Ahead of this year's iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition, we had the chance to sit down with Andreas, a Senior Scientist at bit.bio and a seasoned iGEM judge. With a background in Synthetic Biology and a passion for fostering innovation, Andreas offers unique insights into the competition. In this blog, he shares his experiences, discusses what excites him most about being a judge, and highlights the trends and impressive projects shaping the future of synthetic biology. Dive into the conversation to learn more about the impact of iGEM on the next generation of bioengineers. Also, explore the past blogs written with last year's contestants.
I have a BSc in Biology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece and an MSc in Synthetic and Systems Biology from the University of Edinburgh, UK. I completed my PhD in Plant Synthetic Biology at the University of Edinburgh, where I focused on developing synthetic biology tools and methods for plant systems. During my postdoctoral research, I worked on expressing enamel matrix proteins in yeast to create synthetic biomaterials for applications such as dental caries treatment.
Currently, I am a Senior Scientist in the Synthetic Biology Group in the Functional Genomics department at bit.bio. My role involves driving research and development efforts to enhance the bit.bio’s platform. Our goal is to refine and evolve the platform to reliably produce any human cell type at scale, with precision and consistency, for use in various applications.
I started my journey with iGEM in 2013 while pursuing my Master's degree, where I was first introduced to the exciting field of synthetic biology. iGEM is the birthplace of synthetic biology, and through this competition I became more deeply involved with the community. During my PhD I had the privilege of mentoring teams at the University of Edinburgh, gaining hands-on experience and sharing my knowledge with students eager to push the boundaries of science.
I have served as a judge for the iGEM competition for the past three years. What excites me most about this role is witnessing the creativity, passion, and potential of the next generation of scientists. The innovative solutions that iGEM participants come up with amaze me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help these teams develop their ideas into impactful projects.
The iGEM competition is a global event that brings together synbio students, researchers, educators, industry, investors, startups and policymakers worldwide to tackle real-world issues using synthetic biology. Participants collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to create, build, and test innovative biological systems. This often involves developing genetically engineered organisms or bio-based technologies to address challenges such as environmental sustainability, healthcare, or industrial processes.
iGEM is important in the synthetic biology community because it promotes creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. It offers a platform for young scientists to explore cutting-edge biotechnology and consider the broader societal and ethical implications of their work. Additionally, iGEM encourages participants to focus on practical implementation, outreach, and education, going beyond just developing concepts. This unique combination of science, engineering, and community engagement makes iGEM a catalyst for innovation and a key driver of progress in synthetic biology.
When assessing iGEM projects, I prioritise scientifically rigorous, innovative, feasible, and socially responsible initiatives. Projects should follow the engineering cycle "Design – Build-Test-Learn", which is the cornerstone of SynBio and bring fresh ideas to the table, addressing unmet needs or rethinking traditional approaches. Grounded in solid science, projects must be feasible, aiming to address global challenges and demonstrate ethical responsibility. Interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication are valued, focusing on long-term sustainability and real-world impact beyond the competition.
As a judge, I am most impressed by iGEM projects that excel in innovation, practical impact and scientific rigour. Projects that leave a lasting impression are those that address significant global challenges such as climate change, healthcare access, food security, or environmental sustainability in creative and novel ways.
I am impressed by projects that successfully integrate biology with other disciplines, such as computer science, engineering, and ethics. Teams that leverage multiple fields to enhance their solutions demonstrate an advanced understanding of interdisciplinary science. I've been particularly impressed by teams that incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, or systems biology into their projects to optimise genetic circuits, design metabolic pathways, or analyse large datasets. This integration often results in more robust and scalable solutions. The most impressive projects exhibit creativity not just in their ideas but also in their experimental design, troubleshooting, and project execution. I appreciate resourceful teams that overcome technical or resource limitations with clever workarounds, innovative designs, or open-source tools.
Several emerging trends in synthetic biology have been evident in this year's iGEM competition, reflecting the field's rapid evolution and future direction.
AI and Machine Learning Integration: Teams use AI and machine learning to optimise the design and analysis of synthetic biology experiments.
Cell-Free Systems: There is an increase in the use of cell-free synthetic biology for faster prototyping and promising applications in diagnostics and biomanufacturing.
CRISPR and Gene Editing Advances: Teams are exploring novel uses of CRISPR for precise genetic modifications, focusing on improving specificity and efficiency.
Microbiome Engineering: Synthetic biology is being used to modify or enhance microbiomes for health, agricultural, and environmental benefits.
Personalised Medicine: iGEM projects are exploring applications in healthcare, including cancer therapy and personalised medicine.
Open Source and DIY Biology: Teams focus on making synthetic biology more accessible by developing low-cost, open-source hardware, software, and protocols.
Ethics and Safety by Design: Teams emphasise responsible research and development, incorporating bioethics and safety considerations into project designs.
Competitions like iGEM are crucial in preparing the next generation of synthetic biologists by providing practical, hands-on experience in solving real-world problems. iGEM teams include members from various disciplines, simulating real-world scientific environments. Participants are challenged to address pressing global issues through synthetic biology, fostering critical thinking and innovation.
iGEM emphasises project planning, management, and public communication, essential for success in any professional environment. Participants are encouraged to consider the ethical, safety, and societal implications of their projects. iGEM also exposes participants to the latest developments in synthetic biology and bioengineering. It provides a unique opportunity for young scientists to connect with mentors, industry leaders, and peers worldwide, which benefits career development and future opportunities.
By combining technical training, collaboration, ethical awareness, and professional skills, iGEM helps generate well-rounded, forward-thinking synthetic biologists better prepared to tackle tomorrow's real-world challenges.