CJUH-JLU-China has had an impressive year collaborating with numerous iGEM teams both domestically and internationally, which have significantly advanced our project and contributed meaningfully to the broader iGEM community. These collaborations have been pivotal to our achievements, allowing us to share and build upon the collective knowledge, creativity, and expertise of a diverse group of teams. Each collaboration has brought unique insights and strengths to the table, helping us refine our work and achieve results that would have been difficult to achieve independently.(Figure 1)

The dedication, expertise, and cooperative spirit demonstrated by all the teams involved have been truly inspiring. Their contributions have not only enhanced the quality and depth of our project but have also demonstrated the trans-formative power of collaboration in synthetic biology.These partnerships have shown us that when we unite our efforts and work towards common goals, we can push the boundaries of what's possible and create lasting impacts that extend beyond our individual projects.

We are incredibly proud to have collaborated with such talented and committed teams, whose passion and drive have been integral to our shared successes. As we look ahead, we are excited about the possibilities that future partnerships will bring. We are eager to continue building on the strong foundations we have laid this year, confident that together we can achieve even greater innovations in synthetic biology.

This year, we embarked on an enriching partnership with UTokyo, a collaboration that spanned across-scientific exchange, ethical exploration and educational innovations . Our partnership involved significant technical exchanges. Given the similarities between their project and our previous work, we engaged in detailed discussions about our methodologies. UTokyo asked insightful questions about our experimental approaches, including how we integrate wet and dry experiments. For instance, UTokyo showed particular interest in strengthening the bioengineering aspects of our work. We provided our insights on how synthesizing crRNA and proteins enabled us to create a production scheme adaptable to various miRNA targets. We also shared how molecular dynamics simulations played a key role in guiding our experimental design and improving the accuracy of our predictions. These exchanges, including more in-depth discussions via Zoom meetings, led to practical solutions that addressed specific challenges UTokyo was facing, enabling them to move forward with more confidence and clarity ( Figure 2).

By addressing their questions and revisiting our own methodologies, we also uncovered new opportunities to reflect on our previous project and apply those insights to optimize our current work. This collaborative process fostered a dynamic, two-way learning environment (Figure 3), allowing both teams to not only deepen their understanding but also drive innovation and create a stronger foundation for future breakthroughs.

iGEM is more than just a prestigious international competition; it is a community—a group of people dedicated to unlocking new possibilities for the world through synthetic biology. On this journey, we have been incredibly fortunate to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion and vision. As the intense wiki freeze deadline approached, our friends from UTokyo inspired us with a line from the Japanese manga Haikyu!!: “When you give up, that's when the game is over.” Their encouragement and support touched us deeply. We responded with a verse from classical Chinese poetry: “There will come a day when we brave the winds and ride the waves, setting sail with our cloud-white sails toward the vast ocean.” It's a reminder that together, we can overcome any challenge and achieve great things. This shared cultural resonance brought us closer together, transcending time and space, and bridging international boundaries. In that moment, our hearts were united by our shared dreams and unwavering commitment.

Our collaboration with UTokyo also included co-developing the "Ethics of Synthetic Biology" manual. UTokyo's contribution provided diverse insights that enriched the manual with a range of ethical considerations. By incorporating perspectives from multiple teams, this collaboration allowed us to present a broader array of ethical insights related to synthetic biology. Together, we ensured the manual offers valuable insights into ethical issues from various global perspectives, making it a useful resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers worldwide. For more detailed information on this collaboration, please refer to the dedicated section on the "Ethics of Synthetic Biology" manual.

By combining efforts in educational content development, knowledge exchanges, ethical considerations and picture book translation, we are breaking down cultural and language barriers and fostering a more inclusive global community. We are excited to continue developing multilingual educational materials on advanced scientific topics, such as synthetic biology, and to further our mission of making cutting-edge science accessible to young learners worldwide.

