Outline
We started our journey to foster a culture of learning and engagement that bridges the gap between scientific research and the broader community. Our institute is nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, adjacent to the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. Being a remote location, it enabled us to reach out and include communities that are usually deprived of access to quality education and often left out of science and technology.
Our programs educated and engaged individuals on the importance of tackling environmental issues as well as inculcating interest in synthetic biology while highlighting the interconnectedness of local actions and global outcomes.
6700+
People Reached
15
Collaborations
30+
Events
Our education and outreach activities were thoughtfully designed to engage different audiences, starting with the general public, school and college students, the iGEM community, and the broader scientific community, with each stage tailored accordingly to ensure understanding and spark interest. After ideating we also made sure to design activities such that they address both local and global audiences. We implemented a balanced multi-faceted approach that combines in-person community engagement along with online and digital platforms, enabling us to connect with diverse groups both locally and worldwide.
All the resources designed are available and accessible on this page. These resources have been carefully curated and organized to facilitate their use by other teams for educational purposes. By providing comprehensive access to our materials, we aim to support and inspire further research, collaboration, and outreach efforts.
Events
- The first post highlighted the rich history of queer fashion, tracing its evolution from the 1800s to the present day. It emphasized the gradual rise of gender-neutral trends and their increasing acceptance in mainstream society.
- The second post focused on the challenges faced by the transgender community in the world of fashion and makeup, where their expression is often stigmatized. To promote and celebrate the drag community, we conducted an inspiring interview with a local drag queen from Trivandrum. They shared their personal journey, detailing the struggles, triumphs, and sources of inspiration that have shaped their experience as a performer.
Kani tribes of Agasthyamalai, Kerala are one of the oldest nomadic communities in the world. Our institute located on the foothills of the Western Ghats and contiguous with the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve helped us to reach and interact with this community. With the motive to educate communities deprived of education due to a lack of accessibility, we reached out to the Kani tribes, interacted with them, and gained valuable insights. We visited the tribal settlements and educated them mainly on plastic waste segregation, proper methods of disposal, and its impact on nature if mismanaged as they live in close harmony with nature in the core zone of the forest. We gained insights on their daily life and since they rely on nature for their livelihood, most families venture into the forests to collect their produce daily. Then, we visited their tribal huts made of mud, bamboo stock, and leaves.
We visited the Kallar tribal settlement where we conducted a small educational session with a group of Kani tribal women on the importance of Biodiversity conservation and educated them on various applications of plant essential oils extracted from plants. We designed a simple worksheet to collect their responses.
Reflection
During our visit, it was evident that there was minimal use of plastic in their homes, which made us realize that a strong and sustainable shelter can be built from the gifts of nature itself. Their shelter was not only made of forest produce and mud but also provided ample protection from heat.
The forest officials who we encountered on the way were delighted, appreciated us for taking this initiative, and wished us the best in our endeavor.
While initially communicating our project with people who does not have enough knowledge of these advanced techniques of metabolic engineering, we encountered many questions, where people wondered if this sandalwood oil synthesized from plastic would contain remnants of plastic. This urged us to start science communication from the grassroots level and educate the people immediately around us.
Keeping this in mind, we conducted a talk for members of Kudumbashree on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Kudumbashree at the Government Welfare School (GWS) Maruthamala. The event was held by the Area Development Society (ADS) members of Kudumbashree in Vithura. Kudumbashree is the poverty eradication and women empowerment program implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) of Kerala. It is essentially a community network of women that works at the grassroots level to uplift and enhance the financial status of less privileged women in rural areas by setting up micro-credit and productive enterprises.
Since it was a gathering of women, we discussed topics like the importance of women's empowerment, women in STEM, and menstrual hygiene. We also discussed the disadvantages of menstrual pads and their addition to plastic waste and educated them about plastic waste management and our iGEM project. We introduced menstrual cups as a better alternative to pads.
