Teams/Opening Weekend/Sessions
Opening Weekend Festival - Session Details
See below for detailed session information. Times are displayed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT/UTC-4), you can select other timezones by clicking on the dropdown box or you can visit the schedule page to see more time zones.
Please note that sessions may be recorded and/or live-streamed online.
FEATURED SESSIONS
COVID-19 projects in 2020
Safety & Security Committee | Webinar
05,15,0815,30
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
COVID-19 is a local problem everywhere in the world. Synthetic biology may play an important role in developing tools for detection, response and recovery. iGEM teams may want to play their part! Find out how iGEM will help keep you, your colleagues, and communities safe while enabling you to work on a COVID-19 related project. We will be exploring our new COVID-19 rules, how Safety and Security will work under lockdown, and providing an early opportunity for teams to think about risks from their projects and how to manage them.
GenScript - Molecular Cloud
GenScript | Webinar
05,15,0900,20
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Join us and learn to use the free bioinformatics toolbox offered by GenScript and MolecularCloud.
Welcome to iGEM 2020: An Exceptional Year
iGEM Headquarters | Welcome
05,15,1000,15
Stream On Demand:
YouTube |
Bilibili
Official Welcome to a new style of an iGEM season and the first ever Opening Weekend Festival
Meet HQ - Navigating the Competition
iGEM Headquarters | Welcome
05,15,1015,20
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Traci, the Director of the Competition, will walk teams through the major changes for the 2020 Competition and highlight material on the Competition website.
Wiring the Past & Future: A Transition for Engineering Biology
Megan Palmer, Pamela Silver, Drew Endy, Tom Knight | Keynote + Panel
05,15,1300,75
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Confirmed Keynote Speakers:
Pamela Silver, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry and Systems Biology,
Harvard Medical School
Drew Endy, Ph.D.,
Associate Chair of Bioengineering,
Stanford University
iGEM Co-Founder
Tom Knight, Ph. D.,
Co-Founder, Gingko Bioworks
iGEM Co-Founder
Moderated by: Megan J Palmer, Ph.D. (Stanford University, Director of Human Practices at iGEM)
Cloud-based software for efficient virtual collaboration
Benchling | Webinar
05,15,1600,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Virtual collaboration is critical for synthetic biology given today’s current circumstances. At Benchling, we want to make collaboration more effective for all iGEM teams and bring awareness to free, intuitive software tools which accomplish this. Join us for this workshop where we’ll give a live demonstration of how you can integrate these tools into your workflows and discuss collaboration models with other iGEM teams across the globe.
Fostering Open Collaboration Between iGEM Teams
Just One Giant Lab (JOGL) | Webinar
05,16,0900,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
In this time of global crisis, the need for a collective response at the planetary scale has never been so relevant. The usual paths for innovation and research don’t really accommodate this objective as being the first to bring a solution is not as important as making one that can be manufactured and distributed equally everywhere in the world. Working together on open source solutions in fact has never been so important than today. In this perspective, the iGEM community has more capacity than most existing actors to imagine, develop and implement open source and low cost biotech solutions to help fight the Covid19 crisis and climate change. For that reason, the iGEM foundation has decided to partner with Just One Giant Lab (JOGL), a non-profit organisation developing the open science and innovation platform app.jogl.io. The session will introduce iGEMers to the use of JOGL and will be interactive.
GMOs in Agriculture - The Nobel Laureates’ Campaign
After iGEM Communications Committee | Keynote + Panel
05,16,1000,60
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
The use of GMOs in agriculture has been a hotly debated topic in recent years. In this presentation, Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard J. Roberts will discuss the importance of GMO use in agriculture. He will be joined by the iGEM VP of Safety,Piers Millett, to discuss the importance of biosafety in developing any GMOs.
