Summer School
Practical Workshop
Transfer of theoretical knowledge to practical skills.
Fully Funded
Gain experience in synthetic biology methods beyond usual school budgets.
Long-Lasting-Impact
Establishing an annual summer school and synthetic biology student group.
Why it Matters
We launched the iGEM Heidelberg Summer School 2024, a weekend laboratory practical, with 12 high school students, to teach hands-on self-organized laboratory work. We introduced the students to key principles of the CRISPR/Cas technology, which is the foundation of our PICasSO platform. We created a unique opportunity for students to engage with state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, fostering a deeper fascination for science. In partnership with the DKFZ Life Science Lab, we conducted the workshop twice, using their laboratory facilities. The Summer School spanned three days, beginning with a theoretical introduction on the first day. Afterward, the students designed sgRNA sequences using bioinformatics tools, which were then in vitro synthesized on the second day. Finally, on the third day, the synthesized sgRNA was used to target and cut the DNA after assembling with the Cas9 into a ribonucleoprotein complex, allowing the students to observe the CRISPR/Cas mechanism in action.
Impact from Us
The methods and materials used in our course are typically inaccessible for schools due to financial limitations, lack of trained personnel, or inadequate facilities. For these reasons, it was essential to us to make our high-quality educational materials and resources developed for the Summer School freely available for everyone (see our Contribution page). We aim to extend the impact of our project beyond the immediate participants, allowing more students from different backgrounds and regions to learn about advanced molecular biology techniques like CRISPR/Cas. Throughout the Summer School we emphasized hands-on learning and development of laboratory skills. By explaining the reasoning behind each action, we not only taught them how to perform the experiments but also why each step was necessary. Through daily dicussions, targeted questions in the script, and introductions to laboratory equipment, we ensured that every student fully understood and safely executed the experiments independently. We emphasized the importance of grasping the theory and applying it in practice, which made complex scientific concepts less intimidating and each experimental step clear and easy to follow. This combination of guidance and independent experimentation left a lasting impact, fostering both the students confidence and curiosity to pursue future scientific endeavors. Since the supervisors from the iGEM Team were only slightly older than the students, which created a more approachable learning environment. The students felt comfortable asking questions and interacting with the supervisors, which created a more open and effective learning process.
Impact on Us
The positive feedback we received from the students has motivated us to continue and expand our efforts. As a direct result, we have decided to conduct the Summer School workshop again in May next year. This commitment reflects not only the success of the Summer School but also our belief in the long-term value of providing accessible, hands-on scientific education. In Addition, we entered into a long-term collaboration with the DKFZ Life Science Lab by founding an extracurricular synthetic biology student group. Led by trained iGEM team members, this working group ensures continuous support and lasting benefits for the students. Its impact will extend far beyond iGEM, creating meaningful opportunities well into the future.
Friday Lecture Series
Dynamic Knowledge Exchange
Connecting pupils, students, and academic experts.
Accessible Research
Professors simplify complex topics for easy understanding.
Long-Lasting-Impact
Extending the series through 2025.
Why it Matters
The Friday Lectures are part of our mission to make scientific knowledge more accessible. We created a space for high school students, university students and leading researchers can engage directly with each other. We broke down barriers to higher education and are nurturing intellectual curiosity. These lectures provide a deeper understanding of complex scientific topics in an approachable and engaging way, tailored to students at various levels of knowledge.
Impact from Us
In collaboration with the DKFZ Life Science Lab, we organized the Friday Lectures as a weekly 90-minute event taking place every Friday at 5:00 pm. The DKFZ Life Science Lab supported us by promoting the event within their network and providing the venue. Each week, a professor presented a topic of their choice in a student-friendly manner, including topics like "AI Models in Molecular Biology" or "The Unusual Life of Malaria Parasites." The Friday Lectures were open to all interested participants, free of charge, and offered both in-person and occasionally online. We promoted the event through flyers, posters, and social media, aiding in attracting a wide audience. The Friday Lectures quickly became one of our most successful educational initiatives, peaking at over 40 participants. This consistent engagement highlights the widespread interest and value of these lectures, ensuring an inclusive lineup of speakers, with an equal representation of men and women, reflecting our commitment to diversity in STEM. Our team took responsibility for organizing the speakers and moderating the sessions, while the professors decided on the topic of the presentation. After each lecture, we provided the materials to participants for further learning.
