<BlockQuoteBtext="iGEM is the biggest opportunity for young researchers to cross their own boundaries."cite="Prof. Dr. Jörn Kalinowski, Principle Investigator of iGEM Bielefeld since 2010"/>
<Subesctiontitle="What is a Steering Committee"id="Steering Committee1">
<Subesctiontitle="What is a Steering Committee?"id="Steering Committee1">
<p>The Steering Committee plays a central role in the resumption and further development of iGEM activities at Bielefeld University. After a pause in 2022 due to financial constraints and changes in participation conditions, the Steering Committee was established to ensure Bielefeld's sustainable participation in future iGEM competitions.</p>
<p>The Steering Committee consists of five renowned scientists from the Faculties of Biology and Technology: Dr. Petra Lutter, Prof. Dr. Jörn Kalinowski, Prof. Dr. Kristian Müller, Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus, and Prof. Dr. Jens Stoye. Each of these experts brings specific expertise crucial for the successful execution of iGEM projects. Petra Lutter has contributed to modeling in previous iGEM projects, while Jörn Kalinowski has been significantly involved in all past iGEM projects. Kristian Müller has been an experienced supporter of the iGEM competitions since their inception, and Karsten Niehaus, former head of the "Genome-based Systems Biology" master’s program, brings extensive knowledge of the scientific foundations of the projects. Jens Stoye, representing bioinformatics at Bielefeld University, contributes his expertise in this area. </p>
<p>The main goal of the Steering Committee is to ensure the successful implementation of future iGEM projects. This includes not only academic support but also organizational leadership, securing funding, and providing the necessary infrastructure. The experts in the Steering Committee are significantly involved in the strategic direction of the projects and offer a platform where ideas, resources, and knowledge are pooled to continue Bielefeld's tradition of successful iGEM participation. </p>
<p>In helping the new iGEM Bielefeld team advance their project, the Steering Committee played an indispensable role, particularly by promoting the iGEM principle of "Contribution" and fostering the interdisciplinary nature of the project. The committee emphasized the importance of creating tools, data, and methods that can benefit the global iGEM community. This mindset was reflected in the team’s project design, ensuring that their work not only met local goals but also provided meaningful contributions to future projects. </p>
<p>Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of the iGEM project was strongly encouraged by the Steering Committee. With members from various scientific fields, the committee facilitated collaboration between disciplines such as biology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. This interdisciplinary approach allowed the team to tackle complex challenges from multiple perspectives, integrating computational models with experimental biology to drive innovation. This guidance helped the iGEM Bielefeld team develop a more robust and impactful project, aligning with both the scientific goals of the competition and the collaborative spirit of the iGEM community. </p>
