Funded project
895 €
26
Collected out of 1 000 €
Times donated
The Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM team invites you to support the participation of young scientists from Vilnius University (VU) in the prestigious international synthetic biology competition iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine).
iGEM is the world’s largest international synthetic biology competition, bringing together young talents from across the globe. Each year, around 400 teams from more than 65 countries participate, applying their knowledge of biology, engineering, computer science, and mathematics to find and create solutions to the most pressing global and/or local problems – presenting them in Paris after 10 months of intensive preparation.
This competition is unique in that students not only work in the lab but also actively engage in public outreach, break stereotypes, and introduce the possibilities of synthetic biology to both younger generations and adults. The aim is to highlight that science is relevant to everyone and present in our daily lives.
In developing their ideas, teams collaborate closely with scientists, business partners, and other key stakeholders. They strive to ensure that their innovations are not only theoretical solutions but also address real societal needs. This partnership helps contribute to a more sustainable future — tackling challenges like climate change, plastic pollution, sustainability, and more.
Now in its 22nd year, iGEM continues to promote scientific progress, unite knowledge across disciplines, and inspire young scientists to become change-makers. Participants become not only the authors of innovative projects but also help shape society’s perception of science. Learn more about the competition → igem.org
This year, the Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM team is representing Lithuania for the 11th time. So far, Lithuanian teams have demonstrated impressive results — winning gold medals every year and twice being recognized as the best in the world.
The Baltic states have become the largest hotspot for tick-borne diseases in Europe. Over the past decade, the situation has worsened – today, Lithuania and its neighboring countries lead in infection rates. Each year, the number of cases grows, and preventive measures remain insufficient.
Most people know about Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. Ticks also transmit other dangerous diseases: babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, rickettsiosis, and more. These infections can be difficult to diagnose, often go unnoticed, and pose a serious threat to health. This highlights the urgent need for new, innovative solutions that would help control this threat and protect public health in the future.
Our project’s goal is to create a monitoring tool to collect the missing data about dangerous pathogens in ticks. This information could serve as the basis for more effective prevention strategies, targeted public health resource planning, and improved clinical practice.
The tool would be a rapid test to detect tick-borne pathogens. It would work in field conditions: DNA extracted from the tick would be amplified using an isothermal method and recognized by a newly discovered biological system – TIGR-Tas. This system works similarly to CRISPR-Cas but has a broader target range. Such a tool would enable effective monitoring of various tick-borne diseases, allowing society to be better protected.
In addition to project development, we also organize public outreach activities – our goal is not only to present our project but also to educate society about the possibilities and importance of science.
One of the project’s parts is Integrated Human Practices, which helps us evaluate our decisions with experts, ensuring that they are not only innovative but also responsible. While developing the final product, we consult with scientists, health and ethics experts, government institutions, and the public to ensure that our ideas can be applied in real-world contexts.
Educational activities are a key part of the project. Our goal is to bring science closer to people, making it understandable, engaging, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances or abilities. Together, we create an inclusive environment where each participant not only gains new knowledge but also feels heard and valued. To achieve this, we use creative educational tools, publications, experiential learning, public initiatives, and outreach programs.
This year’s most prominent educational example is the event series “Trilogy of Life”, which invites participants to explore human identity, senses, and perception of reality. These events combine science, art, and unique experiences, allowing participants to discover new ways to understand themselves and the world.
We aim to raise an additional €2,500, which will be used to purchase laboratory supplies and carry out public engagement activities. By supporting our project, you will be representing Lithuania together with us!
This year’s Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM team consists of: Areta Petrauskaitė, Povilas Kruopis, Augustas Rinkevičius, Petras Radžiūnas, Emilija Gruškaitė, Domantas Vareika, Agnė Vyšniauskaitė, Augustė Tumaitė, Urtė Banaitytė, Viktorija Ramonaitė, Urtė Pauliukėnaitė, Emilis Andrašiūnas, Miglė Šašytė.
Scientific supervisors – Dr. Stephen Knox Jones Jr. and Dr. Constantinos Patinios.
Areta Petrauskaitė
Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM Team Lead
hp@vilniusigem.lt
+37067142801