Impact on Us
Given the success of the Friday Lectures, we have already scheduled additional sessions through May 2025 and reached out to new speakers. This initiative has proven to be highly impactful, and we are committed to maintaining it as a long-term collaboration due to the exceedingly positive response. By continuing to provide an inclusive and engaging environment, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and create lasting connections between academia and the broader non-scientific community.
Subjects of Our Friday Lectures
Metabolites as Signaling Molecules in Cancer
28 June 2024
Prof. Dr. Christiane Opitz
Head of Department Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Prof. Dr. Christiane Opitz emphasized the critical role of metabolites as signaling molecules in cancer, driving tumor progression through complex metabolic crosstalk. Cancer cells interact with their tumor microenvironment, suppressing immune responses to promote tumor growth and immune evasion. Understanding this metabolic crosstalk in cancer paves the way for targeted therapies, such as Prof. Dr. Opitz's research on tryptophan metabolism in brain tumors. Tryptophan-derived metabolites activate the dioxin receptor, promoting brain tumor development. Prof. Dr. Christiane Opitz explained the role of the dioxin receptor in cancer. The students were particularly interested in learning about the ongoing efforts to understand the specific signaling pathways and potential new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance
Eco-friendly Inactivation Strategies to Prevent Resistance
05 July 2024 online lecture
Prof. Dr. Katja Arndt
Professor of Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Potsdam
Prof. Dr. Katja Arndt introduced students to key projects in synthetic biology, focusing on the critical issue of multi-resistant bacteria — an ongoing challenge in the agricultural sector both in Brandenburg, Germany, and globally. She highlighted three major antibiotics and discussed how optimizing enzyme activity can enhance substrate degradation, thereby minimizing bacterial exposure and reducing the persistence of resistant bacteria.
Unexpected RNA-Protein Complexes in Cell Division
12 July 2024
PD Dr. Maïwen Caudron-Herger
Head of the research group “RNA-Protein Complexes & Cell Proliferation” at DKFZ
The Friday Lecture with PD Dr. Caudron-Herger focused on the mechanism of cell division. She shared how she became fascinated with the shape of the mitotic spindle, which pulls the chromosomes apart. With her background in RNA-protein interactions, she observed that RNA-binding proteins play a significant role in cell division. Dr. Caudron-Herger proposed the idea that RNA might function like a glue, bringing proteins into proximity and thereby regulating mitosis - regardless of the RNA sequence.
AI Models in Molecular Biology
19 July 2024
Prof. Dr. Carl Herrmann
Professor for Bioinformatics at the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology - University of Heidelberg
Prof. Dr. Herrmann introduced students to the field of bioinformatics, demonstrating how computational models are used to simulate biological processes. He explained the architecture of neural networks and the structure of the underlying equations that drive these models. He emphasized the crucial role of artificial intelligence in computational biology for solving complex biological challenges and detecting errors in biological systems. Prof. Dr. Herrmann acknowledged that many people feel overwhelmed by the "informatics" aspect of bioinformatics, but he aimed to alleviate this concern by making the subject more approachable for students.
Molecular Chaperones and the Cellular Response to Stress
06 September 2024
Prof. Dr. Matthias Mayer
Professor for allosteric regulation of protein conformation at the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University
Prof. Dr. Mayers research focuses on the role of chaperones in cellular processes. He introduced students to how finely these proteins are regulated and how researchers have identified the factors involved in the response to cellular stress. Students also learned how aging is directly linked to the functionality of chaperones. Additionally, tumors rely on the overexpression of these proteins, making them an interesting target for cancer therapy.