Reflection
The women attendees were more interested in learning about menstrual cups and our iGEM project. Many of these women were seeing menstrual cups for the first time and had many questions regarding their efficiency and safety. They were in awe of the possibility of converting plastic waste into something luxurious like sandalwood oil, and many were keen about its process as well. So, we briefly described how we were going to apply synthetic biology in our project and about previous experiments that degraded PET to give products like vanillin.
Our outreach focused on raising awareness of how plastic pollution harms ecosystems and human health, and we aimed to educate the general public and our stakeholders about the environmental impact of plastic use and the benefits of sandalwood oil, highlighting its medicinal properties and encouraging people to make more sustainable choices. To reach a broader audience, we created pamphlets in different languages and utilized them in our Integrated Human Practices (IHP) activities. These pamphlets were distributed during our outreach activities with the general public and for stakeholder engagement.
A tragic incident took place in Kerala where a sanitation worker tragically lost his life while cleaning a canal. His rescue mission took 46 hours, hindered by a thick, concrete-like layer of plastic waste that had accumulated over the years. This incident was a poignant reminder of the consequences of unchecked pollution and inspired us to take proactive action.
So we joined hands with We Grow Forest Foundation, a women-founded NGO with a vision of actively contributing to a greener planet, to conduct a beach-cleanup of a popular beach in Kerala. The mission was to clean Veli Beach in Trivandrum to raise awareness and foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment. This meaningful activity stands as a testament to the power of collective effort in driving real change.
Volunteers from the NGO, along with a group of enthusiastic students from IISER, came together for this impactful beach cleanup. With gloves on and sacks in hand, the team worked under the guidance of the NGO, who had organised similar successful cleanups in the past. We meticulously segregated waste into categories: plastic, rubber, paper, and organic materials like dried coconut husks and water hyacinths.
Just as synthetic biology thrives on the blending of unique ideas to solve complex challenges, society flourishes when all identities are given space to express themselves authentically. We proudly partnered with Mazhavil, the Pride Club of our institute, to promote inclusivity in fashion and cosmetics across diverse gender spectrums.
We aimed to raise awareness and celebrate the diversity of gender expression in fashion, creating a more inclusive and understanding environment within our community through two instagram posts:
As a team dedicated to conservation and sustainable development, we believe that fostering a connection with nature in children is crucial. Today’s children are tomorrow’s guardians of the planet, and educating them about sustainability is vital for securing a better future. To celebrate World Environment Day, we visited the Government Welfare School (GWS) in Maruthamala, where we had the chance to interact with children aged 6 to 10 years old. Our aim was to inspire an appreciation for nature and an understanding of sustainability through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions.
We engaged the students in several activities that were designed to be both educational and fun:
- We planted saplings together, encouraging the children to nurture the environment by planting more trees.
- A brief, age-appropriate discussion was held on the impact of plastic pollution and the significance of effective plastic waste management.
- Together, we recited a poem called Oru Thai Nadam (“Let’s Plant One Sapling”) by renowned poet Sugathakumari. The poem beautifully captured the significance of planting trees for a better, greener future.
- Lastly, we introduced the children to the fascinating world of microbiology by showing them permanent slides of bacteria under a microscope. We explained how microbes are all around us, even in the most familiar environments, sparking their curiosity about the unseen world of science.
Reflection
Given the young age of the students, we wanted to make the experience as engaging as possible. Instead of a traditional feedback session, we asked the children to draw what they imagined a plastic-free planet would look like. It was a joy to see their vivid imaginations come to life in the form of colorful landscapes, trees, and clean rivers—each drawing reflecting their hope for a greener future.Their vibrant and imaginative artwork, incorporating different elements of nature, was a testament to their understanding and enthusiasm.
Initially, we were concerned that introducing microorganisms through microscope slides might be too complex for lower primary students. To our delight, they were captivated by the session, showing genuine interest in the world of tiny organisms. This moment of discovery made it clear to us that even young children can be introduced to scientific concepts when framed in an engaging, visual way.
One challenge posed to us was gauging the varying levels of knowledge among the different age groups present. Thus, we recommend that future iGEM teams consider incorporating more artistic and poetic elements, like paintings or poem recitals, when engaging with younger students. These mediums allow children to explore scientific ideas in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for them.
