More than a club
iGEM uOttawa is a community of students who learn real science, build real things, and grow into the scientists, founders, and friends they want to become.
What is iGEM?
iGEM — the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition — is the world's largest synthetic biology competition. Synthetic biology means engineering living systems, like programming cells the way you'd program a computer, to do useful things: detect disease, make medicine, or clean up the environment.
Each year, student teams from around the globe dream up an original project, build it over the summer, and present it at a giant international event in Paris called the Grand Jamboree.
Here's the best part: you don't need any experience to start. Curiosity is the only prerequisite — we'll teach you the rest.
iGEM in a nutshell
- What does the team do?
- Designs and builds an original synthetic biology project from scratch, every year.
- Who can join?
- Any uOttawa student, from any faculty — no lab experience needed.
- Where does it end up?
- On the world stage at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris.
A club on paper — a turning point in practice
Ask anyone who's been on the team and they'll tell you iGEM was one of the most formative parts of their degree. Here's what they take with them.
Learn by building
Pick up real skills the classroom can't teach — pipetting and cloning, coding and modelling, design, fundraising, and public speaking — all on a project that's genuinely yours.
Friendships that last
You'll spend late nights in the lab and celebrate wins as a team. The people you meet here become collaborators, roommates, and lifelong friends.
Mentorship that matters
Work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors, grad students, and alumni who invest in you — and become a mentor to the next cohort yourself.
A launchpad for what's next
iGEM is a standout on any application or résumé. Our members use it to step into the futures they're chasing.
iGEM opens doors
The experience doesn't end at the Jamboree. Our alumni carry it into whatever comes next.
Medical & grad school
Members credit iGEM with helping them get into their dream medical schools and graduate programs.
Founding biotech companies
Some take their ideas further — turning projects and skills into their own start-ups and ventures.
Industry & partnerships
Others land roles in biotech and tech, often through the partners and networks they meet on the team.
Faculty advisors & principal investigators
Our work is guided by University of Ottawa researchers who mentor the team and host our projects in their labs.