Bacterial Endospores
A Lecture on Life and Death
13 September 2024
Dr. Ilka Bischofs-Pfeifer
Max Planck Institut for Terrestrial Microbiology - Head of the Research Group “Complex Adaptive Traits (CATs)”
Dr. Ilka Bischoff gave an insightful talk on the role of bacterial endospores in life and death. She took us on a journey from the discovery of these structures to their everyday presence in things like food. Whether its food safety concerns or the birth of microbiology, endospores are always part of the picture. Dr. Bischoff explained how endospore formers can be both dangerous to human health, due to their ability to survive extreme conditions, and surprisingly beneficial, with some even playing a role in producing superfoods, like Natto, a Japanese specialty. She also explored how spores develop over time, highlighting their quality and quantity differences and illustrating how much they influence our world. During the interactive discussion questions like "How do we know if bacteria are endospore formers or not" came from the audience and showed a big interest in Dr. Ilka Bischoff's enthusiastic and exciting lecture.
Designer Proteins:
Molecular Nanomachines Powered by AI
20 September 2024 online lecture
Prof. Dr. Dominik Niopek
Professor for Synthetic Biology at the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology - University of Heidelberg
Prof. Dr. Niopek gave a well-received talk on the possibilities of protein design with the assistance of AI. He explained how the protein structure prediction software AlphaFold works and discussed the possibilities and limitations that tools like this offer for protein engineering. He then provided insights into research projects from his lab, focusing on light-controllable protein domains and the engineering of protein allostery.
The Unusual Life of Malaria Parasites
27 September 2024 online lecture
Dr. Markus Ganter
Head of the Ganter Lab at the Center for Infectious Diseases at University Hospital Heidelberg
The Friday Lecture with Dr. Markus Ganter focused on the cell proliferation of malaria parasites - known as schizogony- that follows a highly unusual and somewhat bizarre mechanism. He shared insights from his research on uncovering the signaling cascade behind this replication process. Additionally, students gained a deep understanding of malaria transmission across different species, with questions like "Why do elephants not die of malaria?" and "Why do some birds not get ill from malaria?" being answered.
School Workshops
School & Research Connection
Offering free, science-based lesson plans for various school levels.
Breaking Down Socio-Economic Barriers
Bringing advanced research to all students, regardless of background.
Long-Lasting Impact
Offering free, science-based lesson plans for various school levels.Sharing our synthetic biology experiences and challenges through open discussions.
Why it Matters
Our workshops aimed to provide school students from elementary to high school, a unique opportunity to explore synthetic biology and modern scientific concepts that go beyond the standard school curriculum.
The high school workshops introduced students to the development process of a research project, using iGEM as a case study to highlight the challenges, decision-making, and critical considerations involved. Further connecting school students with iGEM team members bridges the gap between often hard-to-grasp academic research and the classroom, answering questions and sharing first-hand experiences beyond what teachers can offer.
High School Workshop Concept
During our elementary school workshop, we introduced children to the concept of cells as the smallest unit of life. We used a combination of interactive and practical elements to spark early interest in biological topics, which are not typically covered until later grades (Ministerium für Kultus, Jugend und Sport Baden-Wuerttemberg, 2016). In total, we conducted four workshops in 11th and 12th grade, as well as two elementary school workshops in 4th-grade, reaching over 120 students.
Elementary School Workshop Concept
To catch the attention of elementary school students and capture their attention, we developed a special concept that combined an exciting storyline with an interactive introduction. We started the workshop with a self-made video, setting the stage for an adventurous mission the students had to solve. While carefully adapting the workshop to be age-appropriate, we made sure to incorporate scientifically accurate terms, gradually building up the information in small, digestible steps.
Impact from Us
Providing schools with our workshops was only the first step we took to convey the fascination of synthetic biology.
To make a lasting impact with our workshop concept, we provide our scientifically proven concepts to the community, so that future iGEM teams and educators can benefit from them (see our Contributions page).
The highly positive response from students and teachers, along with their great participation during the workshop indicated a high level of interest in the covered topics. Teachers especially appreciated the group task of developing a research project and the presentation of our project as a valuable alternative perspective, which they are unable to provide.
Our workshop offered elementary school students a unique chance to learn about cells and deepen their understanding through a hands-on experiment at an early stage.
