Overview
Our project brings together a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Some of us specialize in research, others in marketing or bioproduction, each contributing unique expertise to tackle our chosen problem. Early in our collaboration, we discussed our strengths & experiences, identifying key areas where we could contribute most effectively. This foundation allowed us to build a well-rounded project from the ground up.
Figure 1: CAP’siRNA team working together
From there, we focused on combating virus Yellows disease in the sugar beet industry, as none of the existing solutions are sufficiently effective. Through Integrated Human Practices, we strengthened our project by ensuring it was practical and impactful. We engaged with scientists and farmers among others. Their insights helped us refine our approach to better address the industry's needs. After presenting our solution to the sugar beet industry stakeholders, we received valuable feedback that allowed us to make further improvements, enhancing the project's overall impact.
Here, find the key interactions that helped us shape our project!
Figure 2: Diagram representing our Human Practices journey
Before contacting anyone, we conducted internal brainstorming sessions within our team and gathered as much information as possible. We then proceeded to meet with farmers to better understand their concerns and needs to adapt our solution.
This is where our idea took shape:
Paris international agricultural fair 2024
Our goals
Holding initial meetings with farmers
Gaining insights into agricultural challenges & specific issues
We attended the Paris International Agricultural Fair, held from February 24th to March 3rd, 2024. This event provided us with valuable insights into the challenges farmers face, particularly with crops like tomatoes and potatoes. Many farmers expressed a desire to transition to organic farming but reported significant obstacles.
Takeaways
Many farmers shared that they would consider using a bio-stimulant solution if one were available. During our discussions, we gathered valuable perspectives on the alternative solutions they use instead of pesticides and how effective they find these methods. Besides, we obtained the contact information of sugar beet farmer Bruno Cardot from other farmers, which is useful for our project. From this point on, we fully decided to dedicate our project to the sugar beet issue.
Figure 3: CAP’siRNA team at the Agricultural Fair
Scientists
Alone we go faster, but together we go further. This is why we recognized the importance of assembling a team of scientific experts in agronomy, plant science, and pest management, alongside laboratory specialists. Their expertise has been instrumental in refining and advancing our project, CAP’siRNA. By challenging our ideas and providing valuable insights, they have significantly enriched our work.
Charlotte Helbecque
Life science teacher at SupBiotech
Our goals
Discussing on the feasibility of our project
Deepening our knowledge of siRNA
Studying the plant's entry & exit mechanisms to integrate CAP’siRNA
Studying CRISPR-Cas9 in order to use it in our project
Charlotte Helbecque is an engineer specializing in life sciences, with a particular focus on plants. As our instructor, we reached out to her to leverage her expertise. She considers our project ambitious yet innovative, noting that using a siRNA mechanism to combat the virus could present a groundbreaking alternative in agriculture.
Takeaways
Thanks to Ms. Helbecque, we understood that the use of molecular tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 should be avoided, as this would mean creating GMOs and releasing them into the wild, which we do not want. A second point raised concerns: our siRNAs. She confirmed their very limited stability over time. This has prompted us to create a capsule to protect our RNA-based solution. Based on this idea, we now want to take inspiration from phytoviruses to create our viral capsid and allow its entry into our plants.
Figure 4: Charlotte Helbecque
Dr. Martine Boccara
Researcher at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris
Our goals
Investigating methods for inoculating RNA into plants
Researching phytoviruses and their replication mechanisms
Utilizing cells to produce phytoviruses in the laboratory
Dr. Martine Boccara is a researcher at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and an emeritus professor specializing in bioinformatics. She focuses on developing optimal methods to analyze virus populations and studying virus multiplication. During our discussion, we explored various aspects of phytoviruses and their implications for our project.
Takeaways
Dr. Boccara provided valuable insights into how researchers efficiently and safely infect sugar beet with the virus Yellows in their laboratories. She emphasized the importance of using abrasives to create micro-injuries for virus entry while discussing the challenges of aphid control. The potential of gene therapy to introduce independent plant defenses against BYV was highlighted, along with the need to ensure that plant health is not compromised and that no vulnerabilities to other pathogens are created.