In our ongoing efforts to spread the love for science and research among school students, members of the team visited MGM Ponmudi Valley Public School in Vithura. Our focus was on teaching 9th and 10th graders the fundamentals of DNA, aiming to spark their interest in the biological sciences.
During our educational session, we conducted the following activities:
- DNA Basics: We introduced them to key concepts of DNA, including nitrogen bases, complementarity, hydrogen bonds, and DNA sequences. We also highlighted how DNA differs from RNA. To help them visualize the concept, we used a handmade DNA model to illustrate the structure of DNA.
- Practical Experiment: We performed a hands-on experiment demonstrating DNA extraction from bananas using dishwashing liquid. Several students volunteered to assist with the procedure, and we provided explanations of the scientific principles behind each step of the experiment.
Reflection
To ascertain the effectiveness of the session, we distributed sticky notes for student feedback. The majority of students expressed enjoyment and appreciated the interactiveness, particularly mentioning the DNA extraction experiment. Witnessing the concept they had just learned come to life in front of them was a highlight for many.
The constructive feedback we received included suggestions for us to exhibit more confidence. We recognized that using sticky notes for feedback was not the most effective approach and concluded that a more structured feedback form would be beneficial for future sessions to let the students express their thoughts better.
In a dedicated effort to educate and spread awareness about plastic pollution, our team identified Higher Secondary schools as an ideal starting point. The team members visited Govt. V HSS School in Vithura, where they conducted an impactful session focused on the critical issue of plastic pollution and showcased innovative solutions developed by past iGEM teams.
The session aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of plastics, including their various types, definitions, and the extensive detrimental effects they inflict on our environment. The team emphasized practical tips and strategies for reducing plastic use in daily life, such as using reusable bags, thrifting, avoiding single-use plastics, and opting for sustainable alternatives. These real-world applications aimed to inspire students to make small but meaningful changes in their everyday lives.
This outreach represented a crucial step towards equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed for environmental preservation, highlighting how science and technology can be leveraged to tackle global challenges. The students’ enthusiastic participation and insightful feedback underscored their keen interest and engagement with the topic. This motivated us to remain dedicated to empowering young minds to contribute to a sustainable future, one step at a time.
Reflection
The session successfully achieved its objectives of raising awareness and educating students on the pressing issue of plastic pollution. The creative solutions presented were met with enthusiasm, sparking a desire among the students to explore sustainable practices further. The interactive nature of the session, complemented by a worksheet and feedback form, allowed for immediate reflection and feedback, creating a dynamic learning environment.
The positive response from the students has reinforced our commitment to expanding our outreach efforts to more schools and communities, nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship and proactive engagement.
During our educational sessions with school students, we quickly realized that teaching advanced biology concepts to young minds needed a fresh approach—something engaging, memorable, and fun. After countless brainstorming sessions and many late-night discussions, our team developed a unique card game called ‘Synbio Loteria.’ Inspired by the traditional Mexican game ‘Loteria,’ known for enhancing language skills through pictures and vocabulary, we reimagined it as an educational tool to introduce school children to synthetic biology terms.
The game is designed to help students connect concepts with images, enhancing memory retention through a mix of visual and auditory engagement. By matching descriptions to pictures, students actively participate in the learning process, making complex ideas feel more accessible and fun.
Reflection
We introduced Synbio Loteria to participants of the BioBricks Innovation competition, and it was rewarding to see the students’ responses.
The room buzzed with excitement and curiosity as they navigated through the game, learning new terms that were initially foreign to them. We gladly watched as they sought guidance from teachers, fumbled a little, and then slowly, confidently began mastering the content on their own.
This experience underscored the value of interactive learning in making scientific concepts more relatable.
We believe that science education should go beyond memorizing facts—it’s about encouraging students to ask questions, think critically, and seek out answers while nurturing a deep curiosity about the world around them. With this vision in mind, our team organized BioBricks Innovation '24, an event aimed at fostering problem-solving skills and creativity in higher secondary school students. The goal was simple yet impactful: encourage students to explore synthetic biology as a means of addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.
