5-day training course in Plant Synthetic Biology.
Location and date
- June 20 · 9am - June 24 · 5pm WEST
- Évora - Largo dos Colegiais 2 7004-516 Évora
About this event
- Event lasts 4 days 8 hours
The aim of this training course is to give you an introduction into what is possible within Plant Synbio, and to showcase one fast experiment with an expression of RUBY, a red reporter system, in N. benthamiana, based on a standardized construct. Additionally, you will get the latest in-sights into Plant Synthetic Biology while you also get hands-on experience with performing your own experiments.
Additionally, we want to hear what you are doing and help you with your projects, so some pre-homework is planned.
The course can count as 2 ECTS points, and a diploma will be awarded.
This course is hosted by Evora University, located in Evora city center, in Portugal and organised by Eduardo Nuno Barata.
It will be supported by funds from the E-NICHE (https://e-niche.eu/) program.
This course is not affiliated with the iGEM Foundation or iGEM Europe, but is arranged in part by the iGEM Engineering Committee’s Plant Group, a volunteer group dedicated to plant synthetic biology.
Learning Objectives
After the course, you will be able to:
- Explain and understand standardized concepts for DNA assembly and DNA parts
- Understand and discuss the ethical and regulatory elements of Plant Synthetic Biology
- Perform and evaluate a detailed molecular biology experiment in N. benthamiana
- Explain the pros and cons for selection of different plant hosts
- Design experiments that lead to heterogeneous clones
Pre-homework
How will you use SynBio in your own research project? Prepare a 10 minutes presentation of this. What do you foresee as pitfalls and problems – use those to ask questions.
More information on this assignment to come.
Outline of the Program and Week

After selection, a more detailed program will be sent out.
Teachers
- Prof. Henrik Toft Simonsen, Université Jean Monnet;
- Dr. Gaurav Srivastava, Université Jean Monnet;
- Yannick Kristiansen, University of Damstadt;
- Yassin Somoue Chafik, iGEM freelance;
- Dr. René Inckemann, Stanford University;
- Ana Alexandre, Universidade de Évora.
Selection Process and Deadlines
To apply with E-NICHE COST funding:
Attendees must first create an e-COST profile.
You will receive an e-COST notification informing you whether or not you have been accepted.
Those accepted will be sent an e-COST invitation to the training school which must be accepted prior to the event.
For attendees not covered by E-NICHE, please note that the course fee will be 150€. This fee will cover lab access and materials, buses and some refreshments.
Please note that your registration for the event is not definitive. It is part of the selection process.
The selection will be at the discretion of the Training Course organizer. For all attendees, please note that if you are selected, you will have to arrange travel and accomodation by yourself (more information here).
To apply to the Training Course, please upload a single PDF including your cover letter underlining your interest in plant synthetic biology, and a one page CV with publications. The name of your file must include your first and last names. Your cover letter must include your email.
E-NICHE applications: April 15th 2025
Deadline for iGEM applications: May 1st 2025
40 attendees will be selected, 20 of whom will be supported by E-NICHE.
This course is not affiliated with the iGEM Foundation or iGEM Europe, but is arranged in part by the iGEM Engineering Committee’s Plant Group, a volunteer group dedicated to plant synthetic biology.