Planning and Designing Your Project
Measurement Committee | Webinar
05,16,1200,60
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Your team is registered for the iGEM Jamboree and you’ve decided on a project. Have you thought carefully about the design of the project? What does the two-phase project option offer to you? Have you considered how to use modeling and measurement? And how are you planning to assemble your genetic circuits? The Measurement Committee has members all around the world that are ready to help your team. Tune in to this presentation for some useful information on planning and designing your project, as well as for us to learn how we can help you.
Judging in iGEM 2020
Executive Judging Committee | Q&A
05,17,1015,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
The Executive Judging Committee (EJC) has made some exciting changes to the medal criteria so that all iGEM teams can participate and achieve medals with or without lab access this year. Join a panel of our EJC members as they talk about these changes, and take questions and feedback from teams.
Doing Human Practices during a Global Pandemic
Human Practices Committee | Webinar
05,17,1115,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Using synthetic biology to address real-world problems requires thoughtful engagement with the world. We expect that physical distancing and public safety measures will prevent many 2020 iGEM teams from spending much time in the lab this season, but you can thoughtfully engage with the world even if you can’t travel or meet people face-to-face. In this presentation, members of the Human Practices Committee will share some of our ideas and reflections about how to do Human Practices in this very strange time.
WEBINARS
Discovering the data need to model biochemical networks with Datanator
Software Committee | Tutorial
05,15,1100,30
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Mechanistic models are a valuable tool for understanding and designing biochemical networks. However, models require quantitative data, which is often difficult to obtain. The Datanator web application and REST API (https://datanator.info) can help researchers find the data needed to model biochemistry such as metabolite concentrations, protein abundances, RNA turnover rates, and reaction rates.
Maximizing Benefits, Minimizing Risks
Safety & Security Committee | Webinar
05,15,1100,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
How might your team’s solution to one problem lead to other problems? Could your project be misused? In this workshop, you and your team will have the opportunity to analyze an idea for an iGEM project for potential risks and hazards. Learn, with the help of the Safety and Security Committee, how to maximize the benefits of your work!
Sequence Optimization for Expression and Synthesis
Software Committee | Tutorial
05,15,0900,45
The web-based Build-Optimization Software Tools (BOOST) enable to reverse-translate protein to DNA, codon optimize protein coding sequences and prepare sequences for synthesis by commercial DNA synthesis vendors, such as Twist or IDT.
Developing Synthetic Biology Designs using ShortBOL
Software Committee | Tutorial
05,16,0500,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
The Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL) is an emerging synthetic biology data exchange standard, designed primarily for unambiguous and efficient communication of data about synthetic biology designs, builds and tests. However, preparation of SBOL can be difficult for nontrivial designs. Here, we describe ShortBOL, a lightweight SBOL scripting language that bridges the gap between manual editing, visual design tools, and direct programming. ShortBOL is a shorthand textual language developed to enable users to create SBOL designs quickly and easily, without requiring strong programming skills or visual design tools.
Cloning and Assembly Plans
Measurement Committee | Webinar
05,16,1315,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
In depth coverage of designing sequences, cloning, assembly plans, and other considerations with genetic circuits.
Software Tools for Genetic Design
Software Committee | Webinar
05,16,1430,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Introduction to software tools for finding parts, designing devices, creating models, and sharing design information. Software that will be demonstrated include SynBioHub, SBOLCanvas, SBOLDesigner, and iBioSim
WORKSHOPS
Sustainable Development Goals Ideation Workshop
After iGEM Ambassadors + EPIC | Workshop
05,16,0800,60
Come and join this workshop to see how you could use your skills to help us reach the sustainable development goals and take action on creating a sustainable future! Join this challenge where teams compete to develop best solutions UN sustainability goals using design thinking and teamwork.
Fundraising Workshop
After iGEM Ambassadors | Workshop
05,16,0900,60
Take a deeper look into the design thinking process and equip yourself with effective tools to ideate, and act on creating a sustainable future in this workshop. You and your team will have the opportunity to work together to explore, shape, and build a solution to a specific global/local challenge.