Figure 5: Dr. Martine Boccara
Dr. Frank Yates
Researcher at CellTechs laboratory and the French alternative energies & atomic energy commission (CEA)
Our goals
Mastering the art of effectively presenting our project to an audience
Obtaining a scientific assessment of our project's feasibility
Identifying the key societal & scientific challenges that could hinder our project
Receiving advice on how to structure a project of a scale comparable to iGEM
Dr. Frank Yates is the director of research at our school and the principal investigator of the CellTechs team. He collaborates with CEA - François Jacob Biology Institute (IBFJ) - Service for Instrumentation and Automation Project Studies (SEPIA), focusing on human pluripotent stem cells (both embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) to model diseases. His research interests lie in biotechnology and the application of new biological discoveries.
Takeaways
With a wealth of experience in project management, Dr. Yates’ help was invaluable at the start of the iGEM adventure. During our meetings, he was able to give us the keys to managing a project on the scale of iGEM, while at the same time giving us his scientific opinion.
Figure 6: Dr. Frank Yates
Dr. Veronique Brault, Dr. Quentin Chesnais, Dr. Martin Drucker
French National Research Institute for Agriculture, food, and the Environment (INRAE) researchers
Our goals
Understanding how to work with siRNAs and capsid proteins
Receiving guidance on testing methods to detect siRNAs
Dr. Véronique Brault, Dr. Quentin Chesnais, and Dr. Martin Drucker are researchers at INRAE, specializing in the biology of virus transmission. They helped us with virus inoculation methods, and we also discussed siRNA detection and strategies to optimize our experiments. This collaboration has been instrumental in helping us refine our solution for the sugar beet industry.
Takeaways
During this meeting, Dr. Brault, Dr. Chesnais, and Dr. Drucker emphasized the importance of viral capsid proteins in protecting and stabilizing our RNA solution. Thanks to this discussion, we gathered valuable information, including insights on using aphids for optimal Beet Yellows Virus (BYV) inoculation processes.
Figure 7: Dr. Quentin Chesnais & Dr. Veronique Brault
Dr. Manfred Heinlein and Dr. Ana Sede
French national centre for scientific research (CNRS), Institute of plant molecular biology (IBMP)
Our goals
Discussing about methods to collect and purify Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) capsid protein
Exploring approaches to work with target plant genes
Assessing the usefulness of modifying of RNA sequence to add an Origin of Assembly Sequence (OAS)
Determining if the capsid would open inside the plant and successfully deliver RNA
Dr. Manfred Heinlein and Dr. Ana Sede work at CNRS, based in Kehl, Germany. Their researches focus on plant virology. Their works address the urgent global challenge of improving crop productivity in the face of increasing food demand and virus-induced damage to cultivated plants. They helped us in our project by giving us key feedback.
Takeaways
Our discussion with Dr. Heinlein and Dr. Sede significantly shaped our approach for the CAP'siRNA project. They provided valuable insights into the TMV capsid protein and RNA encapsidation, which influenced our experimental strategy. We also explored the formation of capsid (independent of RNA) and the importance of modifying RNA with the Origin of Assembly (OAS) for effective encapsidation. In addition to TMV, Dr. Sede also provided us a TMV extraction and purification protocol, and a capsid purification protocol that we could use for conducting our experiments.
Figure 8: Dr. Manfred Heinlein & Dr. Ana Sede
Ghislain Malathesta
Sugar Beet Technical Institute (ITB)
Our goals
Exploring practices for managing BYV in sugar beet crops
Gathering information on the biology of aphids and virus transmission
Gislain Malathesta is the Director of the Department of Regional Experimentation and Expertise at the Sugar Beet Technical Institute (ITB). He manages testing related to sugar beet purity, sugar concentration, and virus infections through ELISA assays. Additionally, at ITB, he manages greenhouses where aphids, key vectors for transmitting the Beet Yellows Virus (BYV), are raised. During our discussions, we explored the role aphids play in spreading virus Yellows disease, as well as the various techniques employed to protect sugar beets from this significant issue.
Takeaways
We gathered valuable insights into the biology of aphids, particularly their reproduction rates, virus transmission capabilities, and the methods currently used to mitigate BYV outbreaks in sugar beet crops. Mr. Malathesta shared ITB's strategies for combating BYV, which include chemical treatments, biological control measures, and other protective techniques. Through these discussions, we also learned how to efficiently and safely infect sugar beets in our laboratory for our experimental purposes. Mr. Malathesta also provided us sugar beet seeds to conduct our experiments.
Figure 9: Bruno Cardot (left) & Ghislain Malathesta (right)
Hervé Escriou
SATT (Technology Transfer Acceleration Society)
Our goals
Exploring possibilities for starting a startup
Understanding patent procedures for securing CAP’siRNA
Hervé Escriou has wide experience in the sugar beet industry. After earning a scientific background at AgroParisTech, he joined the ITB, becoming the scientific director in 2017. He currently works with the SATT (Technology Transfer Acceleration Society), where he supports laboratory projects to create startups in the agriculture and food sectors, helping them explore their potential and secure funding. Additionally, he guides student projects to help them evolve into larger initiatives.
Takeaways
After explaining our project to Mr. Escriou, he provided us with great insights that helped us think about the future of CAP’siRNA. He also helped us realize the impact our solution might have on society and guided us in considering the pricing of our solution. Finally, he helped us to think about the patent procedures to potentially secure our project.
Figure 10: Hervé Escriou
Dr. Aviram Avital
RNAway
Our goals
Discussing practical ways to deliver shRNA or dsRNA into plants
Exploring potential carriers such as liposomes or viral capsids
Understanding the challenges of large-scale application
Investigating the effectiveness of naked RNA delivery for agricultural use
Dr. Aviram Avital is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at RNAway, a startup focused on developing technologies that enable growers to maximize crop yield, reduce environmental impact, and address modern agricultural challenges. During our discussion, we explored how shRNA can enter plants, the use of liposomes to assist RNA in penetrating cells, and the potential of utilizing viral capsids to protect RNA.
Takeaways
Dr. Avital helped us reflect on how to facilitate RNA entry into the plant and ensure it reaches its target cells effectively. He assured us that the direct application of naked RNA on plants is significantly less effective compared to using delivery systems. Thanks to this discussion, we gained valuable insights that guided us in refining and enhancing our solution.
Figure 11: Aviram Avital
Dr. Savandara Besse
Doctor in Computer Science
Our goals
Solidifying our project plan to ensure we meet iGEM requirements
Developing a clear, impactful project
Dr. Savandara Besse is a Computer Scientist, a former iGEM gold medalist, and a current postdoctoral researcher at Jacques Monod Institute in Paris. During our meeting, we discussed essential iGEM components, such as wiki design and medal eligibility. We also explored our modeling projects for CAP’siRNA, receiving valuable feedback to improve our approach.
Takeaways
Dr. Besse provided critical advice that helped us refine our approach, particularly in bioinformatics and human practices. Her insights guided us on how to better coordinate our efforts and ensure that our project aligns with iGEM standards.
Figure 12: Dr. Savandara Besse
Farmers
Farmers are the primary stakeholders in the sugar beet issue. The ban on neonicotinoids (NEOs) disrupted their practices. We met with several sugar beet farmers who provided valuable insights, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the problem. Additionally, we inquired about the economic implications to ensure our solution would be better adapted to their needs.
We will feature the majority of the farmers we met or contacted from various sugar beet regions, all of whom are presented in the map shown in Figure 12.
