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url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/ram.jpg"
date='Scientific Talk I.'
tag= 'Talks'
color='var(--lightblue)'
csstag="talkone"
vorname="Ram"
nachname="Shakar"
heading="AI-Driven Breakthroughs in Plasmid DNA Production"
text="Ram Shankar from Plasmid Factory delves into the integration of AI in advancing plasmid DNA technology for gene therapy. Highlighting real-world applications, he demonstrates how AI optimizes plasmid purification, enhances gene vector stability, and accelerates mRNA production, offering a glimpse into the future of biotech innovations."
>
<div id="talkone" style={{display: "none"}}>
<p>Ram Shankar, from Plasmid Factory, gave an insightful talk about the integration of AI and advanced biotechnology, with a focus on plasmid DNA production. His presentation highlighted how AI-driven innovations have transformed research methodologies in gene therapy, plasmid manufacturing, and DNA purification. His speech showcased the practical applications of AI in streamlining workflows, making biotech processes more efficient and scalable.</p>
<p>Shankar began by illustrating how scientific advancements, such as powered flight and DNA research, have rapidly progressed within a single human lifetime. He connected this concept to breakthroughs in plasmid DNA technology, where Plasmid Factory’s work has been pivotal in advancing gene therapy products. A key takeaway was the integration of AI in optimizing plasmid purification processes, enabling the production of high-quality plasmids and mini circles for clinical applications.
Shankar also introduced real-world examples, such as the use of AI in enhancing the stability and quality of gene vectors and mRNA production. His discussion of collaborations between academia and industry underscored the importance of networking and shared innovation, comparing it to the historic partnership between Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer that revolutionized recombinant DNA technology.
</p>
<p>
The talk provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how AI can revolutionize lab work, particularly in scaling up DNA production for gene therapies. By applying these insights, participants left with ideas on how to leverage AI to enhance their own research projects, particularly in biotechnology and gene editing.
</p>
</div>
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<TimelineItemPic
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/kristian.jpeg"
url2="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/ram.jpg"
date='Scientific Talk I.'
tag= 'Talks'
color='var(--lightblue)'
vorname="Kristian"
nachname="Müller"
heading="Gene Therapy,AAVs and Innovations in Synthetic Biology"
text="Prof. Dr. Kristian Müller Bielefeld University, reflects on his involvement with the iGEM competition since 2007, discussing various team successes and the evolution of the field, particularly in gene therapy. They highlight the potential of viral vectors like adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) for delivering genes to treat diseases, focusing on innovations in virus production, targeting, and synthetic biology. Despite promising results, challenges remain in ensuring the purity of viral products, improving production efficiency, and reducing side effects. The talk also covers advances in nanopore sequencing for quality control, synthetic DNA production, and the potential of non-natural nucleotides and methylation to enhance therapeutic applications."
<p>Prof. Dr. Kristian Müller from Research Group Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology at the Technical Faculty of Bielefeld University, delivered an insightful presentation on the integration of AI and advanced biotechnology, focusing on the production and refinement of AAV vectors. The presentation highlighted how AI-driven innovations are transforming research methodologies, especially in areas such as AAV production, genetic targeting, and quality control. Prof. Dr. Müller showcased practical applications of AI in optimizing these biotechnological processes, making them more efficient, scalable, and precise, particularly in therapeutic applications.</p>
<p>The speaker began by drawing parallels between technological advancements in fields like space exploration and breakthroughs in genetic research, emphasizing the rapid progression within a short span of time. This context set the stage for discussing recent developments in AAV technology, where the application of AI has been pivotal. A key takeaway was how AI is being used to enhance the stability of viral vectors and optimize gene delivery, allowing for the production of high-quality AAV vectors with improved precision. Real-world examples, such as the use of AI to monitor genetic purity during nanopore sequencing and to streamline plasmid engineering processes, showcased the tangible impact of these technologies on therapeutic research. The discussion also highlighted the importance of collaborations between academia and industry, drawing parallels to the historic partnership that sparked the recombinant DNA revolution.</p>
<p>The presentation provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how AI can significantly enhance lab work, particularly in scaling up AAV production and ensuring the quality of therapeutic vectors. Participants left with valuable insights on leveraging AI and advanced technologies to drive their own research projects forward, especially in fields like gene therapy, plasmid engineering, and synthetic biology.</p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/christian-kolland.png"
date='How to Wiki'
tag='Workshop Session I.'
color='var(--text-primary)'
heading="Building Professional Websites: A Workshop on HTML and CSS Essentials"
text="Learning the basics of Wiki coding and design. In this workshop, the participants geined expertise to elevate their teams wiki."
