in iGEM competitions.
What activities did we conduct?
In June 2025, we hosted a lecture entitled “Development and Application of an Efficient Intelligent Protein Design Platform: REvoDesign” at the School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University. The lecture introduced the history, mission, and workflow of iGEM, with an emphasis on its scientific value in serving society(Fig.1). Using paclitaxel biosynthesis as an example, we demonstrated how REvoDesign employs semi-rational protein design to address challenges in the production of high-value natural products(Fig. 1a). During the lecture, the students were enthusiastic and raised various questions, ranging from technical details to career development opportunities, which highlighted their strong curiosity. They also actively followed our social media platforms.
Fig. 1 Team member conducting a science lecture at Yunnan Normal University.
a. Team member introduces background.
b. Team member explains REvoDesign workflow.
c.
Introduction of team members. d. Photo with undergraduates.
How did this activity impact our project?
The lecture successfully fostered scientific curiosity and enthusiasm among undergraduate students. The increased interaction on our social media platforms reflects students' greater interest in our initiatives. Many attendees expressed a strong interest in synthetic biology and in participating in the iGEM competition, with several indicating their intention to join future team activities. This outreach not only enhanced our project’s visibility but also helped foster a sustainable ecosystem for cultivating the next generation of synthetic biology talent.
Primary school
Why did we conduct outreach in primary schools?
We recognize that the future of synthetic biology depends not only on research breakthroughs but also on cultivating scientific literacy among the next generation. Primary school students, at a peak stage of curiosity and cognitive development, represent an ideal audience for planting seeds of innovation. To this end, we visited a primary school in Jinning, Yunnan Province, where we introduced synthetic biology in an engaging and accessible way. This activity aims to stimulate children's interest in life sciences while instilling the iGEM spirit of addressing global challenges through innovative methods.
Our activities are designed to be engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate, making complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for young learners.
What activities did we conduct?
In July 2025, we hosted an interactive science outreach class for elementary school students titled “Designing Microbial Factories, Saving the Tree of Life”. Using the story of the “anti-cancer star” paclitaxel as a starting point, we explained how this vital compound is extracted from the rare yew tree and its immense value in cancer treatment(Fig.2). The story not only helped children appreciate the challenges of drug development but also encouraged them to reflect on the importance of protecting endangered plants and exploring sustainable production solutions. During the class, we organized a cartoon drawing activity centered on iGEM(Fig.1b). The children enthusiastically participated and eagerly raised their hands to participate in the painting(Fig.1a). Our outreach program adopts interactive and age-appropriate teaching methods, effectively sowing the seeds of scientific curiosity in their hearts, like a quiet flame of hope.
Fig. 2 Team member conducting a science lecture at Primary School.
a. Children asking questions.
b. Children drawing cartoons about iGEM.
c. Photo with children
and their artwork.
How did this activity impact our project and educational mission?
In this activity, we translated complex scientific concepts into captivating stories and interactive games to enhance comprehension and encourage active participation. The thoughtful questions raised by the children reflected their genuine curiosity about biological phenomena and highlighted the broader societal significance of the iGEM education. We believe that this imaginative introduction to microbial engineering serves as an early catalyst for the future development of life sciences.
Additionally, the positive feedback from teachers and parents has motivated us to continue developing science popularization materials for younger audiences. We plan to create a series of educational videos and interactive online resources based on the content we developed for these activities.
Software training
Why did we conduct tool training within the research institute?
For a scientific tool to achieve meaningful impact, it must be thoroughly understood and seamlessly integrated into real research environments. To this end, we organized a structured training session at the School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University. The session introduced the conceptual framework, operational workflow, and representative application scenarios of the REvoDesign platform. This initiative not only promoted informed adoption among researchers but also gathered constructive feedback for iterative refinement and ongoing optimization of the tool.
What activities did we conduct?
In August 2025, we held a professional training session entitled “Development and Application of an Efficient Intelligent Protein Design Platform: REvoDesign”, targeting researchers with protein needs. The session provided a comprehensive overview of how REvoDesign addresses major challenges in the heterologous biosynthesis of plant-derived natural products, with particular emphasis on its ability to improve enzyme compatibility and catalytic efficiency(Fig.3). To demonstrate its practical value, we presented case studies focused on the biosynthetic pathways of paclitaxel and lycopene. The training also featured a hands-on component, guiding participants through key operational steps: sequence input, co-evolutionary analysis, identification of mutational hotspots, generation of protein variants, and export of analytical reports. This practical segment effectively bridged theoretical knowledge with applied research workflows(Fig.3c).
Fig. 3 Software training activities.
a. Team member conducting software training.
b. Participants listen attentively. c. Participants
practicing hands-on operations.
How did this activity impact our project?
The training validated the broad applicability of REvoDesign. Both teachers and students praised its simple interface and clear workflow, with many noting that it was “more intuitive than expected” and “can be mastered within half an hour”. Several graduate students even expressed plans to apply the platform to enzyme modification in their own projects, Participants also actively exchanged experiences and offered constructive suggestions, including the addition of batch processing functions and enhanced visualization tools. Notably, one faculty member proposed introducing a “teaching mode” with built-in case studies for classroom use—an idea that not only highlighted the platform’s potential in education but also inspired us to integrate user training into our long-term development roadmap. This vibrant interaction provided valuable insights for continuous iteration while also helping to establish a stable early user network, laying the foundation for broader adoption.