Due to the extensive interest in this workshop, one team member will continue a similar workshop series after this years iGEM project ends.
By continuously improving our concepts and integrating stakeholder feedback as well as our observations, we can now provide guidelines on the educational content iGEM teams can provide within their abilities to benefit the educational landscape optimally.
Impact on Us
In our work, we noticed a strong fascination for biology and scientific research in young people. While it is essential to provide a program that is understandable and suitable for the target age, students' knowledge and abilities exceeded our expectations. The practical tasks and group activities allowed students to apply their knowledge, which showed us what individual students know and what interests them, giving us a better feeling for our audience.
Art Science Competition
Positive Encouragement
Making science feel less intimidating and more accessible.
Interdisciplinary
Blends creativity with science, enhancing both analytical and imaginative skills.
Innovation Focus
Promotes out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving.
Why it Matters
In this competition, students are invited to showcase their fictional Dream Organism through any form of art, blending the worlds of art and science. After Wiki Freeze in November, you can explore the students' artwork in our art gallery.
The Dream Organism Competition is designed to cultivate creativity in the next generation of scientists— an essential skill for innovation in synthetic biology. Creativity is not just nice-to-have; it is the driving force behind groundbreaking discoveries and novel applications. Synthetic biology challenges us to think beyond traditional boundaries, to imagine new biological systems, and to solve complex problems in ways that have never been done before.
Impact from Us
By offering an alternative entry point into the world of synthetic biology, we aim to make this exciting field more accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. Our competition is open to everyone, with and without prior scientific knowledge, focusing on creativity and expression as the key judging criteria. This approach encourages participants to think imaginatively and explore bold ideas without being constrained by the limits of their current scientific understanding.
Concept
The task is as follows: "Create your dream organism! What does it look like, and what special abilities does it have? Synthetic biology makes it possible: Glowing plants, bacteria that break down plastic, or goats that produce spider silk in their milk. Let your imagination run wild and present your organism in an artistic form of your choice!"
The organism does not need to be biologically accurate, feasible in reality, or meet any other specific requirements, making it accessible to all students. To ensure students still understand the task, they receive a basic introduction to synthetic biology, for which our high school workshop concept is suitable.
Artworks can be submitted in various categories, including paintings, drawings, digital art, graphic design, sculptures, and models. We welcome creativity, so additional categories are also possible!
The competition is conceptualized for students in grades 9-13 (according to the German education system). Artworks will be judged based on the following criteria: originality and creativity, narrative power, technical challenge, relevance to the topic, and scientific innovation. Importantly, the prizes will also include educational experiences, such as tickets to science museums. Feedback from experts in synthetic biology will help students understand the real-world possibilities of their ideas.
First Run
After developing the competition concept in May, we consulted with several experts in organizing student competitions and bridging art and science. In our discussion with Dr. Katja Naie, we explored how to make the Dream Organism Competition feasible and ensure it provides the best learning experience for participants. Dr. Naie offered valuable feedback, noting that our timeline and outreach goals were optimistic. She recommended starting with a smaller group of participants for an initial test run before scaling up.
To streamline outreach, we plan to launch the Dream Organism Competition at the career fair in Eppelheim on October 11th. This event allows us to directly explain the basics of genetic engineering and address any questions. Winners will be notified shortly after the fair, and their artwork will be featured in our art gallery on our wiki. This approach ensures a fun and engaging introduction to synthetic biology for students.
Scale Up
We are excited for the first implementation of the Dream Organism Competition and envision expanding it to a much larger scale, potentially nationwide. Our visions include hosting an award ceremony featuring expert talks on the topics presented in the artworks. This live exhibition would offer an incredible opportunity for networking and idea exchange, allowing participants to connect with each other and with experts.
While time constraints prevented us from realizing all our plans for the competition before the Jamboree, we gained valuable experience in organizing such an event. We are eager to share this knowledge with the iGEM community and would be honored if other iGEM teams continue this initiative. To support this, we have developed a detailed concept and guide for implementing the Dream Organism Competition (see our Contribution page).
