The 2024 iGEM Grand Jamboree is a platform for advancing synthetic biology. It has attracted over 4,500 participants from diverse backgrounds, including researchers, industry representatives, startup founders, investors, journalists, policy experts, and the public. Among the contributors was Vivien Roussel, PhD candidate at De Vinci Research Center (DVRC) and the Institute for Future Technologies (IFT) at De Vinci Higher Education. He co-hosted a session titled “Biodesign: Organizing Creativity Through Innovation”.
With its broad scope and collaborative spirit, this year’s Grand Jamboree highlights the role of synthetic biology in shaping a sustainable and innovative future. Described as the “World Expo of Synthetic Biology,” the event showcased cutting-edge developments and facilitated discussions on the field’s future.
The 2024 iGEM Grand Jamboree
iGEM educates the workforce and future leaders of the Synthetic Biology industry. The iGEM Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing synthetic biology, education and competition and developing an open, collaborative, and cooperative community.
iGEM’s flagship event is the Grand Jamboree, which is held annually in Paris. This is the culminating event of all our programs, bringing together our global members of the iGEM Competition, iGEM Startups, iGEM Responsibility, iGEM Community, iGEM Technology, and iGEM Leagues.
The Grand Jamboree brings together researchers, industry reps, startup founders, investors, journalists, experts in governance and policy, and the general public to chart the future of synthetic biology.
IFT’s participation in Biodesign at the Grand Jamboree
The iGEM Grand Jamboree proposed a line-up of workshops, talks, and panels focused on the intersections of science, art, and communication, offering attendees unique insights into synthetic biology’s role in addressing critical global challenges.
Vivien Roussel at the 2024 iGEM Grand Jamboree
Vivien Roussel, PhD candidate at De Vinci Research Center (DVRC) and the Institute for Future Technologies (IFT) at De Vinci Higher Education. Vivien co-hosted a session titled “Biodesign: Organizing Creativity Through Innovation” alongside Lucile Haute (Université de Nîmes), Ákos Maróy (Maróy Consulting), and Martyn Dade-Robertson (Northumbria University).
This talk and workshop aimed to promote awareness of synthetic biology within the Biodesign field and demonstrated how creative processes, emergent technologies, and visual communication can translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and actionable ideas.
Exploring Biodesign’s Role in Synthetic Biology
The panel emphasized how organizing creativity through biodesign can guide the development of potential startups by leveraging design concepts and visual arts.
Traditional approaches, such as academic papers and lectures, often fail to engage broader audiences due to their inherent complexity. Visual art was highlighted as a transformative medium, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering public engagement with synthetic biology.
The session also explored how synthetic biology integrates principles from systems biology to address global healthcare challenges. Systems biology focuses on the interconnectedness of biological components and their dynamics, providing insights critical for advancing diagnostics and therapeutics.
Incorporating these principles into synthetic biology allows for innovative approaches to public health, preventive care, and medical treatments.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
Workshops at the Grand Jamboree, including the BioArts Lab: Information & Ideation session and the Publishing Workshop, provided hands-on opportunities for early-stage researchers to refine their skills and explore the practical applications of synthetic biology.
These sessions highlighted the potential of emerging technologies like biological standard parts and biocircuitry to drive advancements in digital biology, pattern recognition, and artificial protein construction.
The event underscored the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in synthetic biology, fostering a community where science, design, and communication converge to address pressing global challenges.
De Vinci Higher Education vision on art and science
Vivien Roussel’s participation at the 2024 iGEM Grand Jamboree reflects De Vinci Higher Education’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation.
The session on biodesign illuminated pathways for creativity and entrepreneurship and reinforced the importance of public engagement in advancing synthetic biology.
As synthetic biology continues to evolve, platforms like the iGEM Grand Jamboree will remain vital in driving innovation, bridging disciplines, and shaping the leaders and solutions of tomorrow.
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