Participating in the iGEM – Bringing CGU Innovative Research into the World
　

Held by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (a.k.a. iGEM) is an international contest dedicated to the research and innovation in synthetic biology. Students working in relevant fields incorporated the concept of genetic engineering into their own innovation and creativity. The “Biobrick” was invented through the blending and bonding of various DNA components.

The iGEM has been held for ten years. In September every year, students who are passionate about scientific research congregate in the MIT to present their experiment results. Taiwanese students from National Taiwan University, National Yang-Ming University, National Chiao-Tung University, and Tzu-Chi University have drawn lots of attention in this competition in recent years.

 

For the very first time, Chang Gung University participated in this competition. A total of 17 students from the various departments of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Electronic Engineering, and Information Management worked together to conduct experiments, putting the iGEM idea of interdisciplinary research into practice. Since the formation of the iGEM CGU team, members have received support and encouragement from CGU faculty members, such as Assistant Prof. Shu-Yuan Yang, Assistant Prof. Scott C. Schuyler, Prof. Sze-Cheng John Lo, and Associate Prof. Guang-Wu Chen. Their guidance and encouragement has certainly boosted the students’ confidence and motivation.

The iGEM CGU team chose oral cancer as the research topic. Oral cancer is one of the 5 most deadly cancers in Taiwan. The team aimed to invent a quick screening test of oral cancer, so patients could receive an early diagnosis and then take a necessary intervention. In addition, the team also wished to improve the understanding of oral cancer as well as to promote public health.

 

The iGEM CGU team will take part in the Third Genetic Engineering Technology Conference at National Chiao-Tung University from the 19th to the 23rd of July. The team will then fly straight to US to partake in the final competition in Boston from the 24th to the 28th of September. We are confident that the iGEM CGU team members will take this opportunity to shine on the international platform. This will also allow the world to see our dedication and innovation.