The India Science Festival 2025, held at Fergusson College (Pune, India) brought together scientists, students, educators, and the general public to explore science and technology. The festival was organized by the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India) and featured workshops, talks, panel discussions, exhibitions, and performances, drawing participants from a wide range of backgrounds.

  • Event Date: January 11th-12th, 2025
  • Event Location: Pune, India
  • iGEM Representative(s): Hana Lukman (iGEM Ambassador to Asia & Oceania) and Parvathy Venkateswaran (Project Head of Mastering Science Communication)

SynBio 101 Workshop

Hana and Parvathy facilitated a workshop titled "SynBio 101". The workshop introduced participants to the fundamentals, practical applications, and advancements in synthetic biology. It was offered in two sessions on both days of the festival, and engaged over 60 participants overall across different career paths — high school students, undergraduates, researchers, engineers, and academics, including professors and postdocs.

The sessions were designed with engaging activities that gave participants a hands-on experience of the core principles of the iGEM Competition. Participants collaborated in teams to tackle various local issues in India, from paan stains to India’s moon missions, and engineered synthetic biology solutions. They worked together to define problem statements, brainstorm synbio solutions, and engaged in lively discussions, all supported by comprehensive resources provided by the moderators. In the end, teams presented their solutions, blending education with interactive discussions that offered deep insights into the potential of synthetic biology in solving the pressing issues of today’s world.

The sessions also provided various opportunities for discussions with representatives from academic institutions and industry, resulting in new contacts that could support future iGEM teams as sponsors and/or advisors. Inspired by the session, several participants expressed interest in forming teams for the iGEM Competition.

The workshop successfully raised awareness, inspired interest, and fostered connections within the synthetic biology community. Positive feedback highlighted the workshop’s impact and its potential to encourage further outreach and collaboration.

“We tackled real-world challenges, exploring how engineered biology can address sustainability and healthcare issues. The hands-on collaboration and innovative solutions discussed reinforced the power of synthetic biology to transform industries. Grateful for this insightful and inspiring experience!” – Nitya Nair (Participant)

“The workshop's interactive format enabled us to work together and think critically about the uses of synthetic biology in various fields, from healthcare to agriculture. It was motivating to observe how we can utilize this knowledge to tackle urgent global issues.” – Dharshini Sathyanarayanan (Participant)

To find more information about the iGEM Ambassadors & Promoters for Asia & Oceania and regional synbio activities visit our Asia & Oceania webpage. Learn more about the Ambassador Program here.

Do you want to compete in the biggest annual synthetic biology competition? Register here for the iGEM Competition.

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