19 Aug 2025
From August 7th to 9th, the highly anticipated 2025 CCiC-Synbiopunk (Conference of China iGEM Community & Global Bio-Developer Conference) was grandly held in Beijing.?As one of China's most dynamic youth events in synthetic biology, it gathered iGEM teams from dozens of top universities nationwide. Representing XJTLU with great enthusiasm and anticipation, the XJTLU-Science-China team engaged in a vibrant academic exchange?and forged intellectual connections with other university iGEM teams.
XJTLU Solution Unveiled in the Capital
During the project presentation session, the XJTLU iGEM team confidently showcased their meticulously prepared research project for the 2025 International iGEM Competition, which is ?“A?targeted therapeutic platform for triple-negative breast cancer based on intracellular bacterial colonization.”?Through well-designed posters, clear and coherent?presentations, and comprehensive data, the team aptly explained the project's scientific background, innovative design, and impact and thorough a socio-practical investigative lens?to its attendees.
Deep Exchange, Sparking Intellectual Insights
The core value of CCiC-Synbiopunk lies in providing a robust platform for in-depth exchange, mutual learning, and collective advancement among university iGEM teams. The XJTLU team seized this opportunity, actively engaging in extensive and profound discussions with outstanding teams from Peking University Health Science Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, YiYe Team, among?others.
Particularly valuable were the discoveries of significant overlaps and shared research focuses with several key teams.?Interestingly:
- The Shanghai Jiao Tong University team also conducted genetic editing on?Staphylococcus epidermidis. Centering on the shared challenge of bypassingthe bacterium's restriction-modification system, both teams engaged in deep exchanges of experience and mutual learning.
- The YiYe Team focused on TEAD4, a recently identified novel target for triple-negative breast cancer. Their research confirmed that knocking out TEAD4 effectively suppresses cancer cell metastatic ability. Through discussions, both teams shared critical technical expertise in cell-based assays and explored potential future collaboration.
- The Peking University Health Science Center team raised crucial questions regarding our project's endosomal escape strategy and drug delivery approach. These insights revealed previously unconsidered aspects, prompting us to plan deeper investigations to enhance the rigor of our scientific
This exchange, rooted in research project commonalities, transcended simple information sharing, elevating to the level of substantive advice and intellectual synergy. The XJTLU iGEM team was able to absorb valuable suggestions from other peer institutions and benefit from this robust knowledge transfer to infuse insights and constructive feedback to?their?own research?projects. This reciprocal, mutually beneficial dialogue and exchange stands as one of our most significant takeaways from the conference.
Fueled by tangible gains, invaluable advice, and a deepened passion for synthetic biology, the XJTLU iGEM team?is?now fully dedicated to the next phase of experimental breakthroughs and project refinement, preparing meticulously for the upcoming 2025 International iGEM Competition!
“This event offered us a valuable opportunity. By presenting our project to other teams, we gradually refined our logical framework; through exchanges with teams from Peking University Health Science Center and Southern University of Science and Technology, we also identified areas for improvement. The outstanding projects from teams across the country likewise benefited every member of our team.” -Haotian Zheng Student Leader, XJTLU-Science-China Team
“During the project presentations, we had the privilege of listening to a variety of showcases, many of which resonated deeply with our own research or sparked new inspirations. These presentations not only broadened our horizons but also prompted us to reconsider our own approach. After each session, we eagerly approached the booths (poster display areas) of other teams, engaging in meaningful and enriching conversations. Every team we encountered was exceptionally warm and generous, openly sharing their research achievements, experimental journeys, and human practice (HP) strategies. Such selfless exchanges not only provided us with invaluable insights but also allowed us to connect with like-minded teams, exploring potential collaborations for future endeavors. This experience proved to be an extraordinary opportunity, bringing together brilliant young minds from diverse fields. Interacting with such high-caliber teams was truly enlightening, leaving me inspired and filled with new ideas.” -Hanming Hu HP Group leader, XJTLU-Science-China Team
“This conference was an extremely valuable experience for me. Being able to have in-depth exchanges with iGEM teams from top universities across the country not only exposed me to the most cutting-edge research ideas in synthetic biology, but also greatly broadened my academic horizons. This experience greatly inspired me and filled me with confidence and anticipation for the upcoming competition presentation!” -Yifan Hou Design Group, XJTLU-Science-China Team
“This event fostered a strong academic atmosphere, from which our team greatly benefited.” -Jie Zhong Experiment Group,XJTLU-Science-China Team
“Through this conference, our iGEM team members gained profound exchange opportunities with top-tier university teams, enriched their academic experience, and honed their research mindset alongside cross-institutional resource integration capabilities. Wishing our team stellar performance in the upcoming competition!” -Dr. Yongtao Zhu Primary PI, XJTLU-Science-China Team
iGEM Introduction
Overview:
- Full Name: International Genetically Engineered Machine competition
- Organizer: Massachusetts Institute of Technology （MIT），USA
- Participants: High school students, undergraduate students, and graduate students
Core Objectives:
To address real-world challenges-such as environmental protection, healthcare, energy production, and agriculture-by designing, building, and testing engineered biological systems (e.g., genetically modified microorganisms or cells).
Competition Content:
Synthetic biology practices
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Social impact and safety considerations
Recruitment:
2026 iGEM Team Recruitment Period: Around January 2026 (exact date TBA)
Contact Us:
Email:?SCI.iGEM@gdsqbz.com
Xiaohongshu (RED): ID 26246824262
Content and photos：Dr Yongtao Zhu and?
XJTLU-Science-China
Review：Professor John Moraros，Dr Yongtao Zhu
19 Aug 2025