Medal Criteria

Bronze
Criteria	Achieved	Link
Promotion Video	We created a Project Promotion Video to introduce our work on mitigating coastal eutrophication using synthetic biology. The video highlights the problem of nitrogen pollution and harmful algal blooms, explaining how our solution involves engineering Vibrio natriegens to assimilate nitrates and produce single-cell proteins. We also showcase the engineering behind our project, detailing the genetic modifications and bioprocessing involved. Finally, the video emphasizes the potential environmental impact, including ecosystem restoration and sustainable agricultural practices, offering a concise and engaging pitch of our innovative approach.	This deliverable can be found at our Home page.
Contribution	We have made several key contributions to the iGEM community. This includes adding detailed documentation on several new BioBrick Parts to the iGEM Parts Registry, creating a codon optimization tool for Vibrio natriegens, and developing a Notion project management template tailored for iGEM teams. Additionally, we shared a Sustainable Development Goals booklet, encouraging teams to integrate sustainability into their projects. These resources collectively aim to improve accessibility, project efficiency, and sustainability within future iGEM projects.	This deliverable can be found at our Contribution page.
Project Attributions	We have successfully met the requirements outlined in the attribution form. This form was completed ensuring that each row and column has been completed, including the "Specific Tasks" columns where detailed descriptions of work have been provided.	This deliverable can be found at our Attributions page.
Project Description	We met the project description criteria by clearly explaining how our project applies synthetic biology to address the real-world issue of coastal eutrophication through the use of Vibrio natriegens. The goals of our project—reducing nitrogen pollution and upcycling waste into single-cell proteins—are outlined alongside our approach to genetically engineering this fast-growing bacterium. We further detail how we drew inspiration from two main sources: inside iGEM, where previous teams addressed eutrophication, and outside iGEM, particularly the local nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands. These factors influenced our decision to focus on circular solutions for environmental and agricultural sustainability.	This deliverable can be found at our Project Description page.
Silver
Criteria	Achieved	Link
Human Practices	We met the Best Integrated Human Practices criteria by designing our project with societal and ethical considerations, particularly addressing the Dutch nitrogen crisis. Through engagement with farmers, government officials, and experts, we developed a nitrate bioremediation solution that aligns with both environmental and agricultural needs. Our outreach, including surveys and interviews, guided us in addressing concerns around GMOs and sustainability. Additionally, we designed a containment chamber system for our engineered Vibrio natriegens, ensuring environmental safety and preventing GMO spread, all while minimizing the impact on farmers and promoting circularity.	This deliverable can be found at our Human Practices page.
Engineering Success	We met the Engineering criteria by successfully applying the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle multiple times throughout our project. After extensive brainstorming, we selected Vibrio natriegens as our chassis organism, leveraging its rapid growth and metabolic efficiency. We engineered it to assimilate nitrates using an introduced assimilatory nitrate reduction pathway (ANRA), transforming nitrates into ammonium, which is further incorporated into single-cell proteins. Throughout the DBTL process, we optimized the genetic parts, assembly methods, and plasmid design, iterating on challenges in Gibson Assembly and transformation attempts.	This deliverable can be found at our Engineering page.
Gold
Criteria	Achieved	Link
Sustainable Development	We met the Sustainable Development Impact criteria by incorporating sustainability into every aspect of our project. Our focus on bioremediation addresses environmental challenges like nitrate pollution through a circular approach, using Vibrio natriegens to upcycle waste into valuable single-cell proteins. We engaged stakeholders to ensure that our solution not only mitigates pollution but also supports agricultural sustainability without burdening farmers. By aligning our project with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.	This deliverable can be found at our Sustainable page.
Parts Collection	We met the Best Part Collection criteria by creating a well-documented set of parts aimed at enhancing the nitrate assimilation pathway in Vibrio natriegens. Our collection includes optimized BioBrick parts for nitrate transport and reduction, essential for nitrate assimilation and the production of single-cell proteins (SCPs). We also performed codon optimization to improve compatibility with our chassis organism. These parts contribute to sustainable nitrate bioremediation, providing future iGEM teams with valuable resources for similar environmental applications.	This deliverable can be found at our Part Collection page.
Education	We met the Education criteria by creating a comprehensive set of educational resources and initiatives designed to engage and inform diverse audiences about synthetic biology and sustainability. We conducted workshops for high school and university students, developed a Notion-based project management template for future iGEM teams, and launched a video series teaching wet and dry lab skills. Additionally, we created educational posts about microorganisms and conducted a GMO awareness survey that included informative content to educate those unfamiliar with the topic. We also developed a sustainability booklet focused on the SDGs and a detailed protocol booklet for Vibrio natriegens. These resources were shared via outreach campaigns, social media, and public events, promoting accessibility and understanding of synthetic biology.	The components to this deliverable can be found at our Education and Contribution page.