Education & Outreach

iGEM Stall on Institute Open Day

A major highlight of our outreach was the Institute Open Day, where 400 students from various schools and colleges across West Bengal were introduced to the world of synthetic biology. We showcased interactive units and stalls, focusing on different aspects of science, including our project E. solei.

We set up three interactive stalls to actively engage and inspire students. Each stall had a different focus, and through hands-on learning, we sparked interest and curiosity about the exciting world of synthetic biology.

Bacterial World Stall

Cosmetics and Safety Stall

iGEM and Innovative Projects Stall

Through Science: Ghoragachha Municipality Outreach

“Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man.” —Swami Vivekananda. In line with this vision, our iGEM team took the initiative to extend science education into the community, engaging the children of Ghoragachha Municipality in Kalyani, West Bengal. We aimed to make science both accessible and exciting, reaching 50 children aged 6 to 15 through hands-on, interactive sessions designed to broaden their understanding of health, hygiene, and microbiology.

Activities Carried Out at Ghoragachha Municipality

• Visual Demonstrations of Bacteria: We displayed printed images of cartoonish bacteria in various shapes, introducing the children to the fascinating world of microbiology.
• Health and Hygiene Education: We discussed essential hygiene practices, linking them to the prevention of illness and maintaining good health.
• Good vs. Bad Bacteria: We explained how beneficial bacteria support health, while harmful bacteria can cause disease.
• Introduction to Synthetic Biology: We introduced the children to our iGEM projects, explaining how bacteria can contribute to medicine, food production, and sustainability.
• Fun Treat for Students: At the conclusion of the session, we gave biscuits to the children as a token of appreciation.

Ek Pehel Outreach: Bringing Biology to Underprivileged Children

At iGEM, we believe that knowledge is meant to be shared and spread far and wide, especially to those who may not have easy access to quality education. With this in mind, we teamed up with the Ek Pehel initiative at IISER Kolkata, an organization dedicated to educating children from underprivileged backgrounds. Through this collaboration, we aimed to make science fun and engaging for these young minds.

Activities Carried Out at Ek Pehel Outreach

• Interactive Quizzes and Drawing Competitions: Engaging the children through creative activities and quizzes.
• Role-Playing Exercises: Enabling the children to learn science concepts through interactive role-playing.
• Bacterial Art on Agar Plates: Introducing children to the wonders of bacterial art on agar plates.
• Health and Hygiene Education: Teaching children about hygiene and how bacteria can affect health.
• Fingerprint Bacteria Experiment: The children cultured their fingerprints and observed bacterial colonies grow the next day.

Where Science Meets Art: Logo Design Competition for iGEM Project E. solei

As part of our iGEM 2024 project, the IISER Kolkata team collaborated with the Arts Club to host a logo design competition, merging creativity with science. The winning design will become the official emblem of our project, focused on innovation, sustainability, synthetic biology, and foot health.

All India iGEM Meet 2024: A Valuable Experience for IISER Kolkata

The All India iGEM Meet 2024, organized by IISc Bangalore in hybrid mode, brought together 11 iGEM teams from across India. IISER Kolkata participated online, attending insightful lectures and workshops covering topics ranging from bioengineering to computational biology.

Collaborating with InScight to Expand Our Reach

Our team had a conversation with InScight, the official Science Communication group of IISER Kolkata, to present our project and share our vision. InScight enthusiastically supported our project and offered to publicize it through their student-crafted magazine, helping us reach a wider audience of science enthusiasts.

Educating Through Social Media: Science for All

As part of our Education and Outreach initiatives, we used social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share engaging content on key scientific topics. We celebrated World Microbiome Day, Father's Day, and Pride Month, sharing stories that highlighted diversity and inclusivity in science.