Discover your pathway through engineering biology.
iGEM
The iGEM (International Genetic Engineered Machine) Competition is an annual, worldwide Synthetic Biology event that gives students the opportunity to push the boundaries of Synthetic Biology by tackling everyday issues facing the world. Multidisciplinary teams work together to design, build, test, and measure a system of their own design using interchangeable biological parts and standard molecular biology techniques. The competition culminates in a final convention held in the form of a Grand Jamboree taking place at the Porte de Versailles in Paris, France.
iGEM is much more than that of a Synthetic Biology science fair. The team's project supported by the competition's deliverables for awards create an all encompassing experience. As important as it is to gather good results from experiments, deliverables such as the promotional videos and wiki allow the team to broaden their skill sets and gain experiences not necessarily offered in a traditional research. The competition also requires team interactions and collaborations with industry professionals, iGEM alumni, and even other iGEM teams!
Click on the logo to learn more about the competition!
Boston University has a rich history with the iGEM competition competing for over 10 years! The BU teams have contributed to the world of Synthetic Biology in numerous ways over the years ranging from automated hardware systems, novel software packages as well as innovative genetic engineering projects. See more of BU's iGEM history with some of the previous year's teams and projects.
iGEM at Boston University
The iGEM competition at Boston University is a 6 month commitment after being selected for the team. Project brainstorming will begin taking place in April and you are expected to work full time in the Summer and part time for the first half of the Fall semester towards the completion of the project, competition's deliverables and attendance at the final Grand Jamboree in early November.
As you will be working as an iGEM researcher over the summer, you will be a member of the summer cohort and gain access to all of the benefits of being in said cohort including all seminars, professional development, and mentorship opportunities offered to those conducting individual research. Click to learn more about the [Research Program].
You will be compensated with competitive pay to that of similar research experiences such as UROP. Room and Board can be provided if selected for the team.
What happens after iGEM?
After the iGEM competition is officially over, speak with our administration about plans for the following semester as you can reapply to join as an individual researcher in next semester's cohort.
Who can join?
The BU iGEM team will consist of a small number of undergraduate students as well as a small number of high school students. The team size will vary depending on the project but typically will be around 7-10 total students and a handful of graduate student mentors.
**High school students must:
Have previous engagement/attendance at STEM Pathways events
OR
Be a BioBuilder certified partner for consideration for the iGEM team**
How do I Join?
The iGEM team is a selective group to be determined by the STEM Pathways administrators as well as the PI who is spearheading the project. Interested applicants should fill out the STEM Pathways application for the summer semester made available in mid to late February and wait for further instruction.
The 2024 iGEM Application is now closed. Stay tuned to keep up to date with our 2024 iGEM Team progress.
Be sure to stay connected with STEM Pathways to make sure you stay up to date with the latest news and opportunities!
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