The competition brought together students from various schools to the IISER-TVM campus, where they had the opportunity to present their own synthetic biology-based projects. These young innovators showcased their ideas, demonstrating a deep engagement with scientific concepts far beyond their classroom curriculum.
In addition to this, we collaborated with the Crucible (our Student Activity Center) and gave the students a tour of our scientific exhibits. Our team made sure to break down key theoretical concepts into easy-to-understand explanations, making sure no one felt left behind.
To add a layer of fun and learning, we also introduced them to the SynBio Loteria game, designed to challenge their understanding of synthetic biology while nurturing their curiosity.
Reflection
The highly encouraging response we received was incredibly rewarding. Students enthusiastically engaged with the activities, particularly enjoying the SynBio Loteria and exploring the hands-on exhibits at the Crucible. Several teachers praised the event for providing their students with a unique opportunity to delve into synthetic biology, a field many of them had never previously encountered.
Perhaps the most fulfilling outcome was hearing from several students who, after learning about our iGEM project, expressed newfound interest in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. For these 16- to 18-year-olds—on the cusp of choosing their career paths—this event sparked a curiosity that could shape their futures.
After referring to the wiki pages of previous iGEM teams, we realized that storytelling is an incredibly effective tool for communicating science to school students. Storybooks have a unique ability to make science feel more relatable and enjoyable by framing it within a narrative. With this in mind, our team set out to create a children's book that would serve as an engaging introduction to synthetic biology for middle school students.
We created a book titled ‘Introduction to Synthetic Biology’, and it was crafted with the goal of helping young readers take their first steps into this exciting field. The book includes a captivating story, a glossary to explain key terms, and a variety of fun, interactive elements such as crosswords, puzzles, quizzes, word searches, synthetic biology-themed Sudoku, matching games, and informative facts. There’s even a timeline of synthetic biology’s development to give students a broader perspective on the field.
As we crafted the story, we took great care to ensure that complex scientific ideas were broken down into simple, relatable parts. Our goal was to create something that would not only help students understand synthetic biology but also see how it could impact the world around them in ways they hadn’t imagined before.
Reflection
We had the opportunity to present our book during a Microbiology workshop for school students, and the response was truly encouraging. The students enthusiastically engaged with the story and the interactive games, and their feedback confirmed that the narrative approach helped them connect with the subject on a deeper level. Many students began discussing the scientific concepts amongst themselves, showing that the book had sparked meaningful conversations.
Teachers, too, gave us positive feedback, noting that the story-based learning method made synthetic biology less intimidating for students who may have struggled with more traditional teaching approaches. They saw the book as an effective way to make complex topics feel approachable and fun.
One of the key insights we gained from our high school outreach was that hands-on experience can make a world of difference in solidifying theoretical knowledge. With this in mind, we organized an interactive Hands-On Microbiology Workshop in collaboration with the Crucible (the Student Activity Center of IISER-TVM). Our goal was simple: to give students aged 16 to 18 from Bharatheeya Vidyapeedom, Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram, a chance to roll up their sleeves and dive into microbiology in a way that felt practical and fun and allowed them to learn essential techniques like plating microbial cultures and the conceptual understanding of the same.
The workshop focused on giving students the chance to work directly with microbial cultures. We showed them agar plates where bacteria had been cultured in various designs, using these visuals to introduce key concepts like microbial nutrition and plating techniques. But the real fun began when we handed them toothpicks and let them perform streaking on pre-prepared agar plates themselves. As they worked, we explained the theory behind each step, making sure to tie it all back to the hands-on experience they were having.
Reflection
A remarkable part of the workshop for us was seeing the students’ curiosity come alive. They asked so many thoughtful questions—everything from how microbial cultures grow to what kind of media is needed for different bacteria. Their questions led to some really insightful discussions, and it was clear they were thinking critically about what they were learning.
They mentioned how the hands-on nature of the workshop made the concepts much easier to understand, and they appreciated how approachable the session felt. Creating an environment where they felt at ease to explore and ask questions was exactly what we had hoped to achieve.