Figure 13: France map of sugar beet fields and farmers we contacted
1. EARL Cardot
2. Technical Institute of Sugar Beet (ITB)
3. EARL Sillon de Gastie
4. Étaves-et-Bocquiaux Farm
5. GAEC Bollaert Farm
6. Du Bas de la Cense Farm
7. EARL De la Brulotte
8. Coupigny Farm
9. EARL Cafre
10. EARL Loriette
An EARL is for Exploitation Agricole à Responsabilité Limité, a French legal structure for a farming business where the owners have limited liability. It could be translated in English as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The GAEC means Groupement Agricole d'Exploitation en Commun in french. It could be translated by Joint Agricultural Exploitation Group
Bruno Cardot
Farmer
Our goals
Understanding the organization of a sugar beet field
Discussing the impact of NEOs bans on sugar beet cultivation
Exploring current pest control methods and their effectiveness
Investigating new solutions, including RNA-based methods
Bruno Cardot is our first encounter with a sugar beet farmer. He manages several crops and practices rotation farming of wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets. Beyond farming, he is a dynamic figure, participating as a member of several cooperatives and associations, and serving as a town councilor. Our discussion provided us with valuable insights into the current challenges faced by sugar beet farmers, particularly regarding the ban on neonicotinoids (NEOs). Mr. Cardot shared his experiences and concerns regarding pest management and the economic impact of recent regulations.
Takeaways
We were particularly moved by a metaphor he used to explain the challenges surrounding sugar beets. He compared the problem to having a flat tire due to the NEOs ban. To repair the car, farmers need both a new tire and the right tools; so far, only the tires have been provided. This leaves farmers without the tools needed to resolve the sugar beet issue, which remains critical. Other pesticides are under regulation and are less effective according to farmers. Diversion methods and sexual confusion strategies are either ineffective or still being tested. Mr. Cardot expressed openness to exploring RNA-based solutions as an alternative if they are proven to be cost-effective and efficient.
Figure 14: Bruno Cardot and CAP'siRNA team in sugar beet fields
Jérome Gallois
Farmer – EARL Sillon de Gastie
Our goals
Gathering more information on financial gain from crops
Assessing the impact of diseases, pests, and treatment costs on sugar beets
Jérome Gallois cultivates multiple crops, including sugar beets. He is also a member of an Agricultural Development Group, where technical meetings to protect crops are held. Mr. Gallois provided valuable insights into his farm’s economic model and highlighted that sugar beets and hemp are the most profitable among his crops. He also mentioned that sugar beets face threats from aphids, ground pests, crows, and diseases such as grey leaf spot. Using Mr. Gallois’s expertise and findings helped us refine our approach and ensure our solutions are practical and effective. The economic implications of sugar beet production are crucial for the sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods, reinforcing the need for effective and economically viable solutions.
Takeaways
According to Mr. Gallois, protecting sugar beet crops costs between €700 and €800 per hectare. To ensure our solution is profitable for farmers, we adapted our approach to keep costs within this range. He also noted that with new European regulations and sustainability goals, agriculture is increasingly relying on new breeding and plant engineering techniques. In this context, CAP'siRNA may be well-received as it offers a solution to reduce conventional pesticide use.
Figure 15: Jérome Gallois
Vincent Guyot
Farmer
Our goals
Understanding the economic challenges of growing sugar beets
Identifying the impact of changes in politics and the environment
Exploring with farmers potential solutions for sustainable farming practices
As with most of the farmers we contacted, Vincent Guyot grows various crops. Sugar beets once represented 100% of his farm sales revenue but due to changes in regulations, increasing costs, and the unpredictability of the sugar market, sugar beets no longer accounts for all of his revenue, though it still constitutes the largest portion of his sales. Mr. Guyot shared that farmers are under pressure to produce efficiently with fewer resources.
Takeaways
Mr. Guyot says that farmers would likely use our product as a curative measure once the virus Yellows appears on their crops. This helped us understand how to tailor our solution to meet their needs effectively, ensuring it is not only innovative but also responsive to the real-world challenges faced by farmers. He also shared that farmers face unpredictable revenue due to fluctuating production costs and market prices, which reinforces our commitment to developing a cost-effective and reliable solution.
Figure 16: Vincent Guyot
Eddie Bollaert
Farmer
Our goals
Having the feedback of a farmer to improve and refine our solution
Eddie Bollaert has a farm of 335 hectares with various fields. Sugar beet was once one of his most profitable crops, but due to crises and increasing regulatory constraints, that is no longer the case. To help improve insecticides efficiency and protect sugar beet plants, Mr. Bollaert uses auxiliary methods, such as planting species that attract beneficial insects or pests that feed on harmful insects. However, these techniques remain very unreliable in practical field conditions.
