Genetic Circuit Challenge winners announced

(Nanowerk News) University College London (UCL)’s SynBioSoc announced the winner of their 2012 Genetic Circuit Challenge, an engineering design competition using life science ‘ingredients’ and sponsored by UCL Engineering. StJohn Townsend, a Genetics MSc second year undergraduate, won the first prize of an Amazon Kindle Fire with a proposal for a gene therapy project to cure the rare neurological disease primary erythromelalgia, which causes painful limb inflammation.
“The medical and engineering problems I encountered when designing my own circuit have shown me that synthetic biology is truly a multidisciplinary field”, said StJohn Townsend. “I would fully encourage anyone with an interest in biology or engineering to get involved.” Student winners of the Genetic Circuit Challenge competition,
The Genetic Circuit Challenge finalists: Alexander Bates, StJohn Townsend and Thomas Johnson
The Genetic Circuit Challenge finalists: Alexander Bates (third prize, first year Neuroscience), StJohn Townsend (first prize, second year Genetics) and Thomas Johnson (second prize, third year Biochemical Engineering)
The Genetic Circuit Challenge is a synthetic biology design competition for students held over the Christmas holidays. Each student submitted a hypothetical design for a novel DNA system based on standardized genetic parts, accompanied by a description and ideas for mathematical modelling of their concept and accompanying ethical, legal and social issues.
“The Genetic Circuit Challenge raises awareness of synthetic biology at an undergraduate level”, said Aurelija Gringonyte, a second year Biochemistry student. Co-organiser and Biochemistry peer Bethan Wolfenden added “This is our first step in expanding UCL’s Synthetic Biology network to students.”
The circuits were considered by a panel including Dr. Darren Nesbeth, supervisor of UCL iGEM; Thomas Folliard, a current UCL Synthetic Biology MRes student; and Howard Boland, a Synthetic Biology artist at the London-based C-LAB arts and science collective. Judges praised the depth of research and the clarity of presentation. “StJohn’s circuit was a highly ambitious and fascinating proposal.” added Dr. Darren Nesbeth, one of the judges.
Runners-up were Thomas Johnson, third year Biochemical Engineering student, who developed a carbon monoxide detection system and first year Neuroscience student Alexander Bates, who proposed a system of bacteria to automatically dispense nutrients for pets. The runner-ups were awarded book tokens and all participants recieved a certificate. Prizes were sponsored by UCL Engineering, as part of their commitment to encourage multidisciplinary, student-led projects.
The prize-giving took place this Monday. Philipp Boeing, a third year Computer Science student who awarded the prizes, wrapped up with: “Many congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all who took part. We look forward to next year’s entries!”
The winning circuits can be seen at www.synbiosoc.org/gcc.
Source: University College London