Colleges
The inter-collegiate cultural fest ISHYA was held on our campus from 21st March to 24th March.We grabbed this opportunity to set up a small game stall at this fest and interact with the student community. This helped us engage with them and make learning synthetic biology fun and interesting. The game included questions regarding synthetic biology, which aimed to spread awareness among the students about the same. The feedback we received was positive. Students enjoyed this game.
We collaborated with the Quizzing Society (QSI) of IISER-TVM with the goal of engaging the student community and including the new batch of students coming on campus by using an effective teaching tool to make learning synthetic biology more interactive. The competition consisted of a preliminary round followed by the finals with three rounds. In the prelims, participants answered 16 questions and the top 8 teams advanced to the finals. The finals included three rounds:
- The 1st and 3rd rounds were of “Pounce and Bounce” format, where ‘pounce’ allows teams to attempt a question that is directed to another team and ‘bounce’ follows the format of a traditional quiz where questions are passed around sequentially to teams.
- The 2nd round, called “Parody Time”, was a written round where participants listened to parody songs about labs and had to guess the original song it was based on.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru hosted the All India iGEM Meet (AIIM) where 11 teams from all over the country visited the institute to compete in jamboree-style presentations and judging sessions. AIIM served as an excellent platform for these teams to interact, form potential collaborations and hone their presentation skills. It also serves as an opportunity to engage with judges who can help each team identify their gaps and weaknesses.
We got to communicate our project with all the judges and fellow teams and explored the projects of other teams. We secured first place in the presentation competition.
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Rhetor is an annual student- organised symposium designed to bring together distinguished biologists. Our team partnered with Proteus, the biology club of IISER-TVM to host this year’s symposium themed “Twists of Life: Unravelling the Biological Helix”, which focused on exploring the latest advancements and discoveries in the field of biology.The event was specifically tailored for the scientific community, including researchers, academics, and students passionate about biological sciences. Our goal for this event was to create a platform that fostered collaboration and sparks discussions on groundbreaking research and innovative ideas.
Additionally, we showcased our project through a poster presentation, where we presented our latest research findings and engaged with attendees. By the poster presentation, we aimed to strengthen networks, inspire future research endeavors, and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the complexities and wonders of life.
Our team hosted a virtual symposium called ‘Synbio Conclave’, connecting experts from diverse disciplines of biology. Our symposium served as a platform tailored for STEM-focused students and researchers to attend thought-provoking talks and interact with prominent speakers.
Our goal was to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment by bringing together a diverse group of speakers and attendees in a virtual meetup. We believe that sharing knowledge and fostering connections would enable us to drive synthetic biology forward.
These experts, hailing from various parts of the world, are scientists engaged in a wide range of topics, including the bioremediation of our ailing planet using synthetic biology techniques and the development of advanced translational pipelines to facilitate rapid access to plant-derived natural products. The wide range of topics underscores the symposium’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions to some of the world’s challenges, ranging from climate change mitigation and the discovery of novel therapeutic agents.
Our team had the privilege of organizing a talk with Durga Gawde (they/them), an accomplished drag artist and iGEM alum from the 2011 cohort. Durga's unique background in both synthetic biology and the arts provided an enriching experience for all attendees, blending scientific exploration with personal expression.
The talk spanned a range of fascinating topics, beginning with Durga’s academic journey as an iGEMer. They shared stories from their time in the competition, where, as an art student, they demonstrated remarkable creativity and resourcefulness. Durga recounted how they managed to create a makeshift lab using the limited resources at their disposal, highlighting the ingenuity and determination required to conduct synthetic biology research outside of a traditional STEM setting. Their experience is particularly relevant to our project, as it touches on themes related to cosmetics and fashion.
Durga also delved into broader themes of self-expression and non-conformity. As a drag artist, they have used their platform to challenge societal norms and express their identity through art and fashion. They spoke passionately about the importance of embracing one's true self and using art as a medium to convey personal and political messages.
The session was deeply reflective and educational, offering a unique perspective on how an interdisciplinary approach can enrich scientific endeavors. Overall, the talk was a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities within synthetic biology and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. It was an inspiring session that left a lasting impact on participants, encouraging them to think creatively about their own journeys in science and beyond.