<br/>
<p>We participated in an intensive workshop on HTML and CSS made by a former iGEM participant of team GU-Frankfurt 2023 and head of wiki,
Christian Kolland. All participants gain an overview of the essentials for building websites. </p>
<p>The session began with an introduction to color theory tools such as Realtime Colors and AI Colors, emphasizing their role in creating visually
appealing designs. Typography was a key focus, clarifying the difference between typeface (e.g., Futura) and font variations (e.g., Futura Condensed),
and how font weights and sizes impact readability and design hierarchy. Practical guidelines, including the usage of different types of units such as
PX or REM for font sizing and understanding spacing for an effective layout, were given. </p>
<p>
We delved into HTML's structure for web content, learning semantic tags for effectively organizing information. CSS principles were explored next,
demonstrating how styles cascade from parent to child elements, which are crucial for consistent design across a webpage.
A significant part of the workshop involved hands-on coding in Visual Studio Code, where we replicated a pre-designed webpage using the HTML and CSS
techniques learned. This exercise equipped the attending iGEM teams with practical skills to create and style their own project websites and emphasized
the importance of component-based design and effective content organization.
</p>
<p>
By the end of the workshop, the attendees were inspired to pursue creating their own wikis, leveraging AI-based tools like for initial designs and imagery.
Overall, we left with a solid foundation in web development and were prepared to build professional and functional websites for their iGEM projects.
</p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/traci.jpg"
date='How to SynBio'
tag='Workshop Session I.'
color='var(--text-primary)'
text="Design genetic constructs and re-write the genomic code, and plan experiments using AI. Learn how to effectively build genetic circuit systems for implementation in your iGEM project."
heading="How to Synthetic Biology? - Introducing Kernel Software. "
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<h6>Setting</h6>
<p>
The kernel workshop was given by Traci Haddock, Director of Community at <a href="https://www.asimov.com/">ASIMOV Boston</a>. She introduced the Kernel software and showed us how to
implement AI-based tools in our synthetic biology project. The program can be used to graphically display plasmids. By uploading parts in an
iGEM-related database, safety considerations and registry entries can be checked automatically.
</p>
<div className="row">
<div className="col">
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/tracy-at-kernel-seminar/kernel-1.webp"/>
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<div className="col">
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/tracy-at-kernel-seminar/kernel-2.webp"/>
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<p><b>Tracy explains the “marshmallow madness” to us. </b></p>
</div>
<h6>What did we learn?</h6>
<p>
We learned the basics of kernels in order to design plasmids by understanding general plasmid construction and problem solving through different
cloning strategies. </p>
<p>
Furthermore, Kernel has an AI-assisted search function that can be used for plasmid representation, e.g. to find a specific
promoter based on certain requirements. Traci showed us practical exercises for firsthand application. First, we were asked to
recreate a plasmid followed by a slightly trickier task: We should clean the world of major marshmallow contamination by developing
a plasmid. In small groups we discussed which components the plasmid needed. Tracy gave us some information with which we quickly
identified crucial components of the plasmid and then designed it.
</p>
<p>In the end, each group presented their solution. The funniest and most creative approaches were celebrated. </p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/julian-gip.jpg"
url2="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/viktoria.jpg"
vorname2="Wiktoria"
vorname="Julian"
nachname="Borbeck"
nachname2="Palka"
date='How to use AI as a scientist'
tag='Workshop Session I.'
color='var(--text-primary)'
heading="Modern problems require modern solutions"
text="Computational technologies are getting more in the focus of scientific research. Integration of generative KI like GenAI bypass limitations and offers potential risks - learn how to implement Artificial Intelligence."
<div id="aiworkshop" style={{display: "none"}}>
<p>
This workshop hosted by xyna.bio was designed to introduce researchers to the integration of AI into scientific workflows. Wiktoria Palak and
Julian Borbeck, both experts in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics, led the workshop, focusing on practical applications of AI
in biosciences. The session provided attendees with hands-on experience and a platform for exploring how AI can address research inefficiencies
and open new opportunities for innovation.