How to Avoid Plagiarism in Your Work
After iGEM Policy Committee | Workshop
05,16,1115,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Plagiarism is one of the most sensitive topics since ages. When you are designing an iGEM project, this responsibility increases 10 times more. iGEM is an open platform where teams learn from each other and get inspiration to build their projects - biobricks are an amazing example of this collaboration. Every project is a story, and that story needs to be transparent and lucid.
High School “Avengers” - Creating rapid solutions with SynBio!
After iGEM High School Committee | Workshop
05,16,2145,75
High school iGEM teams! We need your ingenuity and creativity! You will work with other iGEMers to rapidly develop a synbio iGEM solution for a current global issue. Afterwards, your team will pitch your solution to a panel of experienced iGEM Mentors from the Mentorship program! The winning team will win a chance for a special 45 minute session with selected panelists. We hope this fun session will help high school teams develop brainstorming skills and presentation skills for the season ahead!
How to Find Insights from Social Science Research Related to Your Project
Human Practices Committee | Workshop
05,17,0500,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Similar to conducting natural science research, good Human Practices also hinges on the ability to ask good questions and knowing how to find answers to these questions. This workshop helps to open up your outlook on the range of possible resources and tool you can draw on to help you ask pertinent questions, building (not merely collecting) coherent answers, and better integrate thesis insights into your project.
Designing Scientifically Valid Surveys
Human Practices Committee | Workshop
05,17,0815,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
What makes a survey valid and informative? While surveys can provide you with valuable information, it’s often challenging to conduct a good survey. Surveys are a form of experiment, and like any experiment, they can be designed and implemented poorly. A poorly designed survey will give you ambiguous results, or worse, will bias your responses. In this workshop, members of the Human Practices committee will share some starting points for designing and conducting useful surveys.
How to Build an Inclusive iGEM Project
Diversity & Inclusion Committee | Workshop
05,17,1315,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Now more than ever, it is important for all iGEM members to build an open and welcoming scientific community. Take action with the D&I Committee to create a more diverse and inclusive iGEM! We will discuss some outstanding previous examples of inclusivity in iGEM, highlight the ways in which our committee can help to improve the inclusivity of iGEM projects, and share some inspiration for 2020 teams. Then it’s your turn to share ideas and questions.
PANELS / Q&As
iGEM & The Sustainable Development Goals
iGEM SDG Working Group | Panel
05,15,1100,60
Stream On Demand: YouTube
Presenting the SDGs as an open framework that takes a deeper look at the challenges that we face in each of our local regions and how we can collectively take action on these. This panel will introduce the SDGs in context of iGEM and discuss the challenge and opportunities when working towards sustainable goals with experts in the field.
iGEM Startup Stories
iGEM Entrepreneurship Committee (EPIC) | Panel
05,15,1200,60
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
A discussion of the Entrepreneurial career opportunities after the competition with an introduction to iGEM Entrepreneurship Program (EPIC) and panel discussion with iGEM entrepreneurs at various stages of their career.
iGEM Insights: Understanding iGEM Through Data
Insights Committee | Talk
05,15,1430,30
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
iGEM Insights is an initiative sparked by a growing community of iGEMers and researchers around the world who want to grow a community through data and learning. Through iGEM Insights we aim to learn from iGEM (as a unique testbed of science and engineering in open, international contexts) to improve the competition and the practice of synthetic biology -- and science and engineering more broadly -- beyond the competition. We will introduce the initiative, along with ongoing projects, such as the Team Interactions Study (TIES) exploring how teams organise their workflow using a journaling app.
Wondering about Your High School iGEM Journey? A Conversation with HS iGEM Alumni (Asia, Europe)
After iGEM High School Committee | Panel
05,16,0400,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
High school iGEMers, join alumni and others from around the world to network and chat! This session is an open time to ask questions and concerns you have toward the iGEM experience and hear stories and experiences from past alumni. Maybe you can make contacts for collaboration? Or you might find teams working on a similar topic! We hope to see you there.
