Step into iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine), a global competition where students from a wide range of fields—whether biology, biochemistry, engineering, ethics, design, software, or something entirely different—come together to turn ideas into real solutions. Here, innovation and impact go hand in hand, as students passionately tackle real-world challenges through synthetic biology. This is a challenge where passion and dedication mean the most—no lab experience required, just a desire to make a difference!
Imagine being part of an ambitious project that brings together science, creativity, and social impact, culminating in an exciting trip to Paris. iGEM welcomes students from all backgrounds, from science and technology to humanities and business, creating a collaborative environment where you can address pressing global issues. You’ll develop your skills by diving into lab work, building predictive models, developing software, engaging with the community, and even tackling the ethical questions around your project.
Being part of iGEM means expanding your abilities, connecting with like-minded individuals, and creating solutions that can make a difference. Ready to take on the challenge, learn, and showcase your ideas on an international stage? Paris is waiting!
Find Your Role—or Roles—in iGEM!
Each part of iGEM relies on diverse skills and perspectives. Whether you're a communicator, a visionary, a lab enthusiast, or a data expert, there’s a place for your talents here. And don’t feel limited to just one area—you’re encouraged to combine roles to deepen your impact and broaden your experience. Explore each field below and see where you can contribute, collaborate, and grow across multiple dimensions of the project.
What’s the point of curing cancer if no one knows about it?
Communicating the project to the right audience is essential, and as a communicator, you’ll be responsible for making that happen. From generating media attention and engaging high school students, to presenting to the general public and experts in the field, and connecting with those who may implement the solution—effective communication will be central to the project. This role also involves creating presentation materials like videos, posters, brochures, educational materials, and more, to ensure the project’s impact reaches beyond the lab.
You'll gain experience in conveying information at various levels, creating pathways to Danish and international media, and building a strong project brand. To ensure a clear and impactful message, we’re looking for communicators who excel in writing or presenting and who are excited to interact with both media and the public.
No project exists in isolation; human practitioners bring the insight needed to analyze, understand, and adapt the project to fit today’s world.
A common challenge in scientific progress is that many people are unaware of—or disconnected from—the changes science brings. To avoid this, you’ll consider past, present, and future contexts to help the project succeed in today’s society. You’ll become skilled at demonstrating the connections between fields, making ethical considerations, and managing project impact.
We’re looking for human practitioners who are critical thinkers, able to view the project from historical and narrative perspectives, and deeply interested in ethical questions.
A key part of the program is using synthetic biology to solve a real-world problem and generating data to demonstrate that the system works effectively.
If you’re interested in laboratory work, you’ll spend significant time in the wet lab, performing genetic engineering and characterizing the biological system. You’ll gain hands-on experience with various scientific techniques, conducting research, and communicating scientific concepts at multiple levels.
For this role, we’re looking for individuals with a strong interest in molecular biology and an eagerness for bench work.
Modeling is a powerful tool in science, enabling us to predict how a system will behave under conditions we cannot directly test.
Given the project’s timeline of less than a year, modeling plays a crucial role in the Synthetic Biology talent program. Additionally, the team will need to build a website to showcase all they’ve achieved by the end of the project.
If you join this category, you’ll apply your skills in mathematics or coding to real-world scenarios, gaining new abilities and collaborating across scientific disciplines. For those with advanced coding skills, there’s also an opportunity to develop new bioinformatics tools.
We’re looking for individuals with a strong interest in graphic design, web design, coding, mathematical modeling, or data processing.
For the project to succeed, the final product must be applicable in the real world. Designing a valuable product requires careful planning and thoughtful consideration from the very beginning when choosing the problem to solve.
As a product designer, you’ll continuously assess the requirements for the end product and actively integrate these features into the project. Many projects also have commercial potential, and you’ll be the entrepreneurial force driving these ideas forward.
We’re looking for individuals with an innovative mindset, a strong interest in product development, and a proactive, go-getter attitude.
For the project to thrive, we need passionate and driven students who dare to turn ideas into reality.
As a visionary, you’ll guide the project’s many facets, helping focus the team’s efforts. You’ll gain experience in translating your knowledge from your field of study into concrete actions, facilitating internal communication, and managing overall project direction.
We’re looking for individuals with a strong sense of drive, enthusiasm for their field, and people skills.
Practical information
The start no later than February 2025 and continues until November 2025 with mandatory regular personal attendance. The workload will be greatest over the summer and in the autumn semester.
As one of 10-14 team members, you’ll work closely with others on a shared project, creating a true team effort. Travel is part of the experience, with opportunities to attend meet-ups, present your work, and complete the project in Paris. All travel expenses are fully covered.
Join iGEM and embark on a journey of growth and discovery! Alongside developing new skills, you'll forge lifelong friendships and gain a prestigious mark of excellence that opens doors for the future. While iGEM awards 5 ECTS, the true reward is the transformative experience that shapes you both academically and personally.
iGEM
As part of iGEM, you’ll be participating in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, where you’ll compete with over 350 teams from universities worldwide. You'll attend meet-ups, collaborate and share ideas with other teams, and present your final project at the Giant Jamboree in Paris, France.
This is the unofficial World Championship of Synthetic Biology!
Why should you apply?
iGEM offers you a glimpse into the kind of project work you might encounter after completing your studies. The experience you gain in project management, working alongside people from different fields, and discovering your natural role within a team will benefit you long after university.
As a participant, you’ll build a network of ambitious and talented students from around the world and experience tremendous personal growth. You'll be challenged to develop not only the skills specific to your role but also essential abilities like time management, critical thinking, and effective communication that are valuable in any field.
Above all, being part of this project is an exciting experience, and over the next 8 months, you’ll build strong bonds with your teammates.
The application deadline for 2025 iGEM is 1 February 2025 at 23.59.
The first trip is 28/2-2/3 2025 to Svanninge Bjerge.
Contact information
Project Director
Associate Professor Lin Lin
E-mail: linlin@bmb.sdu.dk
Project manager
Academic staff Tina Kronborg
E-mail: tkron@bmb.sdu.dk
Previous iGEM teams from SDU
Prostatus - Fast, Reliable, Intuitive, Easy, Non-invasive Diagnosis for malignant prostate cancer
Achievements: Gold medal, Best hardware, Best Wiki and Runner up Best Diagnostics Project, Best Education, Best Integrated Human Practices
Conjugaid – A system that spreads within bacteria on its own and destroys antibiotic resistance
Achievements: Gold medal
PowerLeaf – Using bacteria as a novel and green solution to store solar energy
Achievements: Gold medal and runner-up for best in track
Bacto-Aid – A biodegradable and antimicrobial bandaid that stimulates wound healing
Achievements: Gold medal, best wiki and runner-up for best presentation, best poster, and best education & public engagement.
PAST – Fast and cheap production of alternative antibodies in genetically engineered bacteria
Achievements: Gold medal and runner-up for best in track
Edible Coli – Lemon flavoured edible bacteria engineered to be extremely nutritional
Achievements: Gold medal and best wiki
Bacteriorganic Rubber - Production of natural rubber in genetically engineered bacteria
Achievements: Gold medal, best wiki and special prize for best improved BioBrick
Sucrose Limitation and Inulin Metabolism – Genetically engineered probiotics to combat obesity
Achievements: Bronze medal
Flow-E – A biological pump that generates microflow consisting of genetically engineered bacteria
Achievements: Gold medal and special prize for ethical approach
Bacto-Bandage – A bacteria-containing bandage that prevents S. aureus biofilm formation in wounds
Achievements: Bronze medal