</p>
<p>
The workshop was structured around two main components: theoretical insights and a practical group exercise. In the theory portion, we gained a deeper
understanding of AI applications, including neuro-symbolic AI and its role in enhancing research methodologies. The instructors shared their experiences
developing AI tools like those at xyna.bio, offering participants valuable knowledge on the AI development process.
</p>
<p>During the group work, we brainstormed ideas for AI tools that could simplify lab work for scientists. This activity not only fostered creative
thinking but also encouraged collaboration, as we discussed potential AI solutions that could streamline tasks like data analysis and experimental
design.
</p>
<p>
By the end of the workshop, participants walked away with practical insights and actionable skills. We felt equipped to start implementing AI
solutions in our own research projects, identifying specific areas where AI could improve efficiency and productivity in the lab.
</p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/karla-wagner.jpg"
date='Scientific Talk II.'
tag= 'Talks'
color='var(--lightblue)'
heading="Optimization of a DKR of a Tertiary Alcohol through Protein Engineering"
text="Karla Wagner shares groundbreaking strategies in optimizing dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of tertiary alcohols using protein engineering. Discover how enzyme catalysis drives sustainable advancements in the synthesis of chiral compounds for pharmaceuticals and other industries."
<p>
Karla Wagner, a PhD researcher at the <b>IOCB of the University of Bielefeld</b> with a background in organic chemistry and biotechnology. During the workshop, Karla discussed her research on optimizing the dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of tertiary alcohols using protein engineering. Her work focuses on sustainable chemistry practices, particularly by using enzymes in biocatalysis, aligning with the principles of sustainable chemistry.
</p>
<p>
Her presentation centered around her research on the synthesis of chiral tertiary alcohols, which are valuable in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavouring agents. She emphasized the importance of chirality in pharmaceuticals, noting how different enantiomers of a molecule can have drastically different effects, such as the case of Thalidomide.
</p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/placeholders/placehilderperson.jpeg"
date='Team project presentations'
tag= 'Team presentations'
color='var(--accent-primary'
>
<h5>Team project presentations</h5>
<div className="col bfh-slider">
<SimpleSlider>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7428-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7430-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7485-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7498-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7506-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7524-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7532-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/team-presentations/anyconv-com-dscf7548-enhanced-nr.webp"/>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/placeholders/placehilderperson.jpeg"
date='Poster Exhibition Booth'
tag= 'Team presentations'
color='var(--accent-primary)'
<h5>Poster Exhibition Booth</h5>
<p> Visit the <ScrollLink label="Virtual Poster Exhibition" targetId="BFH European MeetUp4H" />!</p>
<div className="col bfh-slider">
<SimpleSlider>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-plasmid-factory.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-frankfurt.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-zymo.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-air-view.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-bioglimmer.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-eindhoven.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-endosense-judge.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-isabell-erkl-rt.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-joern.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-marbirg.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-onco-biotica.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-refiba.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-teddy.webp"/>
<img className="" src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/exhibition/posterexhibition-zymo-gruppe.webp"/>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/svanja-vinke.jpg"
date='How to work safe'
tag='Workshop Session II.'
color='var(--text-primary)'
heading="About Dual-use and Biosafety"
text="Novel technologies opened possibilities and risks. Learn how you implement Safety and Security Strategies within your project and think more responsible in terms of Dual Use."
<p>
The biosafety workshop was held by Svenja Vinke. As a postdoctoral researcher specializing in synthetic biology at the Church Lab, Harvard Medical School. Svenja works on the iGEM Safety and Security Committee. Additionally, she was part of the Biosafety and Security Award Team of Bielefeld University in 2016.
</p>
<p>
First and foremost, she started the workshop by outlining the key concepts of biosafety and biosecurity, emphasizing how important laboratory safety is.