We organized a project reveal at our institute for all potential future iGEMers and science enthusiasts. The goal of this event was to introduce future opportunities as a biologist like iGEM to science enthusiasts, most of them comprising the new batch of BSMS. The project idea was revealed at this event, and the team members were introduced. The program started with an introduction to the iGEM competition followed by a brief introduction of previous teams from our institute and their achievements. Afterward, our project title and logo were displayed, and our project idea was explained to the audience. We also introduced the different sub-teams, such as sponsorship, wet lab, dry lab, etc., and their responsibilities in the team. We kept this event fun and engaging through activities like crossword puzzles for the audience to solve at the end of the presentation.
Reflection
The students seemed fascinated and many came forward with enthusiasm to volunteer for the team. The event led to interesting discussions on topics like the extraction of essential oils from microbes and the possibility of this chassis organism withstanding its effect since most essential oils are antimicrobial. The attendees shared their happiness on gaining insights, Since it was one of the earliest events conducted by the team, no proper way of collecting feedback was planned. This mistake was later rectified.
As part of the camp held by the Eureka Science Club, students from different Indian states visited our campus. Using this excellent opportunity to interact with inquisitive students, we showed them our Advanced Biology Lab, lab equipment, permanent slides, and many more. The students showed a strong interest in learning more about our institute and exploring their potential in scientific research.
Following the lab visit, we gave them a talk on synthetic biology along with its possibilities and also our project for this year’s iGEM competition. A lively Q&A session (by Dr. Satish Khurana) was also held that provided insightful answers to students’ questions.
Reflection
The students seemed fascinated and many came forward with enthusiasm to volunteer for the team. The event led to interesting discussions on topics like the extraction of essential oils from microbes and the possibility of this chassis organism withstanding its effect since most essential oils are antimicrobial. The attendees shared their happiness on gaining insights, Since it was one of the earliest events conducted by the team, no proper way of collecting feedback was planned. This mistake was later rectified.
Throughout the course of our project, we began to appreciate the importance of engaging with our stakeholders and finding the right balance between making a social impact and generating profit- an essential aspect of raising awareness about sustainable entrepreneurship. Communicating with stakeholders about our project and the broader potential of synthetic biology has allowed us to understand their perspectives and shape our project accordingly.
One significant step in this process was visiting the sandalwood oil factory in Mysore. We observed the labor-intensive process of extracting sandalwood oil firsthand, witnessing the time and effort required to separate the oil-rich heartwood from other parts of the tree and the lengthy extraction process. We also distributed information pamphlets about our project to the factory officials, who were eager to learn more about the science behind it and offered us encouragement.
During our visit, we learned that the factory struggles to source enough wood to meet the growing demand for sandalwood oil and even imports oil from countries like Australia. When we asked if they would consider purchasing oil from us if we could produce it, they responded positively, stating that they would be happy to do so, provided it met the required quality standards. The overall feedback from the factory employees was positive and encouraging.
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- A documentary series about individuals who play a vital role in keeping society functioning properly often go unnoticed.
Our project is developing a sustainable solution to obtain sandalwood oil that will help conserve the vulnerable species of sandalwood trees, thus highlighting the importance of biodiversity, which is indispensable for us. Therefore, we collaborated with the media society of IISER TVM for an online intra-collegiate photography contest from May 22nd to 25th with the theme being biodiversity, as International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on May 22 every year. A Google form was created and distributed through social media. The participants were required to fill out the form and attach their entries to it.
Goal: to educate people about the intricate processes that make sandalwood oil so valuable.
Science education is an unavoidable part of our project as it is important to help people appreciate the world around them and encourage them to participate in science. To understand and help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and common people, we sent out surveys on synthetic biology terms and the harmful effects of microplastics. We also used a survey as a medium to communicate with the audience of BioGenesis to understand what they expected from the event and tried to incorporate their suggestions.
Informative posts about synbio and microplastics, reels about basic lab techniques, . . . .