In iGEM 2024, we have engaged in collaborative activities with multiple teams, significantly advancing the progress of our project.

From July to August, our collaborative initiative with five other teams (Fudan, Shanghaitech-China, Nanjing-China, SJTU-Software, and ZJU-China) focused on creating picture books aimed at enhancing science education and introducing children to the captivating world of synthetic biology while cultivating their good virtues.

In order to make the picture book more appealing and acceptable to both children and their parents, we conducted extensive research in various aspects to provide guidance for our working process. This included expert interviews with a senior editor who had years of experience in publishing children's books, an online questionnaire aimed at parents of children, an offline questionnaire directed at students, field visits to publishing houses and large bookstores, and online data research.

Through the various surveys mentioned above, we have learned that parents are generally willing to allow their children to read popular science picture books. Simultaneously, they hope that children can acquire more scientific knowledge and develop good moral character, as well as a desire for scientific exploration and curiosity through picture books. Therefore, our picture book design caters to the needs of both parents and children. We have identified it as a story centered around the adventures of three students at a synthetic biology company. This storyline not only reflects children's daily lives but also engages them with an intriguing plot. Our main goal is to promote a broader understanding of synthetic biology through stimulating plots and beautiful illustrations.

Currently, we have completed the role assignment for the protagonist and the creation of various scenes, and the story outline has also been finalized. Next, we will incorporate characters into the background to complete the overall picture book.