Inclusive Science Thursdays
Fostering Inclusivity
Building a diverse and equal community in STEM.
Overcoming Barriers
Tackling socio-economic challenges and building practical skills for personal growth.
Driving Systemic Change
Encouraging students to become advocates for change.
Why it Matters
To achieve true equity, the scientific community must actively break down barriers that limit the full participation of individuals with disabilities and other underrepresented groups, recognizing that inclusivity is essential to harnessing the full spectrum of human potential. Diverse perspectives — across gender, sexual identity, ability, and more — contribute to more comprehensive problem-solving and groundbreaking discoveries. By promoting representation and fostering inclusivity in scientific endeavors, we aim to cultivate an environment where all scientists can thrive.
With our Inclusive Science Thursdays series, we aimed to spark curiosity and explore key topics that are barely covered in the university and school curricula but have a crucial role in our society. Held weekly for three months, this free-of-charge, German-language event provided an open platform for interdisciplinary exchange - accessible to everyone, not just students. We addressed areas such as inclusivity, with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ representation, mental health, financial literacy, career opportunities, academic pathways, and the start-up ecosystem. By hosting this series, we acknowledged the importance of providing diverse insights into topics that are closely intertwined with successful work in the STEM field, while not directly related to science.
To reach a broad and diverse audience, we employed multiple strategies to spread the word effectively. Every week, we posted on social media with an abstract of the topic, ensuring regular engagement and visibility. Additionally, we placed posters and distributed flyers throughout the campus, further promoting the events and ensuring maximum outreach across different channels. Through recap posts on our social media platforms, we made the key takeaways from each workshop accessible to those unable to attend in person and so broadened the reach of our lecture series even further.
Impact from Us
The Inclusive Science Thursday series extended far beyond simple knowledge-sharing; it cultivated a community that transcended conventional boundaries of profession, age, and background. By spotlighting issues often overlooked by those outside marginalized groups, the series not only raised awareness but also deepened understanding. Moreover, we encouraged further personal development by addressing crucial socio-economic challenges and providing guidance in confronting them. Our Inclusive Science Thursday series offered new perspectives, prompting participants to actively reflect on their own behaviors and assumptions.
Impact on Us
The Inclusive Science Thursday series has been very well-received, with participants providing positive feedback on both the content and the inclusive nature of the sessions. This encouraging response has motivated us to continue the initiative in October. For us, it is very important to do our best to foster a community that values inclusivity and diversity, where every individual feels respected, empowered, and able to contribute their unique perspectives.
ORIGAMI
FOR MENTAL
HEALTH
06 June 2024
Featured Speaker Mobi Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as maintaining your physical well-being. Without a healthy mind, it is difficult to live a balanced and fulfilling life. The immense pressure and workload in STEM-related fields can provoke mental imbalances and illnesses. Phillip Scheulen, a member of the mental health team of the Molecular Biotechnology program, explained the causes of stress in daily life and studies, as well as the measures one can take to address them, with a strong focus on mindfulness. In the workshop, we emphasized the importance of community, providing a safe space for participants to feel seen and openly discuss their mental health challenges.
“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.”
-Lisa Olivera, writer and therapist, 2022
In the second part of the workshop, we practiced mindfulness with all participants by folding origami together. At first glance, origami and mental health may seem unrelated, but upon closer inspection, many parallels emerge. We used origami to practice thoughtfulness, self-awareness, and patience. Even if the final result is not perfect, origami teaches us to focus on our own journey without comparing ourselves to others. Embracing imperfection fosters patience, self-acceptance, and resilience — all vital for maintaining good mental health.
HOW TO
SYNBIO
PROJECT
13 June 2024
Featured Speaker iGEM Team Heidelberg
Shaping your own academic horizon in a diverse and personalized way is a key step toward successful further education. But how can you, as a student, fully take advantage of these opportunities to grow beyond standard university lectures, practicals, and prepare for a dynamic and competitive professional landscape?
