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International Genetically Engineered Machine
Build a better world with iGEM
The 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. This is done by fostering an open, cooperative community and friendly competition.
iGEM’s main program is the iGEM Competition. The iGEM Competition gives students the opportunity to push the boundaries of synthetic biology by tackling everyday issues facing the world. About iGEM →
Our Impact on the World
Building Solutions to
Local and Global Challenges
By working together, students can do amazing things. Learn how iGEMers around the globe are addressing regional and global challenges both inside and outside the lab.
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Champions of
Synthetic Biology
With 40,000+ members, iGEM's international network of academics and industry professionals are building a better world. Learn about our vibrant community of champions.
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Companies with
Roots in iGEM
iGEM is the largest synthetic biology innovation program and a launchpad for the industry's most successful leaders and companies. IGEM projects serve as proofs of concepts and prototypes, contributing to over 150 startups.
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Setting the Standard
in Synthetic Biology
iGEM programs are supported by a panel of industry experts that guide iGEM and set the industry standard for how synthetic biology is performed. Learn more about iGEM Committees and their work in setting the industry standards.
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News & Announcements
Congratulations to ALL participants of iGEM 2020!
November 22, 2020
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2020 season of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition. The Competition is now over. The Official Competition Results Are Out Now. See the official 2020 Competition Wrap-up: 2020.igem.org
See also: 2020 Results Announcement Press Release
More news
- Attending the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree? Get your event pass now!
November 8, 2020 - Philosophy Behind the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree
November 4, 2020 - Philosophy Behind the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree
November 4, 2020 - Apply to pitch at the Start-up Showcase 2020
October 28, 2020 - October Sponsor Newsletter - NEW special offer for teams
October 21, 2020 - October Newsletter
October 7, 2020 - Apply to be an iGEM Judge!
October 5, 2020 - Introducing the iGEM Video Universe
September 24, 2020 - September Sponsor Newsletter
September 23, 2020 - SynBioBeta Student Discount
September 18, 2020 - iGEM 2018 InterLab Measurement Study Results Published
September 17, 2020 - New Data Science Opportunity: Genetic Engineering Attribution Challenge
September 14, 2020 - September Newsletter - New Data Science Opportunity, SDGs resources and more...
September 9, 2020 - August Sponsor Newsletter
August 26, 2020 - Twist Bioscience is offering teams FREE DNA for a second year!
August 17, 2020
Blog & Digest
Resilience shines through the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree
by iGEM Headquarters
If we could choose one word to describe the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree, it’s resilience. In the eight months since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, we’ve seen incredibly resilient iGEM team members, instructors, judges, committee members, sponsors and community members emerge as role models and heroes. And their resilience shone throughout the ten days for Competition, Community, Contribution and Celebration at the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree. Read more
Philosophy Behind the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree
by iGEM Headquarters
Each year since iGEM began, our community has gathered in-person to marvel at and celebrate the achievements of the teams in engineering biological solutions for global challenges and building the field of synthetic biology. This year our community is gathering together, but with a crucial difference: we needed to find a way to capture the brilliance and beauty of our former gatherings in a virtual setting. Read more
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Interview Series
by After iGEM Ambassadors
We are excited to present this interview series to celebrate women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The main idea of this interview series is to inspire the current and next generations of women and girls who are interested in science. For this series, we gathered speakers with diverse backgrounds and experience from different regions, all of them doing amazing jobs and leading their fields. Read more
What can iGEMers accomplish over a summer in lockdown?
By Nancy Burgess Christen
You are probably familiar with Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, the archetypal cautionary tale for science experiments that are not responsible or good for the world. Did you know that Mary Shelley conceived of the idea when she was 18 years old and forced inside all summer with a small circle of family and friends? Read more
Black Lives Matter
If you have something you want to discuss with iGEM HQ relating to racism, diversity, or inclusion in iGEM, or you have an idea that you would like us to explore, we welcome you to please submit your thoughts through this anonymous feedback form.
Explore our other websites...
iGEM 2020
Thinking of joining the iGEM Competition this year? Come join in the fun! Visit the 2020 Competition website for information.
iGEM Video Universe (Beta)
Upload, watch videos, subscribe, comment and like iGEM Videos! We will use the iGEM Video Universe (Beta) during the Virtual Giant Jamboree for hosting Project Promotion Videos and Presentation Videos.
Registry of Parts
The iGEM Registry of Standard Biological Parts is a growing collection of genetic parts that can be mixed and matched to build synthetic biology devices and systems.
The iGEM Network
The iGEM Network was built to help iGEMers take what you learned in the competition and expand that to continue to build a better world. Click below to Join the iGEM Network.
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.
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