Takeaways
Mr. Bollaert expressed concerns that using CAP’siRNA as a curative treatment would mean waiting for the virus Yellows to be detected, which typically occurs about a month after infection. By that point, the sugar beet's growth cycle would already be compromised. However, despite the potential for increased expenses, he indicated that farmers would be willing to use our solution as a preventive treatment across the entire field to protect crops before the virus takes hold.
Some farmers prefer curative treatments such as Mr. Guyot, while others, like Mr. Bollaert, tend to prefer preventive ones. Interactions with both farmers have helped us reflect on the practical application of CAP’siRNA and shaped our understanding of what we want to offer to farmers.
Figure 17: Eddie & Loïc Bollaert in their sugar beet field
Didier Blanckaert
Researcher at ITB
Our goals
Having another point of view on the sugar beet issue
Meeting a farmer who balances both livestock & crop production
Unlike the previous farmers we contacted, Didier Blanckaert also engages in livestock farming alongside his several crop productions. Sugar beet fields are the second most profitable crop in his operation, and his activities are well balanced between both crop and livestock farming. Adding to this, Mr. Blanckaert is a member of the Cristal Union cooperative.
Takeaways
Being a member of Cristal Union provides Mr. Blanckaert with great industry insights, highlighting the importance of strong networks for farmers to stay informed about new protective tools and technologies. Thus, taking collaborative feedback will also bring us closer to developing solutions that truly meet the needs of farmers in an evolving agricultural landscape.
Figure 18: Didier Blanckaert
Alexis Hache
Farmer – EARL De la Brulotte
Our goals
Having another point of view on the sugar beet issue
Gathering insights from farmers about their experiences and plans in response to market dynamics
Alexis Hache manages a 260-hectare farm, growing various crops. Like many others, sugar beets once represented the farm's primary economic activity. However, decreasing profitability has incited Mr. Hache to consider diversifying into other vegetables. He recognizes that relying on a single crop increases risk and that reducing sugar beet production may be necessary to stabilize income. The evolving sugar market, with increased imports and competition, further complicates the situation, threatening the viability of local sugar beet production and associated industries.
Takeaways
Mr. Hache's insights highlighted the growing economic pressures on sugar beet farmers, prompting many to reconsider their economic models. The shift away from sugar beet production could have broader implications for local economies and businesses dependent on this crop. This reflection made us realize how CAP’siRNA can support farmers and dependent businesses through these challenges. By developing a targeted solution, we can help farmers maintain their sugar beet production while adapting to the evolving market landscape and protecting the local economy.
Figure 19: Alexis Hache
Sébastien Loriette
Farmer – EARL Loriette - Confectioner
Our goals
Having another point of view on the sugar beet issue
Exploring the potential for CAP’siRNA as an alternative to insecticides for sugar beet farming
Sébastien Loriette is a farmer managing 160 hectares of various field crops, including sugar beets. He is the only farmer in France to produce sweets and other confectionery products from the sugar derived from his sugar beets and wheat. His company is called ‘A les champs’. To maintain a positive public image, Mr. Loriette minimizes pesticide use whenever possible. He is actively seeking to establish a more environmentally friendly farming approach, particularly in controlling aphids in his sugar beet fields.
Takeaways
Mr. Loriette expressed a clear desire to reduce insecticide use, applying it only to his sugar beet crops. He experiments with agroecological techniques, such as growing sugar beets near trees to attract beneficial insects that help decrease aphid populations. The farm’s reliance on public perception, due to its confectionery business, increases the demand for sustainable solutions. CAP’siRNA could provide a valuable alternative for Mr. Loriette, aligning with his goals of reducing chemical inputs while maintaining crop productivity. Our discussion raised ethical questions about whether consumers would be willing to purchase sweets and other products derived from sugar beets treated with our solution, and if this approach could be viable on an industrial scale.
Figure 20: Sophie and Sébastien Loriette presenting their sweets
Industrials & Cooperatives
The sugar industry involves a diverse array of stakeholders, each contributing to the complex landscape surrounding sugar beet production. To fully understand the challenges and opportunities within this sector, we aimed to gather feedback and insights from the two greatest French cooperatives, Cristal Union and TEREOS. These perspectives are crucial in shaping effective solutions and raising collaboration among all parties involved.