In collaboration with LZU-China, we contributed to the creation of a series of sign language videos aimed at making essential health information accessible to the deaf community. Our team provided scientific knowledge, while LZU-China took charge of the video production (Figure 4). Together, we addressed a critical gap in the availability of information about heart disease and cancer prevention for the deaf population, an area that has received little public attention on social media.

Our contributions focused on three key areas: Reverse Cardio-oncology, heart disease prevention, and cancer prevention. We introduced the emerging field of Reverse Cardio-oncology, explaining its significance in understanding the interactions between cancer and cardiovascular health. We also provided practical, evidence-based guidelines on preventing heart disease through lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and cultivating healthy daily habits. In addition, we outlined tumor prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of reducing risk factors, vaccinating high-risk groups, and regular physical check-ups.

These sign language videos were created to engage and educate the deaf community, empowering them with knowledge about cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. By making this information accessible, we are committed to extending our scientific outreach and supporting communities that often face barriers to vital health information.

In an effort to foster collaboration and advance the use of computational tools in synthetic biology, our team had the privilege of participating in the 1st iGEM Team Dry Lab Meeting alongside NENU-China, SUSTech-MED, and DUT (Figure 5). This gathering became a dynamic space for exchanging ideas, where we explored the innovative use of neural networks for biological modeling, along with cutting-edge methods for simulating bacteriophage infections and bacterial wound spread. These discussions deepened our understanding of advanced techniques and their potential to transform biological research.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the application of Random Forest and XGBoost in nucleic acid sequence analysis, which was effectively demonstrated by other teams. By examining their methods, we realized the critical role that base content and nucleotide arrangement play in creating efficient sequences. This insight led us to refine our sequence optimization strategy, focusing on these factors to improve the accuracy and performance of our model, and these improvements were integrated into the ongoing development of our project.

The meeting also featured highly informative presentations on sacB molecular docking and mutation site prediction, offering valuable lessons on the importance of precise molecular interactions in genetic engineering. These insights have broadened our understanding of the intricate details involved in genetic modifications, providing us with the tools to enhance the precision of our own work.

In summary, the meeting was a rich exchange of innovative ideas and practical techniques that are shaping our project in meaningful ways. The open dialogue and collaborative spirit fostered during the session continue to inspire our efforts, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of cutting-edge developments in synthetic biology.

Last year, we connected with Yiye-China and discovered the similarities between our projects. Our work sparked fresh ideas that influenced their approaches in both wet lab and dry lab efforts. This year, they invited us to continue the collaboration, building on the mutual learning and exchange of ideas that had already begun.

Yiye-China, a high school iGEM team, impressed us with their creative approach to using miRNA secondary structures for gastric cancer diagnosis. The alignment between their modeling methods and ours led to insightful discussions, allowing both teams to refine the strategies. Despite the difference in academic levels, these exchanges highlighted the unique perspectives younger teams bring to problem-solving.

Beyond the technical exchange, their innovative approach to creating peripheral products, including a thoughtful team logo inspired by their project theme, showcased their creativity (Figure 6). This fresh take on design sparked new ideas for how we might enhance our own project branding and outreach efforts, let us realize the importance of diverse collaborations and the exchange of ideas across different ages.

Working with Yiye-China was a reminder of the value that younger teams bring to the iGEM community. We remain open to future collaborations with Yiye-China, as both teams are excited to build on this partnership and explore new possibilities in synthetic biology.

Our team, CJUH-JLU-China, was honored to be part of the 1st Northeast iGEM Meetup of 2024, a regional event hosted by Northeast Normal University and Northeast Agricultural University. This meetup brought together universities and high schools from the three northeastern provinces of China , highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in iGEM communities. As a team rooted in the Northeast, we felt a strong sense of connection and responsibility in contributing to this local initiative, which we believe sets the stage for future collaborations among teams in the region.

