Participation in iGEMers Congress in Beijing
Our iGEM team was invited as a special guest to the Beijing iGEMer congress, which gathered most of the iGEM teams registered in universities and research centers in Beijing. The event was held at the prestigious, century-old Beijing Normal University.
What was the purpose of our communication?
The purpose of our participation in this event was to present our project and receive valuable feedback from other teams and experts. We also aimed to take advantage of the opportunity to practice and refine our presentation in an environment similar to the official iGEM competition.
What was the purpose of our communication?
During the congress, we presented our project in English, emulating the real conditions of the international iGEM competition. This decision made us stand out among the other teams, who presented their projects in Chinese. In addition to the presentation, we participated in a practice judging section, where we received critical observations and recommendations to improve our project. The event itinerary included a project exhibition, Q&A sessions, free discussion, and photo opportunities, which allowed us to interact and learn from other teams.
What did we communicate?
During the congress, we presented our project in English, emulating the real conditions of the international iGEM competition. This decision made us stand out among the other teams, who presented their projects in Chinese. In addition to the presentation, we participated in a practice judging section, where we received critical observations and recommendations to improve our project. The event itinerary included a project exhibition, Q&A sessions, free discussion, and photo opportunities, which allowed us to interact and learn from other teams.
Problems Solved
Our participation in the practice judging section helped us identify areas for improvement in our project, providing us with crucial external perspectives to refine details before the official competition. By presenting in English, we also tackled the challenge of communicating in an international language, which strengthened our presentation skills and better prepared us for the global iGEM environment.
Results Achieved
Thanks to the feedback received, we improved several aspects of our project, from the clarity of the presentation to the depth of scientific analysis. Our team stood out at the congress not only for the quality of the project but also for our ability to communicate it effectively in an international context. The experience reinforced our confidence and better prepared us for the official competition.
Duke University
First International Communication: Duke University, United States of America
Our first international communication outside of China was conducted with the iGEM team from Duke University, located in USA. This milestone represented a significant logistical challenge due to time zone differences and coordination of schedules between the two teams. Despite these obstacles, we managed to hold a productive and enriching meeting, underscoring our commitment to expanding our international interactions.
Purpose of the Communication
The primary goal of this meeting was to share details and progress about our Biosym Bridge project and our iGEM proyect. The interaction not only allowed us to present our work but also provided valuable feedback from the Duke team, whose perspectives offered new insights and recommendations for refining our proposal.
Challenges Overcome
The complexity of coordinating the meeting, given the divergent time zones and the academic and work commitments of both teams, was considerable. However, through meticulous planning, we overcame these challenges and created a space for a deep and meaningful discussion about the technical approach and biotechnological relevance of our project.
Impact and Results
The Duke University team was particularly impressed with our innovative approach to the biosynthesis of sulforaphane through Biosym Bridge. The enthusiasm generated by the presentation was such that they expressed interest in exploring future collaborations and mentioned the possibility of discussing with their leaders a potential union with our project. This outcome not only reinforces the quality of our proposal but also opens new opportunities for significant international collaborations.
BNUZH
Ongoing Collaboration: Communication with iGEM Teams in China (Since 2022)
Our first interaction with another iGEM team was not an isolated event but rather part of an ongoing collaboration that has continued since 2022. This relationship has persisted over time due to our tradition of mutual communication, allowing us to regularly and systematically share the progress of each team.
Purpose of the Communication
The main goal of our interactions has been to create a space for continuous feedback. We communicate in Chinese, which makes collaboration smoother and more efficient. Every year, we share our project updates, provide suggestions for improvement, and organize joint judging practice sessions to refine and perfect our project presentations.
Challenges Overcome
Throughout this collaboration, we have overcome the geographical distance and technical differences through constant communication and rigorous knowledge exchange. These practice sessions have been essential in strengthening our skills in project presentation and technical review.
Impact and Results
The synergy generated in these interactions has led to particular interest from several teams in our Biosym Bridge project. These teams have shown curiosity and a willingness to explore possible future collaborations. The continuous exchange has allowed us not only to improve our own projects but also to enrich the development of other teams, creating a cycle of learning that has benefited all parties involved.
ZJU
New Connection: Communication with iGEM ZJU (Zhejiang University)
This year, we established a new connection with the iGEM team from Zhejiang University, thanks to the professional relationship between our professors, who are friends and facilitated our mutual introduction. This emerging collaboration has opened a new channel of communication, which has been essential in strengthening the exchange of ideas between both teams.
Purpose of the Communication
Our collaboration with the iGEM ZJU team has focused on sharing our approaches to synthetic biology and exchanging experiences regarding the development and implementation of our projects. Although communication started recently, we have discussed key aspects of the challenges and solutions we face in our respective projects.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges was establishing a collaboration in a short period of time. Despite this, we have leveraged the academic connections to foster an efficient exchange of knowledge. This has allowed both teams to delve deeper into their respective approaches and find new perspectives that enrich the development of our projects.
Impact and Results
The iGEM ZJU team has shown particular interest in our Biosym Bridge project, highlighting its potential for future collaborations. The smooth communication between the teams has been key to exploring new opportunities for joint work. Through this collaboration, we have been able to analyze and improve technical aspects of our projects, strengthening the innovation and growth of both teams.
Northwest Regional Igemer Exchange Society
New Collaboration: Communication with iGEM Northwestern University
Our communication with the iGEM team from Northwestern University is recent and arose thanks to the personal connection of one of our team members, who has friends at that university and acted as an intermediary to establish the initial contact. This connection has allowed both teams to start collaborating effectively in a short amount of time.
Purpose of the Communication
The main goal of this new collaboration has been to share knowledge about the progress of our projects and offer mutual feedback. The interaction between teams has been smooth and constructive, allowing us to identify key areas where we can improve our respective proposals.
Challenges and Solutions
Establishing a new collaboration can be challenging, especially when done through personal contacts. However, the connection facilitated by our team member has allowed the integration and communication process to be quick and effective. This has helped us overcome any initial barriers, ensuring a strong exchange of ideas and approaches.
Impact and Results
Northwestern University has shown interest in exploring our Biosym Bridge project, and opportunities for continued collaboration in the future have opened up. This interaction has enriched our perspective and allowed both teams to move forward with a better understanding of the technical and practical aspects of our projects.
SCU
Social Media Contact: Communication with iGEM Sichuan University
Our communication with the iGEM team from Sichuan University began recently through social media. We were interested in learning more about their project, and this platform allowed us to initiate direct and quick contact to establish a collaboration.
Purpose of the Communication
The main goal of this interaction was to learn more about Sichuan University's approach to their iGEM project and share details about ours. This exchange has allowed us to better understand the strategies they are using and open a constructive dialogue about potential mutual improvements.
Challenges and Solutions
The initial challenge was establishing formal contact through social media, but once we connected, the communication flowed smoothly. Despite the informal nature of the platform, the interaction has been professional and productive, facilitating a valuable exchange of ideas regarding the methodology and execution of our projects.
Impact and Results
The team from Sichuan University was receptive to our questions and also expressed interest in our proposals, particularly our Biosym Bridge project. This interaction has been enriching for both sides, and we have begun to explore ways we might collaborate in the future.