Laurent Rudloff
Manager of the Sugar Beet Department - Cristal Union
Our goals
Understanding the organization of the sugar beet industry
Exploring potential collaborative solutions with industry stakeholders to reduce losses
Laurent Rudloff manages the sugar beet department at Cristal Union, where he has led projects to cultivate organic sugar beets and developed a range of organic sugar products. However, even in these cases, the Virus Yellows disease remains a critical issue for sugar production. In our discussion, we covered the challenges posed by the ban on neonicotinoids (NEOs), the current solutions available, as well as the impact these issues have on the sugar industry.
Takeaways
Mr. Rudloff provided us with a deeper understanding of the necessity of considering the economic realities of sugar beet farming in our approach. Discussions with farmers and now Mr. Rudloff have emphasized that CAP’siRNA should not only address pest and disease concerns but must also enhance the economic viability of sugar beet production. A significant reduction in crop yields also puts entire cooperatives and factories at risk of bankruptcy due to shorter production campaigns.
Figure 21: Laurent Rudloff
Cyril Perche
District manager - TEREOS
Our goals
Getting feedback from another cooperative
Gathering insights on market dynamics and pricing strategies
TEREOS is an international French sugar cooperative group and Cyril Perche oversees the sugar beet department there. He supervises the impact of recent regulatory changes. Under his leadership, TEREOS has tackled the complexities of sugar beet cultivation, focusing on pest control and its economic impact. During our discussion, we talked about some challenges in developing solutions for sugar beet cultivation, the French agricultural model, and how to price our solution.
Takeaways
Mr. Perche pointed out that using multiple insecticides and fungicides is necessary, but it has also attracted more inspection from environmental groups and increased production costs. Mr. Perche stressed the importance of developing solutions that enhance both the ecological and economic aspects of sugar beet farming. He shared valuable insights on pricing and market dynamics. This information will help us tailor our product to meet farmers' needs and support the sustainability of the sugar industry. Mr. Perche is further interested in following the development of our product and potentially establishing a future collaboration.
Figure 22: TEREOS sugar beet industry
Others
We believe that gathering perspectives from various stakeholders will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing the sugar beet industry and help us refine our project. This aligns with the purpose of Human Practices in the iGEM competition, where we aim to extract maximum value from these exchanges. This section highlights key stakeholders we engaged with, such as a seed bearer, and agricultural policy advisors among others.
Bruno Dequiedt
General manager - SESVanderHave France (seed bearer)
Our goals
Understanding sugar beet seed development & regulatory influence on new varieties
Exploring potential partnerships with seed-bearers for testing CAP’siRNA
Investigating approaches to finding alternatives to NEOs
Bruno Dequiedt is the General Manager and market leader of SESVanderHave France, which produces sugar beet seeds for farmers. We discussed the challenges of developing new sugar beet seed varieties in light of the neonicotinoid ban in France. Mr. Dequiedt outlined that creating virus-resistant varieties can take 10 to 15 years. He also noted that the efficacy of these new seeds remains uncertain and that additional protective measures will still be necessary in the future.
Takeaways
Given that NEOs are directly applied to seeds, it was essential for us to gain insights from a seed bearer. Mr. Dequiedt's feedback will help us refine our approach to better support farmers and explore collaborations with seed development initiatives. He also expressed openness to a potential partnership with CAP’siRNA, particularly for testing our products on sugar beets grown from his seeds.
Figure 23: Bruno Dequiedt & Anne Sander (member of the European Parliament)
Christophe Dion
Head of agronomy, innovation advisor - Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Agriculture
Our goals
Gaining insights to improve our project
Christophe Dion leads the agronomy department at the regional Chamber of Agriculture in Île-de-France and manages key initiatives, such as innovation and sustainable development in agriculture and organic crops. We presented our project to him, and he provided valuable feedback that highlighted key areas we had not explored yet, such as how our solution might be perceived by others and what additional investigations are necessary.
