We’re excited to announce our 3rd year of partnership with “Frontiers in Systems Biology”, and cross-title collaborations with “Frontiers in Bioinformatics” and “Frontiers in Synthetic Biology” to provide an opportunity for you- past and present iGEM Competition teams- to publish your iGEM projects in peer-reviewed scientific journals!
You can publish your research work on the following four topics:
- Systems Biology and Synthetic Approaches in Achieving Sustainable Action;
- Systems Biology in Biomedical Innovations and Healthcare;
- Technological Advancements in Engineering: From Production to AI and Software;
- Systems Biology in Healthcare and Pandemic Preparedness.
For all topics, the Manuscript Summary Submission Deadline is November 30, 2025.
For all topics, the Manuscript Submission Deadline is May 30, 2026.
Learn more about the topics and the submission process on our website! (Link in Bio)
When the iGEM Competition was featured on 60 Minutes this Fall, it marked a milestone for synthetic biology and for youth-led innovation. Being featured on 60 Minutes reflects growing public interest in how young scientists engage with real-world challenges through synthetic biology.
Read about iGEM's focus on scientific rigor and the 60 Minutes segment at the link in Bio!
David Baker, Faculty Advisor of University of Washington iGEM team and Director of the UW Medicine Institute for Protein Design, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in computational protein design.
He achieved the remarkable feat of designing entirely new proteins and shares the prize with Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, who developed an AI model that solves the long-standing challenge of predicting complex protein structures.
Baker has been a part of our community since 2009 as a faculty advisor of the University of Washington iGEM Team, and his lab has been a home to iGEMers for over a decade.
On behalf of iGEM and synthetic biology community, we congratulate David Baker for his well-deserved recognition with the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and his contributions to the field through his own work and the work of his students 💚
#nobelprize #igem #synbio
Communicating science is rewarding, but it can also feel intimidating and quietly overwhelming.
Whether you're a student presenting in class, a researcher at conferences or engaging with the public, self-doubt, comparison and pressure often come along for the ride.
"Work in Progress" and "Mastering Science Communication" projects present to you the Therapeutic Arts "Back to Myself" Workshop, designed to help you find your footing again.
Through guided, art-based exercises and shared reflection, the workshop will explore how to build inner confidence, navigate imposter feelings and shift from comparison towards connection and self-trust.
No artistic experience needed. Open to all levels. Come as you are.
30 May 2025 · 14:30 UTC
Comment “iGEM” to receive the registration link.
iGEM will be in Germany!
Join iGEM Ambassadors from three regions and the iGEM Promoter for Europe at the 2026 BFH European Meetup, taking place May 15-17, 2026 at the DESY Campus of Hamburg University in Hamburg.
Organized by the iGEM Bielefeld-CeBiTec, iGEM GU Frankfurt and iGEM Hamburg, the BFH European Meetup brings together iGEM teams from across Europe for 3-days of presentations, workshops and networking.
We look forward to connecting with the European iGEM community. 💚
Human Practices is about designing with the world, not just for it!
It challenges iGEM Teams to listen, reflect, adapt and rethink their assumptions throughout their project's journey. They use it to improve technical decisions and better understand the real context surrounding their work.
Join the upcoming GEMinar: “Human Practices: What’s this all about?” with Matsuri Rojano-Nisimura, Ph.D.-Nisimura on May 12th, 2026 to learn more about Human Practices in the iGEM Competition.
Comment "iGEM" to receive the registration link!
Applications for the iGEM Software & AI Village Council have been extended until May 15, 2026!
The Software & AI Village explores how artificial intelligence and computational tools are shaping the future of synthetic biology, while also addressing important challenges such as model reliability, dual-use risks and governance.
Village Mayor Elzbieta Gralinska is continuing to recruit Council Members to help develop the Village and contribute perspectives on AI, software and responsible innovation in synthetic biology.
Open roles: • Content Contributor • AI & Synthetic Biology Research Contributor • AI Governance & Policy Research Contributor
Comment "iGEM" to receive the application link!
The 2026 iGEM Competition is already in motion!
More than 400 teams are already building projects to tackle real-world challenges with synthetic biology.
Late Registration closes on June 4, 2026.
This is your final chance to join the 2026 season!
Ready to start your iGEM journey?
More information is at the link in bio!
What does “Human Practices” really mean in iGEM, and how can High School teams integrate it meaningfully into their projects?
Join the iGEM High School PI Network on May 12 at 13:00 UTC for the first Geminar: "Human Practices: What’s this all about?", featuring Matsuri Rojano-Nisimura, Ph.D.
This session will explore how teams can connect synthetic biology with real-world impact through reflection, ethics, community engagement and responsible decision-making throughout the iGEM season.
GEMinars is a webinar series designed to help High School PIs learn from subject matter experts, exchange experiences with peers worldwide and stay informed on key topics shaping the iGEM Competition.
Comment “iGEM” to receive the registration link in your inbox!
Welcoming Sriram Kumar as the iGEM Village Mayor for the Infectious Diseases Village!
The Infectious Diseases Village explores how synthetic biology can support the detection, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, while promoting responsible research and safe development of emerging technologies.
Now serving as Village Mayor, Sriram Kumar is recruiting Council Members to help develop the Village and bring together perspectives across science, policy and public health.
Open roles:
• Progress Mapping Team
• Policy Lead
• Village Coordinator
Application deadline: May 12, 2026.
Comment “iGEM” under this post and receive the application link in your inbox!
iGEM was in Japan!
iGEM Ambassador to Asia and Oceania Farrel Alfaza Marsetyo joined the 1st Annual iGEM Japan Community Meetup, held at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo.
The event brought together iGEM teams, principal investigators and alumni from across Japan to share project progress, exchange feedback and strengthen community connections. The program included team presentations, poster sessions and networking opportunities, alongside activities focused on collaboration and responsible research practices.
Read the full event report on the iGEM Community website!
In the Pictures:
- Picture 1: Group Photo of the participants of the 1st Annual iGEM Japan Community Meetup.
- Picture 2: Farrel Alfaza Marsetyo, iGEM Ambassador for Asia and Oceania, giving his presentation at the 1st Annual iGEM Japan Community Meetup.
New Event Date: May 2, 2026 at 13:00 UTC
The iGEM Arts Gallery is celebrating its 5th edition!
To mark this milestone and promote this year’s open call, biocreators from around the world will come together to share their experiences at the intersection of art, design, science and technology.
Comment “iGEM” and receive the registration link.
