Team:Exeter/Introduction

What is Synthetic Biology?

Synthetic biology is a scientific practice which encompasses Biology and Engineering and aims to create novel systems not found previously in nature. Since its inception, synthetic biology has seen a dramatic increase in the number of different approaches and in the variety of the techniques which are used to reach this goal, leading to the creation of a synthetic biology competition: iGEM.

What is iGEM?

iGEM is the 'International Genetically Engineered Machine' competition for undergraduate students. Each team must design and engineer a novel 'genetic machine' using many different elements of synthetic biology and present their project findings at a jamboree held each year for all entrants. There are various judging criteria (from the best website to the best modelling practice) so iGEM lends itself to teams with a variety of disciplines.

Since it's competitive beginning in 2006 iGEM has grown rapidly, with 193 university's entering this year!

A little bit about Exeter...

Exeter University is situated in the heart of Devon's most vibrant city! This year sees Exeter entering iGEM for the first time, having assembled a team consisting of 4 Bio-scientists, 4 Physicists, a Mathematician and an Engineer whilst also providing a lot of help and support. Visit our concept page to find out more about our project or our team page to find out more about us! We will be updating the website daily so be sure to add to your favourites and watch our progress in iGEM.

Thanks!