03 My Journey as an iGEM Ambassador

With Sara taking a well-deserved break from writing our ABOA blog, I’m stepping in today to share my own experiences as an iGEM Ambassador. As someone deeply passionate about synthetic biology, becoming an iGEM Ambassador has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my journey through synthetic biology.

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Beyond the iGEM Competition itself, iGEM offers five other key programs: iGEM Technology, iGEM Community, iGEM Responsibility, iGEM Startups, and iGEM Leagues (currently paused for 2024). As iGEM Ambassadors, we volunteer through the iGEM Community program, which focuses on supporting iGEM Alumni and SynBio enthusiasts to build a strong, responsible, and forward-thinking synthetic biology ecosystem and invite new individuals to the field. Besides the iGEM Ambassador program, the iGEM Community hosts diverse projects, ranging from Industry, Science Communication, and Academia and Research focused initiatives to Bioarts and space exploration! I highly encourage you to check out the iGEM Community website and the projects webpages more specifically.

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The Ambassadors have four goals which they work towards for a year in their regions:

1. Recruitment of potential teams and expanding the local iGEM communities

2. Connecting with alumni and helping improve the iGEM Community

3. Interface for teams and voice for their regional iGEM communities

4. Promote or help to create an iGEM League in their region.

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Personally, I've concentrated my efforts on expanding local iGEM communities, connecting with alumni, and serving as a support system and interface for the iGEM Competition teams. For example, I have organized alumni evenings for the ABOA and iGEM alumni, I have attended local conferences to spread the word about iGEM, I helped organize the Nordic iGEM Conference 2024 and I have contacted several teams in the Nordics and in Europe.

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One of the best parts of being an iGEM Ambassador is the freedom it offers. You’re encouraged to be yourself and shape the role in a way that reflects your strengths and passions. This flexibility has allowed me to connect with the community in ways that feel natural and meaningful. I’ve made great connections with people who share the same interests and have been able to support the growth of synthetic biology. The experience has also taught me invaluable skills in time management, initiative, and communication. ​​

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As I continue my journey as an iGEM Ambassador, I am excited about the future of synthetic biology and its potential to transform our world. I encourage everyone to get involved—whether by joining an iGEM team, attending our events, or simply exploring the fascinating world of synthetic biology.

In conclusion, being an iGEM Ambassador is not just about representing iGEM Competition; it’s about being part of a movement that encourages innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.​

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Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey as an iGEM Ambassador. Let’s continue to work together to transform our world for the better!​

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Sincerely,

Mariel Turkia

iGEM Ambassador for Europe

Aboa Turku ry’s secretary

PS. If you are interested in what iGEM has to offer join our Slack by this link iGEM Community Slack and join our newsletter via this link iGEM newsletters - there you will find the latest info and for example news when the recruitment for new Ambassadors is open!