Safety/Study
2021 iGEM Risk Assessment Study
All 2021 iGEM teams are invited and encouraged to participate in the 2021 iGEM Risk Assessment Study, hosted by the Safety and Security Committee.
Why study risk assessment?
iGEM believes that identifying and managing risks from synthetic biology is everyone's responsibility. However, there is no international consensus about the best approach for identifying and assessing such risks.
With this study, we aim to improve our understanding of how and why different people may see very different risks and benefits in a life sciences research project. The study will help us understand what approaches our iGEM community favours for managing the risks from projects.
Why participate?
By participating in this study, you can:
- Gain valuable understanding of risk assessment, which may help you to succeed in the Safety and Security and Human Practices aspects of this year's competition.
- Contribute to a research project. If the project goes to publication, all participants who completed their risk assessments will be credited in a similar fashion to participants in iGEM's InterLab studies (see publications from the studies conducted in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015).
- Contribute to improved safety and security at iGEM and around the world. We will use your answers to inform future versions of the Safety and Security Program and expect our results to be of interest to the broader biosecurity community.
With this study, we aim to improve our understanding of how and why different people may see very different risks and benefits in a life sciences research project. The study will help us understand what approaches our iGEM community favours for managing the risks from projects.
How can I participate?
Participating in the study is easy! Here is the timeline:
- Sunday July 25: Initial registration (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/igem-risk-assessment-study) for the study closes.
- Monday July 26: Each individual who registered for the study will receive a set of projects to review. We expect reviewing every project will take roughly 4.5 hours total.
- Tuesday July 27: Rolling registration opens. If you register for the study after this date, we will send you a set of projects within 1 week of registration.
- Tuesday August 31: Deadline for reviewing all of the projects you have been assigned. The Safety Committee will follow-up with individuals who have not successfully completed their assessments to ensure they've had adequate opportunity to participate.
- Wednesday September 15: Last chance to complete assessment.
Have questions? Please contact safety [AT] igem [DOT] org.
iGEM Foundation
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition, and the development of an open community and collaboration. Visit us at igem.org
Contact
hq AT igem DOT org
45 Prospect Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Due to COVID-19, iGEM staff are working remotely and cannot receive phone calls.
Please contact us by email.
