iGEM Competition April Newsletter

Look below for competition news, highlights and announcements. Learn more about:

• Getting started with Human Practices
• Distribution Kits going out this month #WelcomeToiGEM
• Apply to win one of 10 free robots from Opentrons by May 1
• New this year: Measurement Hub on 2018.igem.org
• Be an iGEM Judge!

Don't forget: Last chance to register your team!

Late registration will close at the end of this month. To be a part of iGEM 2018 you must register and pay before April 30, 2018 at 11:59PM EDT.

Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Competition/Registration/Steps

Distribution Kits are on their way!

2018 Distribution Kits have started shipping to registered and approved 2018 iGEM teams! Some things to keep in mind:

• TAKE a picture! Use the official hashtags #iGEM2018 and #WelcomeToiGEM on social media to let us know you got your kit. We will collect the most creative photos and show them off!
• BE MINDFUL of Safety! Check out the safety information in the kit and remember to visit the Safety Hub at 2018.igem.org/Safety
• DO NOT FREEZE! Some components of the Distribution Kit cannot be frozen - make sure to carefully read the storage instructions in the kit before proceeding.
• Don't know how to use your distribution kit? Learn how by reading the 2018 Distribution Handbook:

Direct Link: http://parts.igem.org/Help:2018_DNA_Distribution

Still choosing what to work on?
Start with Human Practices!

Human Practices at iGEM is about understanding which problems synthetic biology can help solve, and exploring the impacts of your project on the world.

Is your project responsible and good for the world?

Winning teams consider these questions upfront and throughout their entire project. This integrated approach is part of designing a successful project and essential to being an engineer.

Watch the Human Practices video and hear from Megan Palmer, iGEM Director of Human Practices. Click on the image above or follow this link to the iGEM video page: http://2018.igem.org/wiki/images/f/fe/IGEM_Human_Practices.mp4

Learn more and get started with human practices today. Visit the Human Practices hub, watch the introductory video, and check out resources, exemplary projects, and tips for how to succeed in the competition.

Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Human_Practices

Special Offer from Opentrons

Are you interested in adding $4000+ dollars of value to your team budget? What about saving countless hours of pipetting time to use on other aspects your 2018 project?

Apply to receive 1 of 10 free robots as part of an exclusive partnership between iGEM and Opentrons. By automating some of the most common protocols iGEM teams encounter, you can free your time for other things like planning and expanding your project.

All iGEM teams will also be eligible for a 50% discount on their first Opentrons robot.  Learn more and apply by clicking the button below. *DEADLINE SOON* Apply by May 1!

Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Sponsors/Special_Offers

Fun fact: Opentrons is an iGEM startup! The earliest OpenTrons robots were developed by the Genspace team in 2014. Now they're excited to give back to the iGEM community. 

Introducing the New Measurement Hub

iGEM HQ and the Measurement Committee would like to announce the new Measurement Hub (http://2018.igem.org/Measurement) adding to the wiki hubs available on this year's iGEM wiki. This is the place where you can find information about good measurement practices and information about participation in the InterLab Study, which is an option for one of the Bronze Medal criteria.

If you have questions about measurement in your project or the InterLab study, please contact the Measurement Committee at measurement@igem.org. We hope you find this new hub useful and helpful!

Direct Link: http://2018.igem.org/Sponsors/Special_Offers

Be an iGEM Judge! Be an integral part of the iGEM competition and help teams learn from their experience by giving both positive and constructive feedback. As a judge, you will identify areas of excellence that deserve to be celebrated through awards and take part in defining iGEM 2018 season.

Team PIs, instructors, and advisors are especially encouraged to apply. Team affiliated judges will receive a 50% discount on their Jamboree attendance fee. Apply today or learn more by visiting: 2018.igem.org/Judging 

Save the date! The iGEM 2018 Giant Jamboree will be held on October 25 - 28 in Boston, MA. The evening Awards Ceremony will end late on Sunday, October 28, followed by our celebratory social events. New for this year, there will be special activities Monday, October 29. iGEM will co-sponsor tours with local companies, as well as other Boston area university tours. 

We can't wait to see what you'll do!

The iGEM Headquarters Team