FAQs

Yes! Students interested in research will apply to join either the wet lab research team or the dry lab research team. Wet lab researchers conduct traditional experimentation in a laboratory and work with chemical reagents and biological samples (i.e. performing bacterial transformations, polymerase chain reactions, etc). Dry lab researchers create computational models, simulations, and/or software and may conduct data and statistical analysis. There is a lot of collaboration between wet lab and dry lab, and some members participate in both teams. This opportunity can count for medical school research hours!

Note: Our “home” lab is Dr. McConnell’s lab

Yes! While the primary purpose of iGEM is research/engineering, there are several other initiatives that you get to take on especially if you join the Human Practices/Entrepreneurship Team. 

1. Integrated Human Practices: To ensure we create the best product possible, individuals can establish networks with stakeholders, health investors, members of the FDA, the Notre Dame community, and more. From here, we can acquire key feedback to facilitate the creation of our product, collaborating with professionals and those affected by our research. In addition, reflection is vital to see what we have learned and how that shapes the project’s direction. 

2. Education: It is vital to organize educational events, panels, and classes, and to build a social media presence to inform the broader community (Notre Dame and South Bend) about the power of syn bio in a global context. 

3. Develop the project’s business model: Although developing the product is incredibly important, once it is completed, we need to decide how it will be delivered, marketed, and how it will capture value. Some of the things included in the model include the revenue streams, what we are offering, manufacturing costs, distribution, marketing and outreach, key partners, etc. Moreover, we are providing information on why the project is essential outside of a laboratory setting. 

4. Create a product development strategy: To bring the product to market, we need a go-to-market plan that outlines our target audience, distribution channels, and regulatory requirements. In addition, the project’s identity needs to be formulated, including the logo, messaging, website language, and pitch decks. 

5. Fundraising: iGEM@ND is entirely self-funded, with support from various campus departments and individual fundraising. Here, members will help apply for donations and in-kind grants from Notre Dame departments, scientific organizations, and cooperations. 

For those accepted to the 2025-2026 season iGEM team:

• Weekly All-Team Meetings

• 1-3 hours of work per week

• For wet lab members: expected to stay over the summer to perform experiments

  • Flexible but expected 6-10 weeks on campus, 30-45 hours per week

Schedule:

• December 2025-January 2026: Members for the upcoming season will be recruited via application. 

• Late January 2026: Teams will begin meeting to support the ideation stage and project development. These meetings will be all together, with all three teams first giving updates, and then individual teams will split to discuss team-specific plans of action. 

• March 2026: The ideation stage is complete, and the team has a clear idea of what the project will be and detailed development plans. 

• March-May 2026: 

• Wet Lab: Members will be trained in wet-lab-related techniques to ensure competency and safety in the lab. 

• Dry Lab: Necessary modeling and coding begin development 

• HP&E: Group members will draft emails, contact stakeholders, conduct market analysis, create a wiki, and start fundraising for Paris. 

• Summer 2026: Wet lab members conduct research in McConnell’s lab for 8-10 on Notre Dame’s campus, with Chris as the supervisor. Dry lab members will conduct their research remotely. HP&E will continue its analysis and networking efforts to facilitate product development. 

• August-October 2026: Team members will complete a reflection on research progress and the necessary forms and materials for the competition. Finishing touches will be put on the wiki, and students planning to go to Paris will begin making travel preparations. Lastly, during late October, we will compete in Paris!

Yes! - But be wary that your time commitment will increase.

iGEM@ND is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 season! Applications are open to freshmen, sophomore, and juniors. Students will apply to join either the wet lab, dry lab, or human practices/entrepreneurship team. Accepted students are expected to complete research/work over summer 2026 (on-campus for wet lab, remotely for dry lab and human practices/entrepreneurship) and may receive the opportunity to travel to Paris for the iGEM Grand Jamboree in 2027.

• Priority Round applications are due on 12/28/25

• Regular Round applications are due on 1/23/26 

• Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDGWoCRwhbAZt7tDBkPdVDTo6Kt2Qzt16CnOSET1xjsj7E2A/viewform