</p>
<div className="row">
<div className="col">
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/s-s-workshop/biosafety-seminar-bfh.webp"/>
</div>
<div className="col">
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/s-s-workshop/teil-2-bfh-biosafety.webp"/>
</div>
</div>
<br/>
<p>She also explained which safety aspects we should consider for our project: </p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Dual use:</b> Refers to technology or research that can be used for both beneficial and harmful purposes. For example, AI designed for medical diagnosis could also be misused for harmful surveillance. Managing dual-use risks involves careful consideration of both the positive applications and the potential for misuse. </li>
<li> <b>Built-In Safety Levels:</b> This concept involves designing systems with multiple layers of safety to prevent failure or minimize harm. In technology and engineering, built-in safety levels ensure that even if one layer fails, others remain intact to maintain safe operation. </li>
<li> <b>Safe-by-Design: </b> Safe-by-Design emphasizes integrating safety considerations into the earliest stages of product or system development. By anticipating risks and hazards from the start, this approach proactively minimizes dangers before they become issues, leading to safer outcomes. </li>
<p>
Finally, each team gave brief presentations of their projects and engaged in a group discussion on potential security risks and general security considerations. Together, we brainstormed and identified specific aspects of each project that could present potential risks.
</p>
<p>
From Svenja’s seminar, we learned which safety-relevant aspects are particularly important, as well as the importance of examining a project from different perspectives to identify and minimize potential risks related to lab work and the environment.
</p>
<TimelineItemTwoPic
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/julia-j-lainowski.jpg"
url2="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/malmendier.png"
vorname2="Carolin"
vorname="Julia"
nachname="Kalinowski"
nachname2="Malmendier"
heading="Effective Science Communication: Strategies for Success"
text="Experience how science communication could be. Learn creative and funny ways to communicate difficult topics. Think outside the box and train your skills. "
This workshop was offered to us by StudSciCom as part of the BFH Meet-up program at Bielefeld University.
<a href="https://www.stud-scicom.de/"> StudSciCom</a> is an initiative for science communication by students for students in Germany.
They held this workshop for us for the very
first time and we are glad that we were able to offer the uprising StudSciCom team a platform to try out this kind of outreach. In addition,
we were able to gain knowledge about proper science communication – a clear win-win situation for all of us!
</p>
<p>
Science communication is defined as the practice of informing, educating, and raising awareness about science-related topics among the general public
or specific audiences. It involves various methods such as writing articles, giving presentations, using social media, and engaging in public discussions
to make scientific knowledge accessible and understandable<SupScrollLink label="1"/>.
</p>
<h6>What did we learn?</h6>
<p>
Julia Kalinowski, PhD at Bielefeld University and Foreign Minister of StudSciCom, together with Carolin Malmendier,
former physics student and now organizer in the StudSciCom team, introduced us to the theories and practice
of different types of science communication and how to develop a communication strategy.
In detail, we were taught to ask ourselves several questions to define our topic, the medium of
communication, as well as the characterization of our target group and the planned achievement with our
science communication.
</p>
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/other/vortrag-scicom-bfh-screenshot.jpg"></img>
<p>The key message for us was to plan the science communication before we dive in and to make sure that the
target audience gets the message we want to send. </p>
<h6>Implementation</h6>
<p>
Afterwards, the attending iGEM teams talked about their science communication plans and how they could improve them
using the skills learned in this workshop. Our team revised their plans for explaining gene editing to
children and started developing experiments to help them better understand cystic fibrosis, which we
presented later onto the public at <a onClick={() => goToPagesAndOpenTab("teutoruft", "human-practices")}>“Der Teuto ruft!”</a>, an event in Bielefeld to connect the local
population with regional companies and institutes to inform them about their work - including our iGEM team!
</p>
<h6>References</h6>
<ol>
{/*<!-- Citation num 1--> */}
<li typeof="schema:ScolarlyArticle" role="doc-biblioentry" property="schema:citation" id="desc-1">
<span property="schema:author" typeof="schema:Person">
<span property="schema:Name"> Fischhoff, B.</span>
</span>
<span property="schema:name"> The sciences of science communication. </span>
<i property="schema:publisher" typeof="schema:Organization"> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</i>
<b property="issueNumber" typeof="PublicationIssue"> 110</b>,
<span property="schema:pageBegin"> 14033</span>-<span property="schema:pageEnd">14039</span>
(<time property="schema:datePublished" datatype="xsd:gYear" dateTime=" 2013">2013</time>).
