iGEM | International Synthetic Biology Competition
iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) is an international synthetic biology competition that invites young people from around the world to develop scientific approaches to real-world challenges. Combining biology with engineering and technology, teams design and test biological systems with potential applications in health, nutrition and the environment.
Who can take part?
Each year, teams of secondary school students, undergraduates and graduate students participate in the relevant competition categories. Teams bring together a wide range of interests and skills, from biology and computer science to design, communication and entrepreneurship.
Through their participation, young people:
- Gain research experience, from developing an idea and designing experiments to analysing results.
- Learn to collaborate, taking on different roles and combining their skills to work towards a shared goal.
- Connect science with society, considering the needs their research aims to address and its potential impact.
- Build communication skills, presenting their work and sharing scientific knowledge with different audiences.
What is the Grand Jamboree?
The teams’ journey culminates at the Grand Jamboree, the world’s largest annual gathering dedicated to synthetic biology. Teams from around the world showcase their projects, compete for awards and connect with researchers and industry professionals. For participants, it is an opportunity to bring their research to an international audience, exchange ideas and build new collaborations.
Anatolia BioQuests | Our 2026 team
The Anatolia BioQuests represent Anatolia College at iGEM 2026. The student team is investigating how increasing vitamin C production in the microalga Chlorella vulgaris could help improve iron absorption.
As they prepare for the Grand Jamboree in Paris, explore their journey through their research, educational workshops, learning resources and community activities.