During the duration of SynBioTEC project, we have contributed to the four key areas.
1. Increased research excellence of University of Tartu in synthetic biology by
• Established synthetic biology research group with high profile scientists
• Established Design-Build-Test-Learn platform for the efficient cell design at the Institute
• Started new English-language curricula on all three levels of higher education
• Increased inter-institutional collaboration and explored interdisciplinary synthetic biology-related topics
• Increased the network of research collaborators globally
• Focused the research of ECSB on the Estonian Smart Specialization targets (valorization of local resources)
• Been successful in bringing in international and local competitive funding
• Increased the number of industrial partners
Based on the research of Synthetic Biology research group, more than 20 publications will arise to be published in the peer-reviewed scientific journals. ERA Chair research group has visited 25 international synthetic biology/metabolic engineering conferences while giving an oral presentation at 14 of them.
2. In addition to increased local funding, SynBioTEC activities have improved capability to compete successfully for internationally competitive research funding.
3. Contributing to the objectives of the Estonian Smart Specialization Strategy, including increased interactions with economic and social actions, and complementing support provided under the European Structural and Investment Funds.
4. SynBioTEC project has increased attractiveness of the Institute of Technology and ECSB. ERA Chair in Synthetic Biology research group has attracted high-level scientists from 13 different countries. Within the SynBioTEC project, strategic academic collaborations have been started with high-profile research groups from Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, UK, USA and Brazil.
In our Batchelor and Master level curricula, out of more than 190 students studying, approximately 90% of the students are from outside Estonia, showing high international interest in University of Tartu and Institute of Technology.
Exploitation and dissemination of the results
For dissemination, ERA Chair web page (erasynbio.ut.ee) has been used as the main channel. Scientific achievements have been communicated also via Twitter (@LahtveeLab, @LoogLab). Additionally, press releases have been made at the national newspapers, news portals, university websites and social media channels (e.g. at the Institute’s Facebook page).
• 25 scientific conference visits (14 oral presentations)
• 4 organized conferences
• 6 workshops participated
• >10 workshops organized
• >20 peer-reviewed publications will arise directly from the project
• >50 promotional events (including participation at Opinion festivals, Researcher’s Night events, TEDx talks, Science cafeterias, Exhibitions, etc.)
• 25 visits to private companies (15 in Estonia)
• 11 articles in Estonian news