<a className="doi" href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1213273110"> doi: 10.1073/pnas.1213273110</a>
</li>
</ol>
date='How to Pitch Your Project'
tag='Workshop Session II.'
color='var(--text-primary)'
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/madeleine-mussgnug.jpg"
text="Image you have only three minutes with your boss to sell your idea...
After our workshop you learned techniques to sell every pen and even more to every boss on the planet.
<p>The "Perfect Project Pitch" workshop was part of the second phase of workshops during the inaugural BFH meet-up, hosted at Bielefeld University. It was led by Madeleine Mussgnug, a startup consultant at the Goethe University's entrepreneurship center in Frankfurt, Germany. Madeleine studied International Management and Tourism and has extensive experience, including several years at the scale-up company Limehome. Currently, she also works as a freelance consultant specializing in online marketing, social media, and supporting individuals in becoming self-employed. </p>
<p>The workshop focused on the essential skills and strategies for delivering an effective project pitch, covering the following key areas: </p>
<ol>
<li> Crafting compelling narratives to present complex ideas clearly and engagingly, ensuring they remain memorable for the audience. </li>
<li> Structuring and organizing pitches to highlight critical elements such as innovation, market potential, and team strengths, thus communicating your message effectively. </li>
<li> Tailoring pitches to resonate with different target audiences, including investors and collaborators, making them adaptable and impactful. </li>
<li> Building confidence and mastering persuasive techniques to convincingly communicate the value of your project. </li>
<li> Utilizing creative and visually appealing pitch materials, with a focus on integrating visuals and data effectively to enhance the presentation. </li>
</ol>
<p>Madeleine Mussgnug delivered these insights through a balanced mix of presentation and interactive discussions. She provided real-world examples and engaged the audience by prompting them to reflect on specific techniques, images, and stylistic choices. For instance, she demonstrated the strategic use of numbers and icons on slides, discussing how their size and placement can influence the viewer’s perception. By showing different slide constellations, she encouraged the audience to discuss their visual impact. The workshop concluded with a focus on the importance of networking. According to Mussgnug, knowing whom to approach and how to engage with them is key—this, she emphasized, is the essence of successful pitching. </p>
<p>We immediately put what we learned into practice in various areas, such as: </p>
<ul>
<li><b>Meet-up Münster Presentation:</b> We adopted a fresh, innovative approach when preparing for the Münster meet-up, integrating many of the techniques from the workshop. </li>
<li><b>Correspondence with Potential Partners and Sponsors: </b> Our communication became more targeted and effective, allowing us to build stronger connections with potential partners and sponsors. </li>
<li><b>Improved Steering Committee Communication:</b> We also saw a noticeable improvement in our interactions with the steering committee, using clearer and more persuasive messaging. </li>
</ul>
<p>In essence, the workshop not only enhanced our pitching skills but also significantly improved our overall communication strategies, enabling us to present our ideas with greater confidence and impact. </p>
</div>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/michael.jpg"
date='How to Multi Media'
tag='Workshop Session II.'
color='var(--text-primary)'
heading="Mastering Filmmaking: From Basics to iGEM Video Production"
text="Learn the basics of filmmaking and video production.
Look behind the scenes and get in touch with professionals.
Train your skills to direct iGEM-related videos and movies."
