Safety/Do Not Release

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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 genetically modified organisms will be referred to the Responsible Conduct Committee and the Safety Committee.

What counts as release?

YES

• Putting your genetically modified organisms into the natural environment (soil, lakes, oceans, forests, etc.)
• Putting your genetically modified organisms into a human body
• Putting the PRODUCTS of your genetically modified organisms into the natural environment, or a human body. "Products" includes any chemicals that your modified organisms might synthesize, even if you purify them
• Consuming food made using your genetically modified organisms (bread, beer, etc.)

NO

• Submitting parts to the Registry
• Shipping non-hazardous cells or DNA between two labs for research or teaching purposes
• Releasing software or hardware that contains no genetically modified cells, or products made by genetically modified cells
• Performing a field experiment using a wild-type organism (for example, see the moss rafts team)

UNSURE?

• Ask the iGEM Safety team! Send email to safety AT igem DOT org, and we can advise you and suggest alternate experiments.

Why?

Because releasing GMOs or their products is illegal in many countries without appropriate permits. Typically, obtaining these permits would take much longer than the duration of one iGEM competition.