Although iGEM teams often do projects that have an immediate practical application, within the context of the iGEM competition, wet-lab projects should remain at an experimental stage. iGEM teams should not release or deploy any genetically modified organisms, or the products of genetically modified organisms, outside the lab.

Any teams that release their genetically modified organisms, or products of their genetically modified organisms, will be referred to the Responsible Conduct Committee.

Why?

In most countries, it is illegal to release genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or their products into the natural environment without extensive government permits and approvals. Obtaining these permits and approvals will take longer than the entire iGEM competition. Even if releasing GMOs is legal in your country,

Instead, you should focus your efforts on producing the best laboratory results you can.

What counts as "release"?

If you genetically modify an organism in the lab, you may not deliberately release it outside the lab, even inside a "containing" device. You also may not release any chemicals synthesized by a genetically modified organism, even if you purify the chemicals so that no living organisms remain.

The following examples should clarify what counts as "release" or "not release":

Release

• Putting your GMOs into the natural environment (soil, lakes, oceans, forests, etc.)
• Putting your GMOs into a human body
• Putting the PRODUCTS of your GMOs into the natural environment, or a human body. "Products" includes any chemicals that your GMOs might synthesize, even if you purify them.
• Putting your GMOs (or their products) into a containing device, and then putting that containing device into the natural environment
• Eating food made using your GMOs (bread, beer, etc.)
• Bringing your GMOs to the Jamboree

Not Release

• Submitting parts to the Registry
• Transporting non-hazardous cells or DNA between two labs, in proper packaging, for research or teaching purposes
• Releasing software or hardware
• Performing a field experiment using a wild-type organism (see TU-Munich 2013 for an example)
• Disposing of sterilized lab waste

Are you unsure?

Contact safety AT igem DOT org, and we can advise you about whether your experiment counts as "release", and help you think of alternate experiments that are more appropriate for iGEM.