Overview
Our iGEM team is deeply committed to aligning our work with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 13 (Climate Action). Through a combination of community engagement, scientific responsibility, and sustainable practices, we aim to make a lasting positive impact on both society and the environment. Our efforts reflect a holistic approach to addressing global challenges through innovation, education, and responsible experimentation, all while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability.
Here are the SDGs and activities that our company build strong connections on:
Goal No.3&4
As part of our commitment to societal well-being, our iGEM team has actively worked to spread awareness about Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). We have engaged with children and high school students by giving lectures and organizing educational campaigns, where we discussed the symptoms, effects, and treatments related to IBD. Additionally, we published articles online to reach a wider audience, helping to educate communities on this often-overlooked condition. All our materials are carefully curated to avoid sensitive topics and inappropriate language, ensuring accessibility to all age groups. Our mission is to empower people with the knowledge to prevent or better manage IBD in their communities.
Goal No.3&6
In our lab work, safety and environmental responsibility are of utmost importance. We strictly adhere to laboratory safety guidelines to minimize our environmental footprint. All hazardous materials—such as the gels used in gel electrophoresis, pipette tips, and certain buffers—are disposed of in dedicated hazardous waste bins. No dangerous materials ever leave the laboratory environment, and all cells, even those safe for human interaction, are carefully disposed of according to safety protocols. Our team is committed to safeguarding both human health and the environment, ensuring that our research practices reflect this responsibility.
Goal No.7&13
Our team recognizes the importance of sustainable energy use and climate action. In all our experiments, we rely solely on electrical energy to minimize our carbon footprint. We also promote eco-friendly transportation by encouraging team members to take the subway to the lab, often coordinating group trips to subway stations to reduce the use of cars. Our dedication to clean energy is a core aspect of our commitment to sustainable scientific research and reducing our overall environmental impact.
Goal 8
We believe that our innovative project has the potential to be fully industrialized, contributing to future economic growth. As part of our vision, we aim to bring our project to life and make it a viable product that can benefit society on a larger scale. By focusing on practical applications and scalability, we aspire to create sustainable economic opportunities through the commercialization of our scientific innovations.