Introduction

Scientific communication plays a pivotal role in making scientific discoveries accessible and relevant to the public, empowering individuals to engage with discoveries that impact their daily lives. By breaking down complex ideas into comprehensible language, science communicators help demystify science, fostering informed decision-making, critical thinking, and societal progress. 

In Lithuania, science communication is evolving, with scientists actively participating at levels comparable to their international peers. However, their approach focuses on information dissemination rather than interactive public engagement. [1]

Recognizing these issues, our team is committed to making science more straightforward and more approachable for everyone. Science should not feel distant or inaccessible - it should be a tool for curiosity, growth, and understanding. During our iGEM cycle, we not only tried to educate the public but also aimed to enhance our own understanding of scientific communication, exploring various methods to convey information effectively to society.

Ask the Scientist

"Ask the Scientist" is a social media initiative aimed at simplifying complex topics and promoting public engagement with scientific experts. It has successfully reached more than 11,000 people. This project invited our audience to ask questions on specific topics, which were answered by scientists specializing in those fields. By bringing the public closer to experts, we provide reliable and understandable information and strengthen connections between the scientific community and the public. 

Dr. Gytis Dudas discussed viruses in our first video. Understanding viruses is important for public health, as they cause many diseases that can lead to pandemics. Knowing how they spread and mutate helps us create better prevention strategies, such as vaccines and public health measures, making us more prepared for future outbreaks. This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, emphasizing the importance of health education and preparedness.

The second video was about biodiversity with Dr. Maria Fernanda Torres Jimenez. Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy ecosystems, which provide essential services that support all life, including humans. In this video, we highlight the effects of climate change and human interactions with the ecosystems around us. Learning about biodiversity not only enhances our ability to protect nature but also ensures the preservation of resources and services necessary for future generations to thrive, contributing to SDG 15: Life on Land.

The last video was about bacteriophages with Dr. Lina Aitmanaitė. Beyond explaining what bacteriophages are, she addressed the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. As antibiotic-resistant infections become more common, it is important to inform the public about new therapies like bacteriophages, which could become valuable tools in future healthcare.

MinkMitą

To reach a broader audience, delve deeper into various scientific topics, and inspire people to engage with science in their daily lives, we partnered with Radio Vilnius to launch a biweekly podcast, “MinkMitą” (Challenge the myth).

"MinkMitą" is an innovative scientific podcast in which we present complex scientific concepts through the lens of real-world applications. The radio show was created and hosted by our team, with one of our members, Fausta Michnevičiūtė, taking the lead. Our collaboration with Radio Vilnius is particularly special as it represents the first scientific broadcast of its kind for the station. Radio Vilnius is a prominent radio station with a community of over 10,000 people, making it an ideal channel for spreading scientific knowledge. All the shows are recorded and kept in their archive to give an opportunity to listen anytime. The shows are archived for on-demand listening.

We initially connected with Radio Vilnius through renowned Lithuanian science communicator Goda Raibytė-Aleksa, who recognized the potential for a scientific podcast to engage a wider audience beyond our university’s radio, where we wanted to go at first. We connected with artist and co-creator Kotryna Briedytė of Radio Vilnius, who was open and excited about our collaboration. By partnering with Radio Vilnius, we aim to spark curiosity and promote scientific literacy among listeners who may not have had access to this type of content before. Through "MinkMitą," we strive to make science relatable and relevant, bridging the gap between scientific research and everyday life.

In our first episode, we chatted with Dr. Alisa Gricajeva about fermentation - what it is, why it’s used to make so many foods, and its impact on our health. We explored the role of probiotics and why understanding these processes matters for our well-being. By shedding light on fermentation, we aim to show how science influences everyday choices and helps us make more informed decisions about what we consume.
Our second episode was about astrobiology with Dr. Eglė Lastauskienė. We dove into big questions like what qualifies as life and why we explore space. We explored how research on Earth and other planets relates to climate change and considered whether humanity is ready to grasp the idea of extraterrestrial life. By unpacking these complex topics, we aimed to show how studying life beyond our planet helps us better understand ourselves.

For our third episode, we sat down with Ieva Lingytė to discuss how science can transform into a successful business. We explored the journey of Biomatter, which came a long way from beginning as an iGEM project and turning into a successful start-up, highlighting how scientific ideas become practical innovations. We also discussed the challenges of launching such ventures, the role of science-business collaborations, and the state of entrepreneurship in Lithuania, covering topics like investment and intellectual property.

In our fourth episode, we talked with our project’s team lead Evelina Prosevičiūtė, and lab lead Miglė Šarpilo, about bacterial glue, lab life, and the iGEM competition. We explored the evolution of adhesives - from traditional glues to cutting-edge natural alternatives - and discussed the environmental and health issues with conventional glue production. We shared fun facts, market challenges, and the innovative solution our team developed using engineered bacteria. By highlighting how synthetic biology can create safer, eco-friendly adhesives, we showed the potential of scientific innovation to tackle real-world problems and redefine sustainable production.
The latest episode was about shell pigments found in naturewith Dr. Jorūnė Sakalauskaitė. We explored the research behind these pigments, why understanding them is essential, and what natural patterns can reveal about evolution and adaptation. We discussed how proteins inside the mollusks keep colors, which are used to stay inside for so long and could be used for biomaterials in the future.

10 years of iGEM

Throughout our journey, we spoke with many Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM alumni and realized that they not only supported us during the competition but also drove biotechnological advancements and synthetic biology in Lithuania. Inspired by their impact, we launched a special initiative to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM team. We interviewed former team members to reflect on their experiences before, during, and after iGEM, highlighting a decade of achievements, personal growth, and their contributions to the field.

We aim to compile these interviews into a celebratory video that captures the lasting influence of iGEM on our alumni’s careers and the development of synthetic biology in Lithuania. Through these stories, we’ll showcase how iGEM shaped their paths, fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership. Many have gone on to successful careers in research, biotechnology, and beyond, demonstrating how iGEM equips participants with the skills and confidence to become future leaders and drive progress in synthetic biology.

Spreading the word

We dedicated significant efforts to reach a broad audience and promote our project and educational activities throughout our iGEM cycle. Our initiatives received coverage in national media outlets, including the Lithuanian National Broadcasters LRT and LNK , and we actively engaged the public through social media platforms to effectively convey our initiatives. Additionally, our close collaboration with Vilnius University (VU) and the VU Life Sciences Center greatly enriched our outreach efforts.

We also had the opportunity to participate in the Vilnius University podcast "Mokslas be Pamokslų" (Science without Sermons), where we shared insights about our project and its significance for our team and the broader community. This exposure allowed us to emphasize the relevance of our research and educate more people about synthetic biology.

Furthermore, we had the exciting opportunity to join the LiU iGEM team’s podcast, “Attempting Science”, during the Nordic iGEM competition. In this engaging discussion, we shared our iGEM experiences and insights with other teams, exploring the challenges and triumphs we faced throughout our journey. This platform allowed us to connect with fellow participants, exchange ideas, and highlight the collaborative spirit that defines the iGEM community.

Conclusion

Through our initiatives, we have learned that clear and engaging science communication is essential for bridging the gap between science and the public. By making scientific concepts more accessible, we can inspire curiosity and empower individuals to better understand the science that influences their everyday decisions.