<p>Michael Gröning, who has many years of experience in a range of multimedia disciplines, including 3D animation, video and cinematography, film and audio production, post-production, voiceover and media design, held the practical workshop on multimedia. Firstly, the significance of the Promotion Video was elucidated, and the paramount importance of the general external representation was clarified. Questions and tricks provided the participants a basis for finding ideas for their videos, which were combined with story and mood boards and the reasonable use of AI.</p>
<div className="col">
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/workshop-multimedia-exposure-triangle.webp"/>
</div>
<p>A wide-ranging overview of various camera shots, lighting techniques and transitions was presented to the participants, equipping them with a useful toolkit for the production of cinematographic videos. Illustrative graphics, such as the Exposure Triangle, helped them to experiment with professional camera settings on their mobile phones. Through the implementation of voice warm-up exercises, the workshop participants were able to gain insights into the preparation of voice-overs. An introduction to various microphones and audio editing software enabled them to learn how voice recording is converted to studio quality.</p>
<p>The participants were able to gain valuable practical insights into the world of multimedia and thus prepare themselves to produce breathtaking videos. </p>
<div className="col">
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/workshop-multimedia2.webp" />
</div>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/middendorf.jpeg"
heading="Secrets to award-winning bioinformatics tools"
text="Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et"
<p>Lasse’s Ted talk was all about how to create good bioinformatics software. He himself was part of
the dry lab in iGEM Münster’s Team that won the best software special prize in 2022. The tool they
created allowed users to generate knockout candidates for an organism of their choice that would
lead to redirection of metabolic flux to a reaction chosen by the user. We learned that the most
important attributes for a successful bioinformatics software are: </p>
<ul>
<li><b>Usefulness </b></li>
<li><b>Accessibility</b></li>
<li><b>Build upon existing standards </b></li>
</ul>
<p>To ensure usefulness, the software should be generalized and not only usable in the context of one’s
own project. Also, all steps that can be automated should be automated. Accessibility, Lasse said,
requires for the software to be easy to install, easy to use and well documented. </p>
<p>As a funny, but also very fitting anecdote, Lasse told us about the HU test. For testing their own tool for
accessibility, he gave a bioinformatically unexperienced, <b>h</b>ungover <b>u</b>ndergraduate student
nothing but the software with the provided documentation. If the student can use the tool in a reasonable
amount time, that would make it accessible enough for everyone. Furthermore, Lasse also recommended making
a command line tool for better availability over time and integration into other workflows. Lastly, the
software should use standard data files like CSV, Fasta etc. and be written in commonly used programming
languages like Python. </p>
<p>Overall, Lasse gave a great insight into the properties of a special price winning software tool and very
practically explained how these can be tested and achieved, information that is invaluable for us when
creating our own bioinformatics tool. </p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/merelvandenbosch.jpg"
date='iGEMer Ted Talks'
tag= 'Talks'
color='var(--lightblue)'
csstag="tedtalk2"
heading="How to Create the Perfect Part Characterization"
text="Discover the secrets to winning iGEM's Composite and New Basic Part awards with insights from Merel van den Bosch. Learn how to design simple yet impactful experiments, emphasize innovation, and effectively showcase your part's potential."
<p>Merel provided us with strategies based on her cELPro project at TU Eindhoven on how to approach winning the special awards
for Composite Part and New Basic Part. Her team won the <a href="https://2023.igem.wiki/tu-eindhoven/awards">Composite Part Prize and the Therapeutic Prize</a> at the 2023 iGEM
competition.
</p>
<p>
After presenting her team's project, Merel inspired us with ways we could also achieve this award. We learned different considerations to make, when it comes to part characterization:
</p>
<ul>
<li>How to emphasize the innovativeness of the project</li>
<li>How to highlight the parts potential benefits </li>
<li>How to discuss whether these parts could be applied to other projects</li>
</ul>
<p>
Many projects fail because the experiments conducted are too complex. Therefore, Merel encouraged us to initially carry out simpler experiments for our projects, like pH sensitivity and temperature response. Opening the mindset for other maybe more pragmatic experiments could change the focus of the project and drive the engineering cycle.
</p>
<img src="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/ted-talk-cp/ted-talk-cp.webp"/>
<br/>
<p>
Additionally, she showed us what a perfect submission for New Basic Part or Composite Part looks like. The Best Part Registry demonstrates great significance and should be filled with different results and representative analyses to characterize the parts. Conducting experiments for characterization and good documentation are just two aspects. The most crucial part is the demonstration of the part’s functions as intended.
</p>
<p>
We learned what effective strategies for the special awards Composite Part and New Basic Part might look like, and were provided with many helpful tips and tricks on how simple experiments for characterization could be designed.
