Lithuania has made a remarkable impression at the prestigious international synthetic biology competition, iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine), held in France. The “Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM” team, marking its tenth year of participation, excelled at the finals from October 23–26, securing a spot in the top ten teams and winning the award for Best Manufacturing Project, as announced by Vilnius University (VU).
This talented student team not only returned home with a gold medal for Excellence in Synthetic Biology but also earned accolades for Best Software. Furthermore, they were nominated for Best Wiki and Best Collection of Biological Parts, highlighting their diverse skills and innovative approaches.
With their project titled “Synhesion,” the Vilnius University students successfully outperformed over 400 teams from more than 60 countries, including representatives from prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and Oxford.
Evelina Prosevičiūtė, the team leader, reflected on their journey, stating, “This year, we set incredible goals. Everyone on the team is an ideas generator, a dreamer, but also a fighter. We courageously overcame challenges and forged new connections. We didn’t just win awards; we gained invaluable experience and friendships that will last a lifetime. I believe each of us will create multiple wonders for the world and for Lithuania.”
The focus of this year’s research was E. coli bacteria, with the goal of developing eco-friendly bacterial adhesives made from polysaccharides. The team explored how naturally occurring bacteria such as Caulobacter crescentus and Hirschia baltica produce strong adhesives that enable them to attach firmly to surfaces in water. Their findings revealed that these natural adhesives are three times stronger than those available commercially.
When discussing the need for new adhesives, team member Fausta Michnevičiūtė highlighted the issues with existing products, many of which are toxic or produce harmful degradation products. “These pollutants affect our soils, wildlife, and ultimately, us humans,” she explained. “Adhesives are everywhere, and they can cause respiratory problems and allergies.”
In developing their bacterial adhesives, the team utilised industrial strains of E. coli, compelling them to produce sugars that would lead to a new, eco-friendly product.
What sets iGEM apart is that participants not only focus on laboratory work but also engage in public education to address local and global issues. This year, the team launched “SynFolk,” a series of events aimed at bringing science closer to the public by combining ancient mythology with modern scientific knowledge. These events provided insights into how science intersects with everyday life while also reconnecting audiences with the cultural significance of Baltic mythology.
To inspire the younger generation, the team created a children’s book explaining the basics of genetics in an accessible way. They also developed a mobile game, allowing players to learn about different bacteria found on various surfaces.
For the past ten years, the “Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM” team has consistently earned gold medals at the competition. They achieved the Grand Prize twice, in 2017 and 2020, being recognised as the best in the world, and last year, they secured a commendable second place in the iGEM competition.
As the largest synthetic biology competition globally, iGEM brings together around 400 teams from over 65 countries. Participants are encouraged to tackle real-world problems through the lens of molecular biology, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Lithuania’s success at iGEM is a testament to the country’s growing prominence in synthetic biology and its commitment to fostering innovation and education.
