Overview
Outreach and collaborations have played a pivotal role in the success of our project, enabling us to engage with various communities and experts to enhance our understanding and broaden our impact. By partnering with organizations, iGEM teams, and creative groups, we've explored innovative ways to merge science with culture, art, and environmental awareness. These collaborations helped us share knowledge and deepened our perspective on global issues, ranging from sustainability to the cultural significance of coffee. Through these initiatives, we were able to foster meaningful connections and make science more accessible to diverse audiences.
SENSES 101: A Collaboration with BLANK 101
In collaboration with the official public speaking club of the Manipal Institute of Technology, Blank 101, an engaging and insightful talk was held, featuring five distinguished speakers who shared their unique experiences with fungi and the fascinating connections between synthetic biology and the human senses. Each speaker brought a fresh perspective, exploring different dimensions of synthetic biology, from its groundbreaking innovations to the field's ethical challenges. The freedom given to the speakers to choose their topics allowed for a diverse range of discussions, enriching the overall conversation.
The event was met with resounding success, drawing in over 150 enthusiastic listeners and numerous avid speakers eager to contribute to the dialogue. The dynamic atmosphere fostered an intellectual exchange that resonated with the audience, many of whom were captivated by the breadth of topics explored.
Throughout the talks, speakers navigated the cool and cutting-edge innovations in synthetic biology, shedding light on how the field is pushing boundaries in science and technology. Topics ranged from synthetic biology in enhancing sensory experiences to creating sustainable solutions for real-world problems. However, the conversation also took a more reflective turn, addressing the anomalies and ethical dilemmas arising from the misuse of synthetic biology. Ethical issues, including the manipulation of genetic material, unforeseen consequences in ecosystems, and the potential for bioterrorism, were hotly debated, highlighting the need for responsible innovation.
This balanced approach allowed the audience to reflect on synthetic biology's promise and perils, making the session educational and deeply thought-provoking. Attendees left with a broadened understanding of the field and an appreciation for the complex ethical landscape accompanying the advancements in synthetic biology. The event was indeed a success, sparking curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering an ongoing dialogue about the role of science and ethics in shaping the future.
THE EXPLORATION OF VIETNAM
Tarini Sai Padmanabhuni, a 3rd-year BTech student at Manipal Institute of Technology, spent her summer immersing herself in Vietnam’s rich coffee culture. As part of our collaboration, she explored the diverse traditions surrounding Vietnamese coffee, from the popular cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) to the renowned egg coffee. These unique coffee styles are deeply embedded in the country’s daily life, reflecting a blend of history and innovation.
Throughout her journey, Tarini connected with many local coffee enthusiasts who shared their personal stories, revealing how coffee is much more than a beverage—it's a cultural cornerstone. One of her videos provides an insightful overview of the coffee scene in Vietnam, demonstrating that coffee holds significance in India and across the globe, with each country bringing its own distinctive twist to the tradition.
Throughout her journey, Tarini tasted these distinctive coffees and met many people passionate about their daily cup of brew. These interactions gave her valuable insights into how deeply coffee is woven into the daily lives of the Vietnamese. Many of the people she encountered were eager to share their experiences with coffee, reflecting how integral it is to their routines and social interactions.
This collaboration allowed us to strengthen the global impact of our project by highlighting coffee's worldwide reach and cultural influence. It reinforced the importance of expanding our outreach and understanding coffee's role in communities worldwide, enriching our project’s perspective on international coffee culture.
ART OF COFFEE PAINTING
Chitramane, an art club from the Manipal Institute of Communication, is fueled by a deep passion for art and specializes in various forms, with coffee art being one of their unique specialties. We had the privilege of collaborating with them for an enriching workshop at the ASARE Rehabilitation Center, where we aimed to meaningfully blend creativity with education.
During the workshop, our team introduced synthetic biology basics through engaging pictures and videos, making complex scientific concepts more approachable and relatable to the participants. At the same time, Chitramane carried the artistic side of the event, guiding the participants through coffee painting. Using coffee as an art medium added an element of novelty and enjoyment, allowing the participants to express their creativity while learning a new skill.
This collaborative effort not only helped us impart knowledge about synthetic biology in a fun and accessible manner but also allowed the participants to explore their artistic talents. Combining science and art made the session informative and inspiring, creating a positive and lasting impact on everyone involved. It was a memorable experience showcasing how different disciplines, like art and science, can enrich learning and foster creativity.
FRAGRANCES WITH IISER TVM
In collaboration with the iGEM team from IISER TVM, we celebrated World Environmental Health Day through the social media handle of IISER TVM, highlighting some of the finest fragrances from around the world, with coffee standing out as one of the wealthiest and most captivating scents. This celebration emphasized the sensory richness of coffee, connecting it to the broader theme of environmental health and sustainability.
ALL INDIA iGEM MEET, IISC BENGALURU
Our team presented the project at the All India iGEM Meet at IISc Bangalore, emphasizing how our integrated human practices shaped its development. We highlighted the importance of stakeholder interactions, which guided our approach to addressing ethical, environmental, and social considerations and technical challenges like the real-world impact of combating Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR). We refined our design by engaging with farmers, researchers, and industry experts to ensure safety, sustainability, and practical implementation. This comprehensive approach earned us the award for Best Human Practices, showcasing the significance of embedding stakeholder insights into our project.
COFFEE DAY CELEBRATIONS
On October 1st, 2024, celebrating International Coffee Day, we collaborated with iGEM teams from REC Chennai, IIT Bombay, and Uppsala, asking them to share their unique recipes for the perfect cup of coffee. This collaboration revealed that coffee is more than just a fragrant drink—it's an integral part of life, connecting people in diverse ways across cultures. Through these shared recipes and stories posted on our social media handles, we discovered that coffee holds a deeper meaning, embodying comfort, tradition, and creativity in everyone’s life.
RAISING AWARENESS WITH REC CHENNAI
In collaboration with REC Chennai, we shared insights on mitigating microplastics in daily life. Our contribution emphasized that microplastics, harmful by nature, vary in size, composition, and source, which influences their overall impact. We encounter them in everyday items like food packaging and bottled water. This collaboration was instrumental in expanding our understanding of microplastics' presence in urban environments and agricultural fields, where they can have a far-reaching impact on ecosystems.
iGEM STARTUP SUMMER SCHOOL
The iGEM MIT-MAHE team participated in the iGEM Startup School session, gaining valuable insights into entrepreneurship and startup culture. The session guided turning innovative synthetic biology projects into viable business ventures. It helped the team explore commercialization pathways for their coffee leaf rust biocontrol solution.
Conclusion
Our outreach and collaborations have been vital in expanding the scope and impact of our project, allowing us to connect with diverse communities and experts worldwide. From celebrating International Coffee Day with iGEM teams from REC Chennai, IIT Bombay, and Uppsala—where we shared recipes for the perfect cup of coffee—we learned that coffee is more than just a drink or fragrance; it's a cultural staple that connects people across borders. This collaboration highlighted the significance of coffee in everyday life and helped us appreciate its role beyond taste and aroma.