Meetups have emerged as an innovative space for communication and interaction. At these gatherings, we get to share our own insights and experiences while also learning from the unique ideas and innovations brought forth by others. Such exchanges not only help in building new connections but also in acquiring fresh knowledge and diverse perspectives, which is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation and improvement of our project. On this platform, every dialogue and discussion holds the potential to drive the project forward. It is through this continuous loop of conversation, exploration and learning that our project is honed and its practical utility is enhanced.
On April 27, 2024, the Synthetic Biology Open Conference was held at Hubei University. Our team was deeply honored to be invited to attend this academic exchange at Hubei University. The conference was hosted by the School of Life Sciences at Hubei University, with the core theme of "Openness, Communication, and Collaboration," aiming to promote academic exchange and cooperation among synthetic biology research teams in the Central China region and to disseminate cutting-edge knowledge of synthetic biology and its application value to the public.
Figure 1. Group photo of participants.
During the conference, iGEM teams from Hubei University, Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, and other institutions took turns to present their respective projects, fully demonstrating the in-depth research and innovative achievements of each team in the field of synthetic biology. Following the conclusion of the project presentations, during the subsequent tea break, our team engaged in profound and fruitful discussions with the experts and scholars in attendance, receiving valuable professional guidance and advice. Through these interactions, we not only gained a deeper understanding of the areas in our project that require improvement but also absorbed valuable research experience, opening up new perspectives for the further optimization of our project.
The successful convening of the Hubei University Synthetic Biology Open Day not only strengthened the academic exchange and cooperation among iGEM teams from various universities but also provided a platform for researchers in the field of synthetic biology in our country to share academic achievements and discuss disciplinary development. By participating in this conference, we not only broadened our academic horizons but also, under the careful guidance of experts, gained invaluable research experience, laying a solid foundation for future academic exploration and project practice.
On July 11th, our team’s delegation, fully prepared, embarked on a journey from Wuhan to Suzhou.
On July 12th, the 11th CCiC Conference officially opened its doors at Xi’ an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou. At this conference, our delegation divided into two groups to carry out their respective activities. One group focused on academic exchanges, attending various sub-sessions to carefully listen to the latest research findings presented by other teams, actively absorbing cutting-edge knowledge. The other group engaged in enthusiastic interactions outside the venue, conducting in-depth communications with other participating teams, jointly discussing the challenges encountered during project implementation, and actively sharing valuable experiences and strategies for problem-solving.
Figure 2. Our team was presenting.
During the project presentation and defense session, our team, with thorough preparation and exquisite presentation, successfully completed the report, earning high praise from the judges and attendees, and ultimately winning the "Outstanding Project Award" and the "Outstanding Project Presentation Award." These honors not only affirm the efforts of our team but also recognize the achievements of our project research.
Figure 3. Group photo of our visiting delegation.
Moreover, the event organizers, in order to enrich our cultural experience, meticulously arranged a series of activities to experience intangible cultural heritage. We not only gained a deep understanding of the historical origins and cultural significance of intangible cultural heritage items such as lacquer fans, fragrant sachets, and tea ceremony, but also participated in the production process, experiencing the unique charm of traditional crafts and the exquisite skills of the artisans.
This journey to the CCiC Conference not only provided us with exercise and enhancement in our professional fields but also profound insights in cultural exchanges, accumulating valuable experience for our future studies and work.
In August, the second iGBA, co-initiated by iGEM teams from Southern University of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus, was successfully held.
The forum meticulously organized innovative team interactive Workshops themed around "HP work" and "SDG work". During the "HP work" session, we had the privilege of conducting a remote video call with Dr. Bao Yuhan, the iGEM liaison officer and coordinator for the Human Practice project. Dr. Bao, with her rich experience and profound professional knowledge, engaged in an in-depth discussion with us on the concepts, methods, and applications of HP work in synthetic biology, deepening our understanding of the importance of HP work. Additionally, the forum invited Ms. Yang Yang, the iGEM Asia Ambassador, who shared her experiences and insights from participating in the competition, offering valuable guidance for our subsequent endeavors.
On the second day of the forum, we visited the Shenzhen Engineering Biotechnology Industry Innovation Center and the Guangming Science City located in Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, for a study tour. The institute, which integrates entrepreneurship, education, and research, provided us with valuable learning resources. We witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge technologies and innovative achievements of synthetic biology in practical applications, offering us precious references and insights. Through face-to-face interactions with industry experts, we deeply felt the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, which also stimulated our innovative thinking for project research.
Figure 4. We proceeded to the biotechnology company for a visit.
On the third day of the forum, a platform was created for direct dialogue with the business community, with engaging presentations delivered by representatives from three companies: Bay Bay Biology, YanYin Technology, and HongXun Biology. The experts from these firms not only highlighted the latest developments in the field of synthetic biology but also elucidated the intimate connection between industry demands and academic research. This forum was not only a sumptuous feast of knowledge exchange but also a spark of intellectual collision, providing us with a more profound understanding and anticipation of the future prospects of synthetic biology.
On August 24, 2024 iGEMer Central China Regional Exchange Conference, themed " Building the Future with Unity", opened at Huazhong Agricultural University. At the beginning of the conference, our respective teams presented our project designs and experimental achievements, shared experiences and insights from the competition process, and were honored to receive professional guidance and suggestions from the experts. The conference specially invited many senior scholars to serve as professional judges, who provided detailed reviews of our project presentations and offered valuable opinions and recommendations.
In the evening, the "Battle for Anthocyanidins" activity, meticulously designed and planned by our HZAU-China team, was enthusiastically launched at the Student Activity Center. We ingeniously combined the university’s distinctive scientific research achievements, agricultural production and life, with card games. Through role-playing and sports competitions, participants gained a profound understanding of the challenges faced in the agricultural sector and their solutions.
Figure 5. The participants were engaging in the game "Battle for Anthocyanidins".
On the morning of August 25, we visited Abclonal, where we deeply engaged with the development history of the biorelated industry in recent years, as well as the application of molecular biology and immunology technologies in the industry, and toured the company’s well-planned laboratories. In the afternoon, we entered the National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement at Huazhong Agricultural University, visited the Protein Science Research Platform, learned about the use of related instruments and equipment, and combined our specialized knowledge in biochemistry with practical operations, further deepening our understanding of the discipline.
After the visits, we returned to the conference hall to hold a free exchange symposium. At the symposium, team members from various schools shared project experiences without reservation, discussed key issues and innovative points in the projects, and engaged in full academic exchange and ideological collisions. This symposium not only promoted mutual learning among us but also contributed new insights and thoughts to the field of synthetic biology research.
Figure 6. Group photo of participants.
Through this exchange conference, we engaged in in-depth communication and mutual assistance with other teams, profoundly felt the power of collaboration and the charm of knowledge, and laid a solid foundation and guarantee for the further advancement and optimization of our project.