As the current iGEM team we are convinced that scientific competition is a great way to experience diversity first-hand. Taking a project from theoretical knowledge to real-world applications is only possible with excellent communication and an interdisciplinary team. From our own experience, working together to achieve a common goal is the best way to understand the importance of diversity. With foundational lab skills and the right support, iGEM offers an ideal opportunity to dive into real-world science, gain practical experience in interdisciplinary fields, and see science from a broader perspective - allowing students to make a tangible impact!
Finally, we discussed the steps in implementing a project, from choosing the right system to combining wet and dry lab work with Human Practices. The students impressed us with their innovative ideas, such as using AI for protein interactions, increasing telomerase activity for anti-aging, and developing a male contraceptive targeting sperm proteins. Their creativity showed great potential for future synthetic biology research.
INCLUSIVE STEM
BUILDING BRIDGES
NOT WALLS
20 June 2024
Featured Speaker PD Dr. Dorothea Kaufmann
While it is impossible to fully experience the world through someone else's eyes, we can actively work to understand their perspective as closely as possible. In doing so, we help break down barriers and create an environment where others can navigate their experiences more easily.
Fostering a more equitable society demands both conscious effort and empathy from everyone. We invited PD Dr. Dorothea Kaufmann, a dedicated advocate for diversity in education, to lead the workshop, during which she highlighted the importance of building spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel equally welcomed and supported. Despite growing awareness of diversity's importance, women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, underscoring the ongoing need for inclusive efforts.
NEGOTIATING
FAIR SALARIES
EMPOWERING YOURSELF
IN THE WORKPLACE
27 June 2024
Featured Speaker MLP - Financial Advisory
Many individuals lack the opportunity to learn effective financial management or confident negotiation skills, especially those from underrepresented groups who often earn less than men in similar positions. These structural problems can be addressed by building confidence in negotiating job conditions and fair salaries. True inclusivity means overcoming socio-economic barriers that limit access to essential knowledge and opportunities. Offering financial literacy education bridges this gap, empowering participants to make informed decisions and take control of their financial future. By doing so, we can help break the cycle of disadvantage and open doors to greater opportunities.
For this Inclusive Science Workshop, we invited the financial services company MLP, to help the participants learn how to justify their salary expectations and receive practical advice on negotiating entry-level salaries in a personable yet professional manner. For many, these skills were entirely new, as they had not previously been exposed to such knowledge. We believe that financial literacy is a vital component in empowering individuals to make informed decisions, ensuring long-term career success, and building financial resilience.
SUPPORTING
FAMILIES IN STEM
04 July 2024
Featured Speaker UNIFY - Philip Wehlange
In this Inclusive Science Thursday Workshop, we partnered with UNIFY, the Unit for Family Diversity & Equality of the University of Heidelberg, to highlight the importance of creating a supportive environment for families in STEM. Given the long and demanding educational pathways in STEM fields, there is often a misconception that balancing a career in STEM with raising children is unachievable and inequitable. By focusing on the development of family-friendly policies that accommodate parental or caregiving responsibilities, we aimed to raise awareness and emphasize the need for more inclusive, supportive frameworks within the field.
During the workshop, various supportive measures were discussed, including flexible work arrangements, childcare options, and financial support programs. These offerings are designed to reduce barriers for families, allowing them to fully participate in academic and professional opportunities within STEM. We also introduced the GUIDE concept, a transparent, participatory process aimed at managing misconduct, involving trained individuals at the faculty level to provide confidential guidance. Additionally, we covered UNIFY's upcoming initiatives, such as queer counseling and an awareness campaign set to launch soon.
DIVERSE
ACADEMIC
PATHWAYS
11 July 2024
Featured Speaker Dr. Roman Sakson
When embarking on a career in STEM, it is easy to fall into the belief that becoming a professor is the only path to success. However, the world of academia offers a rich diversity of opportunities beyond professorship, many of which are underexplored and underappreciated. While professors are seen as the public face of academic institutions, countless professionals play crucial roles behind the scenes — advancing research, education, and the overall functioning of universities. By highlighting these alternative career paths, we aim to foster a greater appreciation for the diverse and essential roles that not only support but also shape academic ecosystems. Without awareness of these opportunities, many talented individuals may find themselves in roles that do not align with their passions, simply because they were not aware of the vast possibilities available in academia.
