IISER Pune Team Clinches Gold Medal and Multiple Accolades at iGEM Synthetic Biology Competition
Pune, 10th November 2023: A team of undergraduate students from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune secured a gold medal at the 2023 iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) synthetic biology competition. The announcement was made during the iGEM Grand Jamboree event held in Paris from November 2 to November 5, 2023.
The IISER Pune team stood out as the only representative from India to secure a position in the Top 10 undergraduate teams globally. Their outstanding performance earned them the prestigious Best Education Award, and they have also been nominated for the Best Climate Crisis Project, Best Integrated Human Practices, and Best Presentation Award among more than 400 participating teams.
The award ceremony, held on November 5, 2023, recognized the team’s exceptional efforts and contributions to the field of synthetic biology. The iGEM Foundation, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and education in synthetic biology, organizes this annual competition. It provides a platform for undergraduate university students, as well as high school and graduate students, to address global challenges through innovative synthetic biology approaches.
The IISER Pune team, comprising 14 BS-MS students, conducted groundbreaking research on developing jatropha oil-based sustainable aviation fuel using yeast as the model system. The project, carried out between February and October 2023, showcased the team’s commitment to addressing real-world issues through scientific innovation.
Under the guidance of mentors, including Prof. Saikrishnan Kayarat (Primary PI), Dr. Mridula Nambiar, and Dr. Mehmet Berkmen, the team not only excelled in their research project but also conducted various education and communication programs. These initiatives, such as biomimetic competitions, wiki workshops, molecular biology workshops, plantation drives, surveys, and school visits, contributed to the team’s recognition for the Best Education Award and their nomination for the Best Integrated Human Practices Award at iGEM-2023.
The team’s success is attributed to the dedication of student leaders Oyindrila Samanta and Ishaan Chaudhary, along with the collaborative efforts of other team members, mentors, and faculty guides. Their exceptional performance reflects the spirit of scientific inquiry and community engagement fostered at IISER Pune. Congratulations to the entire team, and we extend our best wishes for their future endeavors.
Team Members:
Student Leaders:
- Oyindrila Samanta
- Ishaan Chaudhary
Student Members:
- Authisha Thirumani Selvam
- Pranesh P
- Anuvind Pramod
- Ketak Kapadnis
- Alfi Sajeev
- Aparajita Srinivasan
- Apoorvaa Gopal
- Prateek Makhija
- Rajalaxmi Behera
- Rohaneshwar Manikandan
- Sashank Chandra Reddy Singam
- Yuvraj Belani
Mentors:
- Geetanjali Ghosh
- Saptarshi Mridha
- Sonali Gupta
- Kundan Kumar
- Aakash Chandramouli
Primary PI:
- Prof. Saikrishnan Kayarat (IISER Pune)
Secondary PIs:
- Dr. Mridula Nambiar (IISER Pune)
- Dr. Mehmet Berkmen (New England Biolabs)