The BioFutures Initiative
Hello Tomorrow + iGEM Europe | Talk
05,16,0700,45
The Biofutures Initiative was co-created by iGEM & Hello Tomorrow as an opportunity for researchers, startups & companies in biotech to meet and discuss what infrastructure is needed to facilitate a sustainable Biofuture. Therefore we will bring together key stakeholders to define priority actions that aim to better connect the biotech-ecosystem, promote the expansion of local bioeconomies, prepare and educate future generations. Register here to receive updates about our activities or to join as ecosystem partner. You can also follow our progress on Twitter.
Wondering about Your High School iGEM Journey? A Conversation with HS iGEM Alumni (Asia, North America)
After iGEM High School Committee | Panel
05,16,1110,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
High school iGEM teams! We need your ingenuity and creativity! You will work with other iGEMers to rapidly develop a synbio iGEM solution for a current global issue. Afterwards, your team will pitch your solution to a panel of experienced iGEM Mentors from the Mentorship program! The winning team will win a chance for a special 45 minute session with selected panelists. We hope this fun session will help high school teams develop brainstorming skills and presentation skills for the season ahead!
Regional iGEM Stories: Asia Pacific (Fireside Chat by After iGEM)
After iGEM Ambassadors | Panel
05,17,0400,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
Oof. That failed PCR? That tear shed over a failed transfection or transformation? How about that triumph when your wiki was finished? The struggle to figure out which parameter was messing your model up, or the worry in the bottom of your stomach before presenting but the relief when it was finished in applause? For iGEM Alum, these are shared experiences, both inside the lab and out. Let’s all reconnect during this pandemic.
Biodiversity, the Nagoya Protocols and Digital Sequence Sharing
After iGEM Policy Committee | Talk
05,17,0615,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
The Convention on Biological Diversity, an international treaty governing the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology, is promoting discussions around the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The last topic consists of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and was implemented by the Nagoya Protocol in 2010, entering into force in 2014. The scope of this presentation will highlight the challenges of implementing legislation on Digital Sequence Information (DSI) as genetic resources, especially in developing countries; the threat this represents for developing synthetic biology and biotechnology; and the importance of iGEM teams to get more involved in policy.
Education and Accessibility in the SynBio Ecosystem
After iGEM Communications Committee + Diversity & Inclusion Committee | Panel
05,17,1115,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
Panel discussion on important initiatives to make synthetic biology accessible and inclusive, and increase public engagement to make it more understandable to a wider audience. Topics will include language barriers, gender dynamics in scientific settings, and developing accessible curriculums.
Frugal/Low-Cost Science
After iGEM Communications Committee | Panel
05,17,1215,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
Discussing and taking a deeper look at low-cost science, development, and distribution of affordable scientific tools towards underfunded iGEM teams and labs. The panel will introduce and discuss different discoveries in Frugal Science, the challenges faced and the multitude of opportunities created by award winning scientists.
Regional iGEM Stories: North America (Fireside Chat by After iGEM)
After iGEM Ambassadors | Panel
05,17,1400,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
Oof. That failed PCR? That tear shed over a failed transfection or transformation? How about that triumph when your wiki was finished? The struggle to figure out which parameter was messing your model up, or the worry in the bottom of your stomach before presenting but the relief when it was finished in applause? For iGEM Alum, these are shared experiences, both inside the lab and out. Let’s all reconnect during this pandemic.
PT/ES: Histórias Regionais / Historias Regionales iGEM: América Latina (Bate-papos por After iGEM) / (Conversatorio por After iGEM)
After iGEM Ambassadors | Panel
05,17,1400,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
[PT] Junte-se aos embaixadores LATAM para uma bate-papo casual! Vamos compartilhar histórias do iGEM na América Latina com Alumni da região. Convidamos você a participar e conversar conosco em português, espanhol e portuñol! -------- [ES] ¡Únete a los Embajadores Latinoamericanos para una charla casual! Vamos a compartir historias de iGEM en América Latina con varios alumni de la región. !Te invitamos a unirte y a conversar con nosotros en Portugués, Español y Portuñol!
