Registration FAQ
From 2006.igem.org
What is iGEM about?
A summary of the program can be found [http://icampus.mit.edu/projects/iGem.shtml here].
Basically, the iGEM competition and the Registry of Standard Biological Parts (aka 'the Registry')are practically testing the idea that biological engineering can be made reliable through the use of freely-shared, standardized, and well-documented parts called biobricks. Biobricks have special features that allow for iterative assembly of longer "composite parts", leading to larger devices or systems.
iGEM teams are challenged to create working devices by designing and assembling a) parts that already exist in the Registry and b) their own parts that conform to the biobrick standard. New parts must be documented in the Registry database and physically sent to the registry. This allows future biological engineers to build on the creativity, expertise, and experience of the people and groups that came before them.
What are teams actually competing to do?
The goal of iGEM is currently to develop the "coolest" system. What your team chooses to do will depend a lot on what they perceive to be cool and also what they think they might actually be able to pull together. Innovation is encouraged. Jaw-dropping creativity, originality, and functionality will certainly be factors in the Judge's decisions of relatively coolness.
There has been some discussion of adding another category to iGEM that would see teams compete towards the same goal (e.g. making the best functioning counter).
When does registration for iGEM 2007 start?
A registration page will be available later this summer. If you require additional information to prepare for the 2007 competition, please e-mail the organizers at igem@mit.edu
What is the iGEM schedule?
The program formally begins in May with the Teach the Teachers Workshop and closes with the Jamboree in November. The exact start and stop dates are variable depending on the team or institution requirements. Some teams begin to organize as early as March, while UK teams typically start as late as June.
What are the qualifications for entry?
Currently, there are two categories of competition.
Structured Competition
The first category is requires institution to assemble a formal iGEM team and to meet minimum participation standards. Aspects of the competition will judged and prizes awarded. In order to be considered for the structured competition, teams must:
- Be supervised by a qualified principal investigator
- Be a mostly undergraduate team, although graduate students are permitted
- Be based at an accredited college or university, with access to laboratory facilities
- Send a representative to the iGEM Teachers Conference in May 6, 2006, at MIT. (EU date TBD)
- Post regular updates of strategies and progress of their projects on the iGEM wiki
- Freely share all materials developed for the competition (data, physical DNA)
- Coordinate and support travel for team members to attend the iGEM Jamboree, date TBD, at MIT
- Make a verbal presentation of length 10-15 minutes at the Jamboree
- Deposit your project description on the iGEM Wiki and your parts in the Registry before the Jamboree
- Prepare a poster presentation for the Jamboree
- Have fun!
Unstructured Competition
There are no rules or requirements, although you are welcome to contact the organizers if you have questions or concerns. Or not. You decide.
What does MIT provide iGEM teams?
MIT coordinates the iGEM competition, provides space and facilities for the conference and jamboree, maintains tools and databases used to create projects, provides Biobrick construct assemblies to teams, and organizes widespread publicity. In 2006, an ambassador program was established to provide additional support for teams.
How should teams be structured?
We recommend a 50-50 guideline: 50% male, 50% female, 50% biological background, 50% non-biological, and so on. We now require that teams be primarily undergraduates, although graduate students are also permitted. At the institution's discretion, so are other students, including those may not be directly associated with your institution, like those from nearby high schools or community colleges. While iGEM student guidelines are not fixed in stone, we have learned that the experience is enriched by collecting a wide range of aptitudes, experiences, and skills for your team. We suggest advertising for team members, since this is likely to generate a large and diverse pool of applicants.
How much does it cost to participate?
This can vary widely by institution.
Costs include:
- salaries for instructors, if any
- stipends to students, if any
- reagents and supplies – variable depending on project
- DNA synthesis costs - assume about $4000
- travel support for the Teachers Conference and Jamboree – dependent on physical proximity to MIT
- miscellaneous expenses
I am not affiliated with a university or college. Can I still participate?
Yes. If you are located near a participating institution, you could contact the team organizer and apply for a position on the team. Even if the team cannot accept you as a full time member, they may still permit an internship or volunteership of some kind. Alternatively, you could participate in the unstructured competition, which has no rules. What you accomplish in this category is entirely up to you or your group. Finally, you can contact the organizers and tell them how you think you might be able to contribute.
