For the second time ever, CUG-China brought home the gold medal from the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM)held in Paris, France from October 23-26.
The team consists of 22 undergraduate students from eight schools, including the School of Environmental Studies, School of Computer Science, School of Materials Science and Chemistry, School of Automation, School of Geophysics and Geomatics, School of Arts andCommunication, School of Future Technologies, and School of Geography and Information Engineering. Each member used their skills in experimental operations, practical applications, modeling, and web design to match the competition’s requirements. The team was advised by the faculty members and graduate students from the Department of Biology, School of Environmental Studies.
The presentation
Interaction with other teams
CUG-China aims to enhance biomining efficiency for nonferrous metals, such as gold and copper, by genetically engineering Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, a genus of extremophilic acidophiles. Throughout the competition, the students displayed remarkable project completion, multidisciplinary viewpoints, and exceptional teamwork, demonstrating the enthusiasm and academic qualities of CUG students. They were consistently recognized by both online and offline judges.
iGEM is an annual global event that tests the boundaries of biology, engineering, and computer science. It is originated in 2003 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has since blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon. Furthermore, iGem alumni include top scholars worldwide and Nobel laureates. This year’s competition featured 400 teams from over 50 countries.
(Edited and translated from the Chinese version)
