“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” – Kofi Annan.

In communication, platforms for public interaction are indispensable. JLU-NBBMS's new media platform not only effectively documents all activities and recruits collaborative teams but also responsibly undertakes the work of unveiling the mysteries of science to the public. Scientific research often involves abstruse professional knowledge and intricate theoretical frameworks. While every iGEMer is dedicated to contributing to a better world, the public often struggles to understand or even embrace new research, such as the bacterial therapies we use.

The new media platform serves as a bridge, transporting scientific knowledge from specialized fields into everyday life.

Through engaging comic strips, entertaining short videos, and highly interactive outreach activities, we transform scientific concepts into accessible language and visuals. We’ve also gained a substantial number of followers and received positive feedback.

On our public platform, you can explore lively team introductions, rich and interesting records of activities, and interactive surveys that inspire us. You will also find an engaging comic series titled "Bio-field," which expounds on synthetic biology and its profound implications for our daily lives. Trust me, after visiting our platform, you’ll want to become one of our followers!

Jilin University College of Philosophy and Sociology

Our team hosted a lab open day for students from the College of Philosophy and Social Sciences, marking JLU-NBBMS’s first attempt at engaging with students from the humanities and social sciences. Nearly 70 students from the College of Philosophy and Social Sciences visited the lab at the College of Basic Medical Sciences of Jilin University. These students, who may become future policymakers, engaged in discussions on biomedical ethics. Through this exchange, we gained insight into how policymakers think from a humanities perspective, while they expressed interest in considering natural science perspectives in future policymaking. This lab open day had a significant impact on both parties. For them, it was their first hands-on experience with biological experiments, allowing them to appreciate the fascination of scientific research. For us, we gained valuable experience in organizing activities and learned how to inspire people from different academic backgrounds to participate in iGEM discussions.

Jilin University College of Chemistry

Our team engaged in extensive collaboration with the College of Chemistry at Jilin University, driven by our decision to use nanoparticles to load chemotherapy drugs and achieve targeted delivery on the surface of Salmonella. This led to a pressing need for in-depth research and practical support in nanoparticle technology. Faced with challenges in nanoparticle design, the Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials at the College of Chemistry provided crucial expertise and technical support. Through comprehensive discussions, we optimized the design of the nanoparticles to enhance drug loading capacity, delivery efficiency, and binding efficacy. This collaborative effort resulted in the development of a highly targeted, safe, and efficient nanoparticle-based chemotherapy drug delivery system.

Jilin University College of Mathematics

Our team hosted a Math Salon, a multidisciplinary seminar organized in collaboration between the College of Mathematics and the JLU-NBBMS team from the College of Basic Medical Sciences. Undergraduate students from both mathematics and medicine participated in the event. Through insightful presentations by professors, students from both disciplines gained an understanding of how mathematical models can be applied to solve complex medical problems, recognizing the significant contributions of mathematical techniques to medical research and practice.

The seminar gave medical students a clear sense of the value and appeal of mathematical modeling, helping them better understand medical issues such as tumor modeling. Meanwhile, it sparked an eagerness among mathematics students to explore how their field can contribute to innovations in healthcare. The impact of the seminar was profound, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and highlighting the immense potential of interdisciplinary exchange between the two fields.

Jilin University School-Enterprise Joint Presentation

JLU-NBBMS, together with four other teams from Jilin University, successfully co-hosted a school-enterprise joint presentation with Shanghai Igenecode Technology. The event aimed to promote collaboration between academia and industry, deepen internal exchanges within the university, and provide students with insights into cutting-edge knowledge in synthetic biology and digital biomedical research. After the event, many students provided positive feedback, expressing their desire to join research teams and explore the mysteries of science together. This presentation laid a solid foundation for future interdisciplinary and cross-field collaborations.

WHU-China

In April, when cherry blossoms were in full bloom, JLU-NBBMS team members traveled to the beautiful campus of Wuhan University for an in-person meetup with WHU-China. Both team leaders introduced their respective projects, discussing experimental design, mathematical modeling, and safety protocols, while offering constructive feedback to each other. The two teams quickly agreed to collaborate on human practices, education, and graphic design, looking forward to exploring the beauty of synthetic biology together with WHU-China iGEMers.

UM-Macau: National Tumour Awareness Week

During the National Cancer Prevention and Treatment Awareness Week, JLU-NBBMS collaborated with UM-Macau to conduct cancer prevention education activities in local communities. This initiative not only allowed us to compare differences in healthcare policies between mainland China and the Hong Kong-Macau regions but also helped us gather valuable feedback from residents on their needs for cancer insurance coverage. Together, we explored ways to enhance community support services for cancer patients.

BNUZH-China: Plasmid Construction

In our discussions with the BNUZH-CHINA 2023 team, we learned that they utilized a bacteria-mediated RNA interference system called trans-kingdom RNAi (tkRNAi) in their research. Together, we explored the advantages of tkRNAi and its potential as a method for suppressing drug resistance genes.

