Estonia-TUIT iGEM team at the University of Tartu won the Grand Prize a the world’s largest synthetic biology competition - iGEM.

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Students from the University of Tartu  Science and Technology and Bioengineering progrmas  won the grand prize at the iGEM competition, the largest synthetic biology competition in the world.

Under the guidance of Ilona Faustova, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, the students engineered yeast to generate small interfering RNA molecules. These molecules are designed to prevent the virus's genes from being expressed in bee cells. Bees can be protected by consuming the modified yeast or through direct injection into honeycombs. This method not only offers a potential lifeline for bees but also demonstrates a versatile strategy that could be adapted to address other viral infections.

Estonia-TUIT team’s  success at iGEM, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023,  with 404 teams from 66 countries and regions, highlights the exceptional talent and innovation within the University of Tartu's synthetic biology research and education. The victory, along with awards for the best conservation project, best measurement, and a gold medal, highlights the global recognition of Estonian research in this field. Participation in iGEM has been an integral part of the Science & Technology program's engagement with synthetic biology, supported by Professor Mart Loog's laboratory, demonstrating the potential of dedicated students and the impact of collaborative scientific efforts.

Link: https://tuit.ut.ee/en/content/university-tartu-students-won-grand-prize-global-synthetic-biology-competition