Held both online and offline, the event gathered 12 teams(NEFU-China, NENU-China, CJUH-JLU-China, Jilin-China, JLU-China, JLU-CP, JLU-NBBMS, SYPHU-China) participated in person at the Linzhen Building of Northeast Normal University, while four teams (BAID-China, DUT, RDFZ-China, Tongji-China) joined online (Figure 7). During the meetup, each team presented their project, followed by engaging Q&A sessions. We showcased our project, Heartecho, and were met with insightful feedback from peers and mentors alike. NEFU-China raised critical questions regarding our experimental design, helping us refine key aspects of our approach. The interactive discussions with other teams, such as NEFU-China and NENU-China, deepened our understanding and provided us with fresh perspectives.

One particularly memorable interaction came from BAID-China, a high school team that shared their struggles with experimental challenges and modeling. Inspired by their determination, we immediately offered to support them in overcoming these hurdles, opening the door for further collaboration. This exchange captured the essence of the meetup: teams learning from and supporting one another.

Beyond the presentations and discussions, the meetup developed a network of collaboration that can drive future breakthroughs. As teams from the Northeast, we share common challenges and opportunities, and this event laid the groundwork for ongoing partnerships. By fostering connections at the regional level, we aim to enhance not only our own projects but also contribute to the collective growth of synthetic biology in the Northeast.

On September 8, 2024, five iGEM teams from Jilin University (Jilin-China, JLU-CP, CJUH-JLU-China, JLU-China, and JLU-NBBMS) hosted a successful joint presentation at the Jingxin Teaching Building on the South Qianwei Campus (Figure 8). The event aimed to introduce students to synthetic biology and the iGEM competition, as well as to showcase the various projects developed by each team, sparking interest in this innovative field. The presentation attracted students from all grade levels, with a particularly enthusiastic response from freshmen, who were eager to learn more about synthetic biology. The atmosphere was vibrant, with active participation and engagement from the audience.

The five teams each introduced their projects, providing a comprehensive overview of their unique approaches. We presented our project, Heartecho, detailing its background, the challenges we're addressing, and our proposed solutions (Figure 9). Our presentation was well-received, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback from the audience. After the event, many students shared that they had gained a new understanding of synthetic biology and iGEM, and expressed excitement about the future of the field. This joint presentation was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and inspire interest, not only in synthetic biology but also in the iGEM competition itself. We hope that more students will be inspired to join iGEM in the future, contributing to the ongoing growth and development of synthetic biology.

The Conference of iGEMer Community in China (CCiC) is the largest platform for iGEMers to connect and communicate within China. We had the privilege of participating in the 11th CCiC, hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, which attracted 123 teams from across the country (Figure 10).

During the team presentation session, we showcased our project, Heartecho (Figure 11). We highlighted various group activities, including our sports series, education tree, heart health exercises, and SYNO card games. These activities offered ample opportunities for collaboration and communication among the participating teams. We also extended a sincere invitation to other iGEM teams to collaborate and exchange ideas with us to jointly advance the field of synthetic biology.

Many teams engaged in in-depth discussions, shared their research findings and experiences, and established strong friendships. This led to the formation of the "CJUH-JLU-China's Friends" community, dedicated to working together to solve problems and spread knowledge of synthetic biology. We envision this community gradually expanding to provide a platform for future iGEMers to communicate and collaborate. At the CCiC venue, our team played the original SYNO card game with several other teams together, fostering learning and discussion in a pleasant atmosphere, enhancing understanding, and deepening cooperation (Figure 12). The entire experience was filled with laughter and created lasting memories.

Our team's poster stood out among nearly 100 posters, garnering nearly 5,000 votes and winning the "Most Popular Poster" award at the conference (Figure 13). The team members demonstrated exceptional collaboration and creativity in the design, production, and promotion of the poster, showcasing their passion and professionalism in synthetic biology. This award is not only a recognition of our hard work but also a testament to our team's cohesion and innovative spirit.

Participating in the 11th CCiC was incredibly meaningful for the CJUH-JLU-China team, and we gained a great deal from the experience. Through this event, we not only learned about the experimental design ideas of many outstanding teams but also made new friends and broadened our horizons. Engaging with other teams helped us enhance our scientific research abilities and strengthen our teamwork spirit.

