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{% block title %}METHODOLOGY{% endblock %}
{% block lead %}“No wind blows in favor of a ship without direction.”
- Seneca the younger
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In order to accomplish our objectives in Human Practices, we have developed a dynamic, action-driven strategy to focus our efforts where it counts. Building on iGEM's established frameworks, we have created a closed-loop, four-phase approach that digs deep into the data and integrates ethical insights and real-time feedback from industry leaders. Those four phases are Reflection, Action, Implementation, Evaluation, all of which combined conclude in a system designed to deliver real-world, applicable results again and again.
In order to know more about the steps we followed, feel free to click on our cycle to learn about it in more detail!
The first phase is all about laying the groundwork for work, and it starts with something essential: a day of reflection. This is not just about collecting information; it is about stepping back, thinking about teamwork and diving into the big questions that shape our entire project. By dedicating time to reflect, we ensure that our vision is sharp and aligned with the real-world challenges we are addressing.
During this critical phase, we build on the insights of past iGEM teams, focusing on five key areas: Scope, Regulations & Procedures, Safety & Responsability, Values & Objectives, Ethics & Morality, Project Improvements.
For each of them, we plan to ask the following questions:The second phase is where we turn reflection into action, bringing our project to life with clear purpose:
We dive into interviews, podcasts, and surveys to gather fresh insights from target sectors and audiences, ensuring our project aligns with real needs.
We apply the regulatory knowledge we've gathered to specific cases, engaging directly with relevant entities for deeper insights.
Social feedback guides us as we adjust the project based on its perceived value and potential impacts.
The values we defined earlier now drive every action, ensuring we stay true to respect, honesty, and responsibility.
We actively engage the public in discussions on synthetic biology ethics through debates and social media outreach.
We seek expert advice and collaborate with the scientific community to continuously refine and enhance our project.
In this phase, it is all about showcasing the evolution of our project and making sure it is built to last. We take everything we have learned, organize it into powerful reports, eye-catching videos, and clear diagrams, and bring it all together on our Wiki.
This is not just a data dump—it is a living story of how our project adapts and grows to meet real-world needs. We dig into both the technical-scientific aspects and the human-side insights, ensuring our project evolves based on feedback and hard-earned lessons. Every refinement we make brings us closer to creating a solution that truly works.
The evaluation phase is where we take a hard look at our progress and ensure we are hitting the mark. It is not just a wrap-up—it is the fuel for the next round of growth. At this stage, we ask ourselves the tough questions:
But the work doesn not stop here. Once we evaluate, we head back to the reflection table. These reflection days are key—they give us a chance to refine, rethink, and level up. Each evaluation phase closes a loop, but it also opens the door to the next cycle of improvement. By going through this process again, we make sure our project is always evolving and staying relevant, while continuously raising the bar.