Dr. Roman Sakson walked through the key stages of academic employment, such as PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and permanent staff, each with its own set of frequently overlooked working conditions, challenges, and opportunities. Understanding frameworks like the federal collective labor agreements, dictating the working conditions of academic staff, and the Fixed-Term Employment Act for Researchers (German: Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz), outlining the rules for fixed-term contracts, is essential for navigating these career paths. Dr. Sakson also highlighted the numerous permanent positions within universities that do not involve leading a research group, demonstrating the many rewarding alternatives in academia.
WOMAN IN
STEM
18 July 2024
Featured Speaker
Dr. Birgit Rogell Prof. Dr. Ulrike Gayh
The women on our iGEM Heidelberg team have personally experienced the challenges of gender inequality in STEM, making the planning of a workshop on Women in STEM a deeply personal and meaningful project for us. Despite progress, gender inequality remains a persistent issue in STEM, with women still underrepresented in many areas. By serving as role models and inviting other women to share their experiences, we aimed to inspire young girls and students to pursue careers in STEM. Our goal was to bridge the gap by fostering an inclusive environment and creating a safe space for open discussions, where gender-related challenges can be addressed. This workshop was open to everyone, not just women because we believe that achieving gender equality is a collective responsibility.
“Throughout my journey, I've always had an unquenchable curiosity and a relentless drive to learn and explore. From my early days as a biochemist to my current role at Roche in the product- and marketing management of mRNA raw materials, I've been fortunate to experience the challenges and joys of scientific innovation and entrepreneurship. I'm excited to share my story with you and hear about your own journeys in the scientific world.”
- Dr. Birgit Rogell
In the Women in STEM workshop, we invited two highly accomplished women to share their personal and professional experiences. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrike Gayh, a leading engineering professor, currently heads the Master's program in Water Technology at the School of Engineering and Architecture at SRH University. The second speaker was Dr. Birgit Rogell, a Product Manager at Roche Diagnostics Germany, specializing in BioPharma CustomBiotech for the EMEA/LATAM region. Participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask personal questions, seek advice, and exchange contacts. The speakers emphasized the importance of persistence, curiosity, and embracing opportunities for growth in STEM careers.
INCLUSIVE
LEADERSHIP
FOSTERING DIVERSE
PERSPECTIVES
25 July 2024
Featured Speaker MLP - Financial Advisory
Leadership skills play a pivotal role in promoting social mobility by equipping individuals with the tools necessary to access higher-level career opportunities. Developing these abilities empowers participants to overcome socio-economic barriers that often hinder professional growth, particularly for those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. In collaboration with MLP, a financial service company, we designed this workshop to offer students a future-oriented opportunity to engage with the core principles of effective leadership. The workshop also emphasized the importance of role models and mentorship, creating an environment where young individuals and those from diverse societal groups could envision themselves in leadership roles, helping to break down long-standing barriers to success.
Ensuring that every voice is heard and valued fosters a more equitable and collaborative environment, ultimately leading to stronger team performance and improved outcomes. During the workshop's interactive sessions, participants explored strategies for navigating difficult conversations, resolving conflicts, and leading with empathy — skills critical for fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. By promoting inclusive leadership, this event aimed to provide attendees with the tools to create lasting change within their future careers, regardless of their background.
INCLUSIVE START-
UP COMMUNITY
01 August2024
Featured Speaker Heidelberg Biotech Simulator Frauenhofer AHEAD
In addition to exploring diverse academic pathways in an earlier Inclusive Science Thursday, we also aimed to provide an economic perspective by highlighting how scientific research can drive economic growth and emphasizing career opportunities outside of traditional academia. When innovation — particularly in the biotech startup world —is inclusive, it ensures that the benefits of scientific advancements reach all communities, not just the privileged few. By involving individuals from diverse socio-economic, gender, and ethnic backgrounds, we can create a more equitable ecosystem where everyone has the chance to contribute to and benefit from scientific progress.