The Cardiac Health Exercise, now known as 'Unity Pulse', was created by CJUH-JLU-China to promote overall well-being, with a special focus on heart health (Figure 14). The name 'Unity Pulse' represents the shared heartbeat of iGEM teams, echoing the synchronized efforts to promote heart health and unity across regions.

Recognizing the potential of this initiative, eight iGEM teams joined forces to create a video, broadening its reach and encouraging even greater participation. Teams from five major cities — Changchun, Shenyang, Harbin, Hefei, and Shenzhen—came together in this collaborative effort, representing institutions include CJUH-JLU-China, SYPHU-2024, NEFU-China, USTC, PekingHSC, SUSTech-MED, SMU&GDMU-China, and SUSTechOCEAN. This diverse partnership extended its influence far beyond regional boundaries, creating a widespread impact.

The video captures the vibrant energy of each team, showcasing not only their commitment to heart health but also the rich cultural diversity of schools and regions. With participants from both the north and south of China, this project bridges geographical distances and unites passionate young minds in a shared mission to promote health.

In our effort to improve the field of synthetic biology while ensuring it adheres to ethical principles, CJUH-JLU-China collaborated with ten other iGEM teams to co-author the document titled "Ethics of Synthetic Biology." This document examines ethical considerations from both environmental and medical perspectives, covering topics such as food, disease diagnosis, treatment, and infectious disease prevention.

The participating teams include: UTokyo, SUSTechOCEAN, NJTECH-CHINA-A, NEFU-China, OUC-Haide, SYPHU-CHINA, SMU&GDMU-China, HUBULoong-CHN, DUT, SUSTech-MED

As the leading editor, we were responsible for drafting the introduction, addressing the ethics of new approaches to disease diagnosis, integrating layout design, and conducting textual reviews. Each participating team contributed by writing and refining their assigned sections, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the document (Figure 15).

Our collective exploration of ethical issues in synthetic biology is intended to provide a comprehensive ethical framework for researchers, policymakers, iGEMers, and the public both in China and around the world. This framework aims to guide synthetic biology research and practices toward greater responsibility and sustainability, ensuring that advancements in the field benefit society while respecting ethical standards.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude once again to all the teams who collaborated in the editing of this document. Their dedication, hard work, and insightful contributions have been invaluable in shaping the content and ensuring its depth and accuracy. The diverse perspectives and expertise each team brought to the table enriched the document, allowing it to address the complex ethical considerations in synthetic biology with a comprehensive and nuanced approach.

This collaboration would not have reached its current level of excellence without their commitment, and we are proud to have worked alongside such talented and passionate teams.

Our partnership with UTokyo and Evry-Paris-Saclay focused on translating and culturally adapting a children's picture book designed to teach young readers about bacteria and the importance of personal hygiene. Through this collaboration, we were able to bring our message of health and hygiene to a broader audience, making it accessible to Japanese and French children in a way that resonates with their cultural context.

Bacteria and diseases are universal concerns, and proper hygiene habits, such as washing hands, are essential for preventing illness. Our picture book introduces these concepts to children in an engaging way, using the adventures of a curious boy-little Noah to explore the unseen world of bacteria. The goal is to simplify complex health concepts and make them relatable to young readers, encouraging them to develop healthy habits early in life. By offering this story in multiple languages, we aim to raise global awareness about the importance of hygiene (Figure 16).

Our collaboration with UTokyo and Evry-Paris-Saclay was not just about translating content; it focused on adapting educational materials to make them effective across cultural boundaries. By working with them, we ensured that the hygiene education we offer is not only linguistically accessible but also culturally relevant. Through this process, we're fostering a shared understanding of health across borders, demonstrating how cross-cultural collaboration can empower children worldwide to build lasting healthy habits and contribute to stronger public health outcomes globally.