The 11th CCiC

The 11th CCiC Conference marked a milestone for JLU-NBBMS. At the CCiC, we engaged in in-depth exchanges with iGEMers from across China, which helped us further refine the design of both our wet lab experiments and models. Additionally, we established close collaborations with several teams. It was through these collective efforts that we were able to present the iBSRC-High Schools, iBSRC-College, Bio-Field, and the Biosecurity and Bioethics Whitepaper projects.

Collaboration evening in CCiC

Initiated by JLU-NBBMS, this event aimed to bring together iGEMers from all over China to unite our efforts and explore the vast potential of human practices. It was an invitation for intercollegiate collaboration in HP & Education from JLU-NBBMS. Through this event, we sought to engage in in-depth discussions with other Chinese iGEMers on the planning and development of HP and education projects, with the goal of forming meaningful partnerships.

WHU-China: Synthetic Biology Monopoly

We aimed to design a game based on the "Monopoly" concept to promote synthetic biology to a broader audience. This proposal was well-received by WHU-China, who provided significant support. It became a collaborative project jointly developed by both teams. JLU-NBBMS contributed mainly by designing the game framework, rules, and card content, while WHU-China provided artistic design support. At the CCiC conference, we met again to discuss the details and finalize the appearance of the game board. After continuous optimization, the final version of the Monopoly game was completed in August.

HUST-China BNUZH-China HainanU-China:Model

During the CCiC, we had in-depth exchanges with HainanU-China and HUST-China teams. In our discussions with HainanU-China, we improved the modeling aspect of our project, particularly by incorporating mathematical modeling, which became a key component in our safety analysis. The exchange with HUST-China helped us realize that our initial concept for gene screening was not clear enough. We had originally planned to use machine learning for gene screening, but after practical evaluation, we found it unnecessary and inefficient to use complex methods for basic issues. Ultimately, we opted for the more established and commonly used risk factor prognosis analysis method for scoring.

Additionally, we exchanged ideas with BNUZH-China, focusing on improving the structure of fusion proteins. Through discussions with their team, we gained a deeper understanding of the composition of outer membrane delivery systems and explored simplified approaches to improve them. We also discussed technical challenges and key points related to structural simulation.

iBSRC-High Schools

From July 22 to 27, 2024, JLU-NBBMS teamed up with WHU-China, CAU-China, BNUZH-China, and PekingHSC to jointly host the iBSRC-High Schools event. This was a bold attempt at intercollegiate collaboration, and we were all delighted to unite our strengths to provide learning support for high school students interested in synthetic biology.

SLI Workshop Round-table Conference

On July 28, JLU-NBBMS participated in the Self-Learning & Innovation Workshop Roundtable. This open platform for communication allowed JLU-NBBMS to collaborate with BNUZH-China, RDFZ-CHINA, and CHINA-HUBU-WUHAN,LCG-China,CPU-China,NJMU-CHINA,HaaseMage,AFMU-China,HUST-China,CUG-China,jky-wuhan-china,HKUST-GZ. Together, we explored pathways for self-directed learning and discussed the future of innovative design, inspiring new ideas and approaches.

iGBA

From August 1 to August 3, the 2nd iGEM Greater Bay Area Synthetic Biology Industry–Academia–Research Forum (2nd iGBA) was held at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). The forum, jointly initiated by SUSTech-MED, BNUZH-China, UM-Macau, and HKUST-GZ, brought together iGEM teams and industry partners for regional exchange. Though located in the northeast of China, JLU-NBBMS has always strived to overcome geographical limitations. Recognizing the Greater Bay Area as one of the most concentrated regions for bio-related high-tech industries, JLU-NBBMS saw this as an opportunity to gain inspiration in the integration of synthetic biology with industry, academia, and research. Invited to this prestigious event, JLU-NBBMS traveled over 3,000 kilometers to Shenzhen to participate in the forum.

iBSRC-College

From August 5 to 11, JLU-NBBMS, in collaboration with PekingHSC, BNUZH-China, and WHU-China, hosted the iGEM Biomedical Science Research Course (iBSRC) at the College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University. The joint efforts of the four teams provided participants with an unprecedented learning experience, and throughout this process, we received invaluable and genuine feedback from the attendees.

The 1st Northeast iGEM Meetup

On August 12, 2024, our team participated in the "First Northeast iGEM Team Meetup," jointly hosted by Northeast Forestry University and Northeast Normal University. This event served not only as a platform for showcasing and exchanging synthetic biology projects but also as a significant opportunity for promoting scientific innovation and collaboration within the region.

During this activity, we engaged in profound discussions and exchanges of ideas with several iGEM teams from across Northeast China. Our project, which focused on enhancing biosafety through synthetic biology techniques, attracted widespread attention. Also, we had in-depth conversations with JLU-CP, where we shared updates on our respective projects and explored the potential collaboration on drafting and promoting our Biosecurity and Bioethics Whitepaper. Furthermore, our partnership extended to developing educational comics on synthetic biology to increase public awareness and acceptance of this field.