We invited Marc Etienne Sellen to lead a discussion on Germany's transformation from the 'sick man of Europe' to a global leader in innovation. His talk offered more than just insights into economic growth; it provided attendees, many of whom may not typically see themselves in the world of biotech startups or innovation sectors, with a new perspective on how they too could contribute to and benefit from this dynamic field. By breaking down complex concepts and presenting a roadmap for translating scientific research into real-world economic value, Sellen's discussion opened doors to individuals from diverse backgrounds who may not have previously considered these career paths.
GENDER AND LGBTQIA +
INCLUSIVITY IN STEM
11 October 2024
Featured Speaker Dr. Ioannis Tzifas
In the last decade, significant strides have been made toward gender and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in the scientific community. However, the underrepresentation of these groups in STEM persists due to systemic barriers, including implicit bias, workplace discrimination, and a lack of supportive networks. This situation needs significant improvement to create truly diverse teams, which are shown to produce more creative solutions than homogenous ones. With this workshop, we aim to advocate for gender equality and the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals. By breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusion, we can inspire future generations while ensuring that science draws on the full spectrum of talents and perspectives. Addressing historical underrepresentation and creating accessible environments will allow us to unlock the true potential of the scientific community and work toward a future where excellence in science knows no boundaries.
This workshop is scheduled for October 2024, after the university's summer break, ensuring that everyone interested in participating is back in Heidelberg. We have also integrated it into the schedule for the student orientation week of the Molecular Biotechnology program, aiming to foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere from the very start of the academic journey.
Career Fair
© Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com
Role Models
Offering personal guidance and boosting student's confidence in their potential.
Reaching Students with Diverse Backgrounds
Ensuring all students can learn about science career paths.
Hands-on Learning
Engaging students with practical scientific experiments.
Why it Matters
Our goal is to extend our educational outreach and engage a broader cross-section of students from various schools and backgrounds. By participating in a career fair, we aim to provide students with insights into potential future career paths in science through interactions with iGEM Team members and hands-on experiments, including our Dream Organism Competition.
With this event, we are part of the career fair 'Eppelheimer Berufe Parcours', which is traditionally dominated by industrial exhibitors and will take place on the 11th of October 2024. We will have an interactive booth where participants can engage directly with our te am. Hands-on scientific demonstrations and discussions allow for a deeper, more personal connection to the field of biotechnology. In recent years, the fair has drawn around 1,500 students from various types of schools across the Rhine-Neckar region, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with a broad and diverse audience.
At our booth, students can gain their first experiences with pipetting and conducting basic experiments like DNA extraction. These experiments will give them direct exposure to real lab work, providing an interactive way to learn fundamental laboratory techniques and foster curiosity about scientific processes. Alongside we will present an informational poster and flyers about our project additionally focusing on GMOs, CRISPR/Cas theory, and the broader field of biotechnology. We will happily answer all questions and engage students in active discussions. Furthermore, we will provide information on biotechnology studies and apprenticeships, helping students explore both academic and vocational paths.
Moreover, we are excited to launch the first iteration of our Dream Organism Competition, a unique and interactive Art-Science competition where students can creatively design their own imaginary organisms right at our stand. Participants will be invited to draw their dream organisms during the event, and we will carefully evaluate all submissions based on creativity and expression afterwards. The winners will be announced after the fair, giving students a chance to see their creations recognized and celebrated, encouraging further engagement with the world of science through artistic expression. Throughout the day, our team members will be available to discuss the students' ideas, answer exciting scientific questions, and engage in one-on-one dialogues about their designs. This blend of mentoring, theoretical knowledge transfer, and practical engagement will provide a unique learning experience.
Impact from Us
We are excited about this opportunity to connect with students and make science more accessible and fun. We look forward to a successful event and a great day of learning and discovery!
Ministerium für Kultus, Jugend und Sport Baden-Wuerttemberg. (2016). Bildungsplan Grundschule Sachunterricht. https://www.bildungsplaene-bw.de/site/bildungsplan/get/documents/lsbw/export-pdf/depot-pdf/ALLG/BP2016BW_ALLG_GS_SU.pdf