</p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/vasquet.jpg"
heading="ChatGPT and Large Language Models"
nachname="Vaquet"
vorname="Jonas"
text="At this year's BFH Meetup, experienced slammers and FameLab participants were once again able to take
to the stage and present their scientific topic as simply as possible in 5 minutes. "
research associate of the EU project <a href="https://waterfutures.eu/project/">ERC Waterfutures</a>, the audience explored Large Language Models
(LLMs) such as ChatGPT. The speaker humorously engaged the crowd, asking who had used such models, and
nearly all hands were raised in response. </p>
<p>The speaker introduced ChatGPT, a "Generative Pre-trained Transformer," using an interactive experiment where
the audience predicted the next words in sentences, showing how the model works with pre-trained data and
calculates text continuations. </p>
<p>While it is fair to say that ChatGPT is a powerful and helpful tool, it is important to focus on the potential
dangers and challenges it brings, which Jonas summarizes in three key factors in his talk: </p>
<ul>
<li><b>Plagiarism Risks:</b> The speaker demonstrated how easy it is to unintentionally replicate existing
works, using a Harry Potter example to illustrate plagiarism risks in creative writing.</li>
<li><b>Hallucinations:</b> Language models can generate plausible but incorrect information, exemplified
by a fictitious CV with invented grades, highlighting risks in academic and professional use.</li>
<li><b>Lack of Opinion Formation:</b> ChatGPT does not form real opinions, leading to inconsistent
answers when asked for preferences.</li>
</ul>
<p>Although large language models (LLMs) are trained with extensive collection of texts or spoken language,
they often fail in the accuracy required for scientific topics. Sources are seemingly conjured out of
thin air and claims vanish into thin air because their answers are based on statistical probabilities,
leading to confusion, especially for niche questions. </p>
<p>Jonas ended his talk by giving the audience food for thought. He reminded everyone who had eagerly
raised their hands at the beginning to always double-check ChatGPT's information, especially in
academic and professional settings. </p>
<p>With his interactive and humorous approach, Jonas turned the complex world of LLMs into an engaging
and accessible adventure, offering deep insights into the workings and idiosyncrasies of this
fascinating technology. </p>
url="https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/meetup/speakers/niklas-bloebaum.jpeg"
heading="Microalgae for Sustainable Food Production "
text="Niklas, a biotechnologist and PhD student at the Faculty of Engineering at Bielefeld University, used his experience from previous science slams and his participation in a previous iGEM competition to present microalgae in a new light."
vorname="Niklas"
nachname="Bloebaum"
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<p>With insights into his current research, Niklas introduced the audience to the innovative uses of chlorella
for sustainable food production. </p>
<p>The star of the show was the smallest vegetable in the world Chlorella is tiny (4 to 12 microns) but
very rich in nutrients: 45-65% protein, 10-20% fat, 10-20% carbohydrates, 5% fiber and various
vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12. </p>
<p>Nicholas presented two production methods: </p>
<ul>
<li><b>open pond systems:</b>these utilize light, CO₂ and water for photosynthesis, but have the problem
of the availability of light and water.</li>
<li><b>bioreactors:</b>modern, controlled, sterile environments that utilize sugar as an energy source,
significantly increase productivity and reduce water consumption.</li>
</ul>
<p>Bioreactors are up to 100 times more productive and use 100 times less water than conventional methods.
Sounds perfect, right? But Nicholas had to burst the bubble and make it clear that the technology
still needs to be developed further. </p>
<p>In terms of sustainability, Nicholas had to emphasize that the whole process of microalgae production needs
to be questioned. He noted that the current carbon footprint calculations for bioreactors are outdated.
But fear not, our brave biotechnologist is on a mission to bring these figures up to date with his
groundbreaking research! </p>
<p>The curious audience asked questions about scalability, costs and sustainable sugar sources. Always up for a
challenge, Nicholas explained that the current high costs could be addressed by improving the productivity
of the bioreactors! However, he also emphasized that further research is needed to find a sustainable
source of sugar. </p>
<p>In his grand finale, Nicholas presented three wise insights: </p>
<ul>
<li><b>biotechnology</b> goes far beyond medicine and opens the doors for sustainable food production.</li>
<li><b>sustainability </b> assessments must consider the entire production process - no detail should be overlooked!</li>
<li><b>chlorella</b>, the tiny, nutrient-rich microalgae, has the potential to be a hero in our future diet. </li>
</ul>
<p>Nicholas captivated the audience with his vivid and eye-opening presentation. He guided them through the fascinating
and sometimes turbulent world of microalgae production, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of
this technology. The audience was not only informed but also entertained and ready to embrace the future
of sustainable nutrition with chlorella as their little green hero. </p>
<div className='timeline-end'>
Award Ceremony
</div>