The iGEM Fest 2026, held on 3–4 October 2026 in Athens, Greece, brought together students, young researchers, and scientists to explore advances in synthetic biology, biotechnology, and their potential applications in addressing contemporary global challenges.
The event was organized in the context of iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine), one of the world’s leading international synthetic biology competitions, which encourages multidisciplinary student teams to develop innovative biological solutions to real-world problems. Each year, teams from universities worldwide present their projects at the iGEM Grand Jamboree, promoting scientific creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible innovation.
On the second day of the event, Assistant Professor Dr. Sofia Mavrikou and PhD candidate Konstantina Georgoulia, both from the Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), contributed to the scientific programme with presentations exploring the intersections of biotechnology, biosensor development, sustainability, and societal challenges.
In her presentation entitled “From the Cell to the Biosensor”, Dr. Mavrikou explored how living cells can function as biological sensing elements, bridging cell technology, biosensors, and synthetic biology. She highlighted the potential of cell-based sensing platforms to support sustainability and the circular economy, while addressing the bioethical challenges associated with emerging technologies and the importance of responsible innovation.
Μs Konstantina Georgoulia, in her presentation entitled “Gender Dimensions of Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers for Biosensor Development”, explored the importance of sex- and gender-related differences in colorectal cancer research and their implications for biomarker selection and biosensor design. Her talk emphasized the potential of incorporating these dimensions into the development of more inclusive and personalized diagnostic approaches.
Beyond the scientific presentations, the event also highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the iGEM Athens 2026 team, bringing together students and alumni from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). The team is supported by the Principal Investigators Dr. Evangelos Topakas (NTUA), Dr. Eri Tsouko (NKUA), Dr. Panagoula Kollia (NKUA), and Dr. Sofia Mavrikou (AUA), fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific mentorship, and student-led innovation in synthetic biology.
The team will compete in the iGEM 2026 Competition with “ApiconIASIS”, a synthetic biology project aimed at developing a sustainable, bio-based treatment for European Foulbrood, a bacterial disease affecting honeybees. The project seeks to improve honeybee health and support sustainable beekeeping while contributing to the protection of pollinators, which are essential for biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
iGEM Fest 2026 highlighted the value of scientific collaboration, student-led innovation, and the exchange of ideas between researchers and the next generation of scientists. We extend our warmest congratulations to the iGEM Athens student team for their dedication and creativity and wish them every success at the upcoming iGEM 2026 Grand Jamboree, taking place on 13–16 November 2026 in Paris, France, where they will present their project, ApiconIASIS.