JUST FOR FUN / TEAM-LED SESSIONS
Voice of Life: Interview with Researchers
Team: Nanjing China | Panel
05,15,2100,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube
In this team-led event, iGEMers will talk to Life Science researchers from different universities in China. Through this interview, you can learn more about their research experience in biology, the social value and the prospect of life science and synthetic biology. You will also have a chance to ask questions and chat with the participants.
Live Music by After iGEM 1
After iGEM Ambassadors | Activity
05,15,2200,45
Do you like listening to music? Maybe you even like performing music! Join our event for an hour of live music!
Live Music by After iGEM 2
After iGEM Ambassadors | Activity
05,16,0630,45
Do you like listening to music? Maybe you even like performing music! Join our event for an hour of live music!
Meme, myself and I (by iGEM Memes)
iGEM Memes | Webinar
05,16,0715,45
By teams, for teams. iGEM Memes.
Pub Quiz with iGEMers
Video & Remote Technology Committee | Activity
05,16,1100,75
Join the Video & Remote Technology Committee for a quiz! We will test your knowledge of synthetic biology, important scientific discoveries, and much more. Compete with other iGEM teams for the different prizes!
Team Building Workshop
After iGEM Ambassadors | Workshop
05,16,1330,45
Working in teams can be hard, and when you add a world-wide pandemic to the mix it can be more painful than a PCR with no polymerase. In this workshop, we will give you a few tools to create a happy bonding with your mates.
Icebreakers & Games 1
After iGEM Ambassadors | Activity
05,16,2000,60
Join the Ambassadors for some Icebreakers and Games.
A Secret Key to Mass Media
Team: Moscow State University | Webinar
05,17,0600,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
Social networks are extremely crucial nowadays. Proper social media maintenance can increase chances of getting a job, promoting a project, raising money and finding support from people. We are going to talk about what social networks are, about the specifics of each, about different strategies for maintaining them in order to attract attention or find useful contacts. We will share a few tips on how to attract more attention to social media and boost your account. We will also give teams a small task: all teams will have a chance to create a post that unites different iGEM teams and share it on their social media accounts.
PowerPoint Karaoke
After iGEM Ambassadors | Activity
05,17,0630,45
Come and join us for PowerPoint Karaoke! Meet iGEM Ambassadors Kaavya and Zeeshan as you present PowerPoint slides. The catch is: you don’t know what’s going to be on the slide!
Creative Challenge: SynBio SciFi Stories
iGEM Entrepreneurship Committee (EPIC) | Activity
05,17,0915,45
Stream On Demand: YouTube | Bilibili
A call to all the creative and talented iGEM’ers and Sci-fi fans! We’ll be hosting a fun and casual discussion on the importance of responsible storytelling and creativity in SynBio and the narratives we tell. An unofficial invitation to join us in developing your creative skill and expressing your SynBio SciFi Stories through written stories, plays, films, dance or art pieces. We’ll talk about existing work, sharing recommendations and maybe even sharing some of each other’s work too.
Icebreakers & Games 2
After iGEM Ambassadors | Activity
05,17,1200,60
Join the Ambassadors for some Icebreakers and Games.
iGEMbox Party (Hispam Meetup Finale)
Team: FCB-UANL | Activity
05,17,1515,45
[ES] Queremos invitar a todos los equipos latinoamericanos a participar en esta actividad. Consiste en algunas preguntas sobre iGEM y nuestra experiencia como futuros iGEMers y biotecnólogos, utilizando el juego Quiplash en línea, para que podamos tener un tiempo para divertirnos y conocernos mejor. Además, este será el cierre de HISPAM MeetUp, ¡nos vemos ahí!
iGEM Foundation
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition, and the development of an open community and collaboration. Visit us at igem.org
Contact
hq AT igem DOT org
45 Prospect Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Due to COVID-19, iGEM staff are working remotely and cannot receive phone calls.
Please contact us by email.
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