Caroline Schmidt

I absolutely love participating in science competitions because it allows me to pursue my own research projects while studying. With synthetic biology being my main field of interest, joining iGEM was an obvious choice for me. I am really happy to meet amazing people, have a lot of fun overall and hope together we make the world just a tiny bit better

Richard Meuten

Ever since hearing my first lectures at university, I was eager to perform experiments by myself. Therefore I was very excited to join the iGEM competition and work on our self-chosen project. It was a real thrilling experience and I am very happy for this opportunity.

Annika Eitel

I was first told about the competition at a lecture, then a few weeks later my mom urged me to join, but when I heard Caro also talking about it, something was telling me to actually look into it. Listening to what it might give me in experience, I was immediately hooked. Already I saw myself doing things I’ve never done before and getting places I’ve never been. So far, it has already helped me develop into a more motivated and dedicated person.

Beyza Demirel

The moment I heard about iGEM, my heart raced with excitement, eager to dive into the realm of synthetic biology. It has been an odyssey, whether by exploring fancy new software, planning and experimenting in the lab or crafting innovative ideas. Pushing boundaries, uncovering new possibilities and learning continuously has been and is deeply rewarding especially alongside a team that is both exceptionally talented and open-minded.

Ximena Arana

My motivation to participate in iGEM stems from the significant opportunities it presents for practical engagement in synthetic biology, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the resolution of real-world challenges. I was looking forward to apply theoretical concepts from my academic studies while also gaining insights from the experiences of my peers. I’m excited by the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team to develop innovative solutions to critical global issues, such as healthcare and sustainability. Additionally, iGEM facilitates valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, researchers, and fellow students, which would substantially enhance my professional trajectory.

Julian Kuhn

I’m interested in interdisciplinary work and also research experience outside of the standard coursed at university, with a focus on self-organization. Another thing that I value highly is making international experiences. All in all, I would say what motivated me to join iGEM was to experience science outside of the regular bachelors experience.

Samer Bacha

My participation in iGEM is driven by an unrelenting and fervent ambition to revolutionize the field of synthetic biology. iGEM represents a confluence of creativity, scientific rigor, and entrepreneurial spirit, providing an unparalleled opportunity to engineer transformative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. I am motivated by the prospect of transcending conventional scientific boundaries, collaborating with visionary peers, and contributing to projects that have the potential to redefine the future of synthetic biology.

Karim Hady

When I heard about iGEM, a biology hackathon, I knew I had to be a part of it. Developing ideas to solve urgent global problems is not only incredibly important and necessary but also just plain cool. Biology was the first science I fell in love with, and although I’m now studying Cognitive Science, the connections to biology are still present and significant. I’m convinced that science will carry humanity into the future.

Sven Nachtigal

iGEM was a great opportunity to learn new approaches, software and concepts like Fluid Simulation, Fundraising or Web development. The project allowed me to spend time actively learning these new things and produce relevant results from which the whole team could benefit. Also meeting so many new and talented people from different fields was a driving factor to join the Darmstadt team.

Florian Weiß

I wanted to gain experience working in an interdisciplinary and motivated team, and iGEM is the perfect opportunity for that. I also wanted to branch out from the topics and large lecture classes at university and dive deep into a project that could bring about substantial change. That’s why I joined iGEM.

Alexander Fabrin

I was into iGEM because I want to go into biochemistry, so I thought it would be a nice opportunity to learn more about research in this field. Also I thought it would be a nice experience.

Luca Chambron

At university you always learn the theory, but besides some simple internships in a laboratory the practical use is missing. I saw iGEM as a perfect opportunity to gather some practical experience.

Lara Steinel & Bea Spiekermann

Lara and Bea were our main contacts for any problem we encountered. They were always ready to help us practically in the lab, give feedback on our texts, project ideas or experimental plans. Thank you so much for overseeing this year’s team and giving us the unique opportunity to participate in iGEM competition!

Prof. Heribert Warzecha (PI)

Prof. Warzecha supported us greatly as our PI. Thank you so much for hosting an iGEM team again at TU-Darmstadt, providing us with a laboratory, materials, feedback and so much more! We are very grateful for the possibility to be part of iGEM.

Christian Hake

Christian Hake helped us in all project stages. He gave feedback to initial project ideas, reviewed our wiki-texts, gave general advise and even introduced us to mass spectrometry at AG Lermyte TU-Darmstadt. Thank you Christian!