The Center for Living Technologies organized the Dutch iGEM (The International Genetically Engineered Machine Foundation) symposium on 7 July 2023 in Utrecht University. The global iGEM 2023 Grand Jamboree will take place in Paris from November 2- 5, 2023.
DUTCH iGEM MEET
The Dutch iGEM event served as a platform for all Dutch iGEM teams to come together, communicate, network, and explore potential partnerships for the iGEM competition. The meeting brought together 50 students from various universities in the Netherlands, including Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Groningen, Leiden University, Maastricht University, and Wageningen University and Research. Additionally, one university from Belgium, KU Leuven, also participated in the event.
During the meeting, student teams had the opportunity to present their iGEM projects, allowing them to showcase their ideas and initiatives to their peers. The brainstorming session that followed provided a platform for each group to engage in one-on-one discussions and network with other teams. This enabled the students to explore possibilities for research collaboration and outreach activities.
In addition to the project presentations and networking opportunities, the Dutch iGEM meeting featured two keynote talks. Dirk Stermerding’s keynote addressed the concept of responsible research and innovation, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in the field of synthetic biology. On the other hand, Zoë Robaey’s keynote focused on “Innovation Designing with Nature: caring for invisible relationships,” shedding light on the significance of considering the intricate connections and impacts on the environment when developing synthetic biology solutions. Such keynote talks play a vital role in raising awareness about ethical practices and responsible innovation within the field of synthetic biology, guiding the participating students to approach their projects with a conscious and sustainable mindset.
For more information on the iGEM visit iGEM foundation