Contribution

Key Inputs

Project-Centered

The Mini-Project Approach
Polymerization Using SpyTag and SpyCatcher
iGEM Registry Contributions
Our Lab Philosophy

Community Outreach

Inclusivity Guide
Enhancing Virtual Meetup
Information Letter for Ethical Collaboration
IDG’s Sustainability Philosophy
iGEM KU Leuven 2025

The Mini-Project Approach : Optimizing Lab Efficiency

In our wet lab, we implemented the concept of mini-projects to effectively manage the heavy workload. Our project is broken down into weekly mini-projects containing detailed tasks. Each week, a person is assigned a mini-project and focuses solely on it ensuring both progress and accountability. This approach promotes independence, autonomy and learning. While it may be challenging at first, it quickly boosts productivity and project completion and provide hands-on lab experience. Browse our lab notebook by clicking here: Notebook page

Polymerization using SpyTag and SpyCatcher

We introduced a modular and highly efficient system for polymerization and bioconjugation processes using the spyTag/ spyCatcher system. T-sfGFP-T (BBa_K5060015) and C-RFP-C (BBa_K5060016) can work as a system to confirm the polymerization of other monomers. When the spyTag and the spyCatcher interact, they form an irreversible bond leading to polymerization that can be tracked by the fluorescence of GFP and RFP. These parts can be found on Parts page . These parts can be used for different applications. Hence, They are useful for future iGEM Teams.

Contributions to the iGEM Parts Registry

As part of our iGEM 2024 project, we contributed 19 new basic parts and 30 new composite parts to the Registry of Standard Biological Parts. They include genetic components designed for various functions including the expression of proteins that can bind to heavy metals. This addition broadens the toolkit available to researchers working on diverse fields such as bioremediation. Browse our Parts page Parts page for the complete list

Cultivating Excellence: Our Lab Philosophy

The lab philosophy page establishes the fundamental principles guiding our international and diverse team in our research journey. It is crucial for overcoming challenges and maximizing productivity. It is an important contribution for future iGEM teams as it provides valuable guidance for new members ensuring smooth integration. This philosophy advocates for accountability, proactive problem-solving, active listening and respect. Discover our Lab Philosophy here : the-lab-philosophy page

Inclusivity Guide : A Roadmap to Diversity and Engagement

Our team created a clear and comprehensive guide showing future iGEM teams how to make their work more inclusive, accessile and barrier-free. Our work focused on two main areas: representation in science and accessibility. The first part promotes representation and advocates to break the traditional stereotypes and stresses that anyone can be a scientist regardless of their gender or ethnic background. The second part provides a style toolkit to make content, events and lab environments accessible for all research disciplines. Through our activities, we advocated for making scientific knowledge accessible for all, bridging the gap between the general public and the scientists. This guide was carefully made based on the feedback of multiple stakeholders and experts. Explore our Inclusivity Guide here : Inclusivity page

Enhancing Virtual Meet-ups : Lessons learned for better engagement

Initially, we tried to organize a virtual meet-up but faced low registration and participation. After reflection, we came up with several strategies to address this for future events. First, starting sooner with both planning and outreach is crucial. Hosting the event before September is best. This infers reaching out to other teams sooner and sending personalized invitations. Offering an early-bird incentive, like access to exclusive material can encourage people to register. The specific benefits from attending such event must be highlighted, making it clear what teams will gain from participating. To promote engagement, partenering with well-known key figures in the field is extremely helpful. Finally, the usage of countdown, teaser campaign and sharing sneak peeks of topics, speakers and activities planned can further create excitement in the weeks leading up to the event.

Empowering Ethical Participation: Our Information Letter Supports Inclusivity and Transparency in STEM

Part of outreach activity was conducting interviews to gain insights on the experiences of Women in STEM. Thus, writing an information letter is crucial to establish ethical and transparent research. Our letter is a key contribution for future teams that provides clear guidelines on privacy concerns, confidentiality, voluntary participation and the secure handling of personal data in conformity with GDPR. This letter creates a secure environment where participants can freely share their experiences. They have full control over their contributions. They have the right to withdraw their consent any stage and approve public content. Below you can find our information letter, as well as the certificate of GDPR compliance issued by KU Leuven for the purpose of these interviews. We recommend that any reasearch involving sensitive or personal information be reviewed for GDPR compliance and, if necessary, undergo ethical approval.

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Embracing the IDG’s Sustainability Philosophy

The intersection between scientific research and global responsibility is crucial in today's world. Thus, the incorporation of IDG and the advocation for sustainability philosophy is a major pillar of our research as an iGEM team. Inner Development Goals (IDGs) provides a clear framework that directs our efforts toward tackling critical worldwide issues but with a sustainability lens. While it is not a concept we claim to have introduced, we see it as a valuable way of thinking that needs to be shared and spread within the iGEM community. Aligning our research with these goals goes beyond academic achievement, but commits to a broader societal and environmental landscape. We want to foster a sense of purpose and demonstrate our commitment to ethical, innovative, and impactful practices. Sustainability page

Paving the Way for iGEM KU Leuven 2025

As we work to elevate the iGEM competition, it is crucial for us to leave a lasting foundation for the next iGEM KU Leuven team. A key part of this is providing them with an improved continuation document that will promote their smooth integration and boost their productivity. Beyond documentation, we will play an active role in recruiting and mentoring the next members to ensure that they have the guidance and support needed to deliver an exceptional project.