By interacting with team members from different academic and cultural backgrounds, we received invaluable feedback and fresh perspectives that significantly enriched our understanding of the project and its execution strategies. Collaboration among team members was also significantly strengthened, fostering greater diversity and innovation within our team.

We express our gratitude to Northeast Forestry University and Northeast Normal University for providing this exchange platform and to all participating teams for their active contributions. We look forward to further opportunities not only to showcase our achievements but also to tackle challenges in the field of synthetic biology through cross-team collaboration.

Bio-field Synthetic Biology Cartoon

Due to prevalent misconceptions and skepticism about synthetic biology, our goal is to present this field in an engaging and accessible way through comics. We intend to clarify what synthetic biology entails and highlight its transformative impact on our world. To offer a comprehensive introduction, we have collaborated with seven iGEM teams, resulting in eight outstanding comic editions. Topics cover cancer treatment, health education, hair loss solutions, and obesity prevention, ensuring diverse reader interest.

We are grateful for the contributions from the CAU-China, HainanU-China, SUSTech-Med, JLU-CP, XJTLU-China, DKU-China, and PekingHSC teams. These works effectively blend educational insights with entertainment. They broaden our understanding of synthetic biology's potential while sharing its narratives with the public. In the future, we will persist in our outreach efforts to reach a wider audience.

The Biosafety and Ethics WhitePaper

During the CCiC conference in July, JLU-NBBMS introduced numerous innovative concepts to enhance the HP & Edu collaboration night. Acknowledging the critical nature of biosafety and ethical standards in iGEM and scientific research at large, JLU-NBBMS sought to establish a self-education and feedback framework in this domain. We aspire to garner support from teams across various tracks to create a comprehensive guide for future iGEM participants. When we unveiled the ambitious vision of The Biosecurity and Bioethics Whitepaper to all teams, we were delighted to witness a nearly unanimous enthusiastic response:Absolutely, why not?”

Ultimately, we achieved a significant 300-page document, collaboratively initiated by JLU-NBBMS and the XJTLU-Softwar team, representing the combined efforts of 18 teams. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to JLU-CP, SCUT-China-S, BNUZH-China, HKUST-GZ, OUC-Haide, SZU-China, BUCT-China, Guangxi-U-China, SMU-China, PekingHSC, UM-Macau, SUSTech-Med, XJTLU-CHINA, NJU-China, SJTU-Software, and USTC-Software for their dedication and exceptional contributions during the writing process. This complex and meaningful task would not have been possible without the inspiration and cooperation from these teams. You can access this essential resource in the Education Sybio-paper. On behalf of the other 17 teams, JLU-NBBMS extends its greetings to all iGEM participants.

The University of Tokyo and Waseda University

In July, Keyan Wang from JLU-NBBMS visited the University of Tokyo and Waseda University in Japan, engaging in discussions with local students. She exchanged insights with student associations, research groups, and professors about our project, seeking perspectives from different angles. We gathered valuable data and feedback, which significantly helped expand our research scope, strengthen international collaboration, and broaden our global vision.

University of Manchester

One of our members attended the University of Manchester Medicine Summer School from July 21 to August 12. There, she not only harvested knowledge of humanistic medicine and the NHS but also got a hands-on opportunity to do some experiments and develop clinical skills, which also gave inspiration to the JLU-NBBMS Summer School. She positively communicated with professors and doctors from the UoM and learned about their experiences; meanwhile, she teamed up with students from the US, Egypt, and Kenya, winning back the best poster honor. During this period, she had a fruitful time communicating with students from various countries and learning about medication in their country.

University of Oxford

From August 18 to September 1, four members of the JLU-NBBMS team traveled to the UK to participate in a summer school program at the University of Oxford. During this time, they gained insights into the latest advancements in international biomedical research and actively engaged in discussions with the faculty members. This experience significantly deepened JLU-NBBMS's understanding of biomedical science. Notably, a short film on bioethics titled Boundary, produced by the four team members, was awarded "Best Short Film."

International Student Summer Camp

In order to foster international academic exchange and cultural integration, the JLU-NBBMS team meticulously organized and successfully hosted a summer camp for international students. The event attracted participants from countries such as Iran, Malaysia, and India. For these students, the summer camp provided a rare opportunity to learn and grow, igniting their passion for scientific research and deepening their appreciation for cross-cultural exchange. We look forward to hosting similar events in the future, offering more international students a platform for learning and collaboration, and contributing to the global advancement of scientific and cultural prosperity.

The 8th IGC

From September 6th to September 7th, the 8th IGC Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy Conference was officially held in Beijing. The event featured over 170 prominent international experts and more than 50 exhibitors. The conference offered six dedicated forums, addressing key industry topics, including preclinical and clinical development of immune cell therapy, CMC and process development for immune cell therapy, clinical and CMC process development for MSC therapy, organoids and 3D cell culture, innovations in gene therapy and CMC, and innovations in tumor vaccine development. JLU-NBBMS team leader, Ji Cheng Sun, attended the conference and engaged in face-to-face discussions with scholars and industry leaders.