Education

To honor the top five participants from the 2023 OBBS - selected from over 4.000 high school students nationwide - we organized an exclusive Scientific Immersion Workshop at the University of São Paulo (USP). Held from January 31st to February 2nd, 2024, this event offered these exceptional students a unique opportunity to experience cutting-edge research and explore synthetic biology in an inspiring academic environment.

The workshop began with a warm welcome and an introductory presentation by our iGEM-USP BR team. We provided a comprehensive overview of synthetic biology and shared insights into our international projects. Experts from SynBioBR delivered an enlightening lecture on the future of synthetic biology in Brazil, highlighting its transformative potential in addressing global challenges. The students were then guided through various research laboratories at USP, where they observed active projects and engaged with leading researchers. This firsthand exposure to real-world applications ignited their curiosity and set the tone for the immersive experience ahead.

The second day was dedicated to practical engagement. Participants conducted a reporter gene assay by transforming bacteria with plasmids containing the red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene. This experiment allowed them to directly apply molecular biology techniques and observe gene expression firsthand through the fluorescence emitted by the reporter protein. Witnessing the results of their work reinforced their understanding of genetic transformation and the principles of gene expression. They also visited specialized laboratories focusing on molecular biology and biotechnology. In these labs, they saw how biotechnology is driving advancements in health and environmental sciences, providing a broader perspective on the field's impact. This exposure highlighted the real-world applications of the techniques they practiced and inspired them to consider future contributions to the field.

On the final day, the students explored the biotechnological applications of biotechnology in wildlife and environmental preservation during a visit to the São Paulo Zoo’s research center. This experience underscored the interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology and its relevance to conservation efforts. The workshop concluded with presentations from the students, where they shared their findings from the lab experiments and reflected on their experiences. This session fostered open dialogue, allowing them to discuss future possibilities in synthetic biology and how they might contribute to the field.

The immersive nature of the workshop left a lasting impact on the participants. Many expressed a newfound passion for synthetic biology, with some already considering forming iGEM teams or synthetic biology clubs at their future universities. Their enthusiasm illustrates the transformative power of hands-on learning and personal engagement with scientific research. By providing this platform, we encouraged these talented students not just to absorb new ideas but to actively shape their future academic and career paths. Their reflections and feedback affirmed our commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists and innovators in Brazil.

The Scientific Immersion Workshop represents a significant milestone in our educational outreach efforts. By offering high school students an unparalleled experience at one of Brazil's leading research institutions, we have taken a meaningful step toward making synthetic biology more accessible and inspiring. By transitioning the OBBS to SynBioBR and focusing on immersive experiences like the Scientific Immersion Workshop, we have laid a strong foundation for the future of synthetic biology education in Brazil. We remain committed to inspiring young minds, cultivating their skills, and fueling their passion for innovation. Together, we are shaping a vibrant community poised to contribute significantly to the field of synthetic biology and address the challenges of tomorrow.