Yizhi ‘Patrick’ Cai: An iGEMer who is unraveling nature’s design rules to create synthetic life

Professor Yizhi ‘Patrick’ Cai, of the University of Manchester, credits iGEM for introducing him to synthetic biology and giving him the experience, colleagues and connections necessary for a successful academic career. Here, Professor Cai describes his many and varied iGEM experiences that helped shape and influence his career, and offers insights into the future of synthetic biology for the iGEMers of today.

2024: A Stellar Year for the iGEM Space Initiative

2024 witnessed a number of space happenings – from meteor showers, supermoons and the heightened visibility of the aurora borealis, to colossal rocket launches, planetary missions, the first commercial spacewalk and the first sample return from the lunar far side. Yet, among the most exciting space happenings were the accomplishments of the iGEM Space Initiative.