Congratulations to the CityU iGEM team for their outstanding achievement at the iGEM 2024 competition! The team secured a Gold Medal, demonstrating their exceptional dedication and innovation. Their project, titled "Bevatech – Spot the Fake. Safeguard the Cure," addresses the critical issue of drug counterfeiting by developing an aptamer-based lateral flow test strip to detect counterfeit versions of the cancer drug Bevacizumab. This solution is not only rapid and affordable but also globally deployable. The team's efforts earned them additional accolades, including recognition as one of the top 5 teams in the Best Therapeutic Project category and one of the top 10 teams in the Best Presentation category. Moreover, they were honored with the Best Education Award, highlighting their commitment to educational outreach. Their success showcases the exceptional talent and creativity within our community. 

The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition is a renowned global event that encourages young scientists and researchers to push the boundaries of synthetic biology. Founded in 2003, iGEM provides a platform for teams from around the world to design, build, and test their own innovative biological systems using standard genetic parts. Participants work tirelessly to address real-world challenges, ranging from healthcare to environmental sustainability, and present their groundbreaking projects at the annual iGEM Giant Jamboree.

Winning a GOLD award at iGEM signifies that your project has met the highest standards of excellence in areas such as innovation, impact, and collaboration. Your achievement places you among the top-tier teams worldwide, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity within our community.

Once again, congratulations to the CityU iGEM team for this remarkable accomplishment.