Takeaways
Mr. Dion warned that mentioning RNA might label our product as a GMO, potentially attracting lobbying opposition. He emphasized the importance of considering genetic durability while recognizing our simulation programs in our dry lab. He also expressed interest in the versatility of our technology, particularly its potential applications in wheat. This discussion provided us with valuable new perspectives and key points to focus on moving forward.
Figure 24: Christophe Dion
Rémi Vanhaesebroucke
Field crops market manager – Marne Departmental Chamber of Agriculture
Our goals
Gathering insights to improve our project
Evaluating the feasibility of CAP’siRNA in sugar beet production
Rémi Vanhaesebroucke is the Field Crops Market Manager at the Marne Departmental Chamber of Agriculture. Farmers can seek his guidance on new protective tools from the Departmental Chambers of Agriculture. In our discussion, we addressed key concerns farmers face, including the Virus Yellows disease and the increasing restrictions on effective tools. Mr. Vanhaesebroucke also offered valuable insights into how CAP’siRNA can be feasibly implemented in the fields.
Takeaways
Mr. Vanhaesebroucke highlighted the importance of considering the practical application methods and environmental conditions when formulating CAP’siRNA products. He also expressed his desire for a solution that could restore the green color to sugar beet leaves affected by virus Yellows disease, thereby returning their photosynthetic ability and improving the overall quality. This dialogue inspired us to reflect on how we can tailor our solutions to effectively address farmers' needs while ensuring optimal performance in high-pressure situations.
Figure 25: Rémi Vanhaesebroucke
Dr. Lidia Chavinskaia
Professor of sociology - SupBiotech
Our goals
Exploring how our CAP’siRNA might be perceived by society
Discussing the acceptance of a product derived from GMOs within organic farming
Dr. Lidia Chavinskaia got a PhD in Science and Technology Studies (STS) at the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE). She teaches sociology at SupBiotech and coordinates international projects on cattle genetic selection. We discussed mainly about GMOs and how they are perceived in the French society.
Takeaways
Dr. Chavinskaia recommended surveying with a large sample size to assess the acceptance of our solution by the population. She also emphasized that society is constantly evolving and that there is a clear distinction between older and newer GMOs. Regarding implementing our solution in organic farming, she mentioned that it would be essential to research European regulations. Additionally, it is worth noting that the acceptance of GMO-based products is often higher in countries like the United States.
Figure 26: Dr. Lidia Chavinskaia
Dr. Anne Le Goff
Lecturer in science, technology and bioethics - SupBiotech
Our goals
Examining public perception of our solution
Exploring ethical and environmental concerns
Investigating the economic feasibility and societal impact
Dr. Anne Le Goff is a lecturer in science, technology, and bioethics at SupBiotech. She started this position in 2024 after previously being a lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her research and teaching focus mainly on biotechnology, reproduction, and nature. Dr. Le Goff brought great insights and helped us think more broadly about the ethic consequences our project might have in the future.
Takeaways
Dr. Le Goff highlighted ethical concerns about the dual-use potential (both its beneficial and potentially harmful applications) of our solution. We discussed environmental impacts, noting that the solution targets only viral RNA, sparing aphids and other organisms. We noted that public perception may be favorable due to its biodegradability and lack of pesticides, but pricing could create inequalities among farmers. Lastly, we considered the cost-effectiveness of using the solution preventively versus curatively.
Figure 27: Dr. Anne Le Goff
Conclusion
To conclude, we chose to surround ourselves with a team of experts to effectively address current challenges and contribute to building the world of tomorrow.
Peter Carr states "Human Practices is the study of how your work affects the world, and how the world affects your work". Guided by this philosophy, our iGEM journey allowed us to engage with four main stakeholder groups: farmers, scientists, industries, and cooperatives in the sugar beet sector. These interactions proved invaluable, providing essential insights that significantly advanced our project. Additionally, we sought advice from experts in various fields such as sociology, marketing, science, entrepreneurship, and patent strategies. Their contributions enabled us to debate and analyze our project from multiple perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to its potential impact and feasibility in the future.
