iGEM is a global organisation advancing synthetic biology and shaping the next generation of synbio innovators through education and competition. Each year, hundreds of student teams design and present projects addressing real-world challenges. 
 
For the second year in a row, Le Rosey Aptagenix made us proud—bringing home a Silver Medal! This year’s project focused on early cancer detection using circulating tumor DNA, targeting the EGFR exon 19 mutation found in many lung cancers. Our protocol combined RPA, CRISPR-Cas9 and a lateral flow assay to detect cancer markers. With promising results, the team will continue developing the project in our new Mega-Labs, aiming to expand detection to other cancer types. 
 
Our students’ dedication has been truly inspiring—countless hours of research, experiments, outreach, late-night work sessions, stress, teamwork… and of course, pizza. Competing among 413 global teams—most from universities and only a handful from European high schools—makes this achievement even more impressive. 
 
Learn more about the project: https://lnkd.in/evkF9d5w