IISER Pune Team Won Gold Medal and Multiple Accolades at iGEM Synthetic Biology Competition; Check Details Below!

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IISER Pune, a team of UG students won gold medal at 2023 IGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) synthetic biology competition in the Jamboree event. Read more details below!

IISER Pune Team Won Gold Medal and Multiple Accolades at iGEM Synthetic Biology Competition; Check Details Below!

New Delhi: A team of UG students from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune won a gold medal at the 2023 IGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) synthetic biology competition. The announcement was made during the Jamboree event held from November 2 to November 5, 2023 in Paris.

The IISER Pune team stood out as the sole representative from India, securing a spot among the Top 10 undergraduate teams worldwide. Their remarkable performance led them to win the esteemed Best Education Award, and they are also contenders for the Best Climate Crisis Project, Best Integrated Human Practices, and Best Presentation Award among over 400 participating teams.

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The ceremony was held on November 5, 2023, recognizing the team's exceptional efforts and contributions to synthetic biology. The IGEM Foundation, an independent non-profit organization Committed to progressing research and education in synthetic biology, this yearly competition is designed to offer undergraduate, high school, and graduate university students a platform. Through inventive synthetic biology methods, participants can tackle global challenges.

The team from IISER Pune, consisting of 14 BS-MS students, conducted pioneering research on creating sustainable aviation fuel from jatropha oil, using yeast as the model system. Executed between February and October 2023, the project highlights the team's dedication to solving real-world problems through scientific innovation.

Under the mentorship of Prof. Saikrishnan Kayarat (Primary PI), Dr. Mridula Nambiar, and Dr. Mehmet Berkmen, the team succeeded in their research project and organized several educational and communication programs. These efforts, including biomimetic competitions, wiki workshops, molecular biology workshops, plantation drives, surveys, and school visits, played a significant role in the team receiving the Best Education Award and being nominated for the Best Integrated Human Practices Award at iGEM-2023.

The team's achievements are credited to the commitment of student leaders Oyindrila Samanta and Ishaan Chaudhary, combined with the teamwork of other members, mentors, and faculty guides. Their outstanding results mirror the culture of scientific curiosity and community involvement nurtured at IISER Pune. Congratulations to the whole team, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors.