Synthetic biology competitions： a new engine driving the integration of education， research and development， and entrepreneurship

YAN Xiongying; WANG Yi; GENG Bi′nan; HE Qiaoning; YANG Shihui

doi:10.12211/2096-8280.2025-080

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Synthetic biology competitions： a new engine driving the integration of education， research and development， and entrepreneurship

Invited Review | 更新时间：2026-01-15

- Synthetic biology competitions： a new engine driving the integration of education， research and development， and entrepreneurship
- Synthetic Biology Journal Vol. 6, Issue 6, Pages: 1277-1293(2025)
- 作者机构：
  
  湖北大学生命科学学院，湖北武汉 430062
- 作者简介：
- 基金信息：
- DOI：10.12211/2096-8280.2025-080
  CLC： Q816
- Received：01 August 2025，
  
  Revised：2025-11-05，
  
  Published：31 December 2025
- 稿件说明：
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晏雄鹰，王依，耿碧男，何桥宁，杨世辉. 合成生物学竞赛：驱动产学研融合的新引擎［J］. 合成生物学， 2025， 6（6）： 1277-1293

YAN Xiongying， WANG Yi， GENG Bi′nan， HE Qiaoning， YANG Shihui. Synthetic biology competitions： a new engine driving the integration of education， research and development， and entrepreneurship［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2025， 6（6）： 1277-1293
晏雄鹰，王依，耿碧男，何桥宁，杨世辉. 合成生物学竞赛：驱动产学研融合的新引擎［J］. 合成生物学， 2025， 6（6）： 1277-1293 DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2025-080.

YAN Xiongying， WANG Yi， GENG Bi′nan， HE Qiaoning， YANG Shihui. Synthetic biology competitions： a new engine driving the integration of education， research and development， and entrepreneurship［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2025， 6（6）： 1277-1293 DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2025-080.

摘要

生命科学与信息技术的迅猛发展，不仅推动合成生物学发展成为一门新兴交叉学科，也加速了合成生物技术及生物制造产业的崛起，使之成为推动产业升级与生物经济增长的核心引擎。在这一背景下，合成生物学竞赛作为连接教育、科研与产业转化的关键枢纽，通过融合学科教育、创新创业实践以及初创企业孵化，有效促进了产学研深度融合。本文系统梳理了合成生物学及其竞赛体系的发展脉络，重点探讨了竞赛在人才培养、学科建设、技术创新与产业落地等方面的协同作用；同时，以湖北大学参赛实践作为案例，具体阐释了合成生物学竞赛对产学研融合的推动作用。针对当前面临的成果转化瓶颈、跨学科协作壁垒、合成生物学竞赛赛事优化等挑战，本文进一步从资源整合、评分机制、赛道发展、生物安全教育与伦理以及竞赛同质化这几大方面提出了可持续发展的优化路径，旨在为合成生物学领域的产教融合提供理论参考与实践策略。

Abstract

The rapid advancement of life sciences and information technology has not only propelled synthetic biology into a prominent interdisciplinary frontier but has also spurred the vigorous development of the synthetic biotechnology and biomanufacturing industry

making it a key engine driving the new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. In this context

synthetic biology competitions

serving as a critical nexus connecting education

research

and industrial translation

are increasingly playing a bridging and catalytic role. By integrating disciplinary education

innovative practice

and startup incubation

these competitions effectively promote deep integration and collaborative development among multiple stakeholders in academia

research

and industry. This review systematically reviews the evolution and current state of synthetic biology and its competition systems

with a focus on analyzing the synergistic mechanisms of competitions in talent cultivation

disciplinary development

technological innovation

and industrial application. Synthetic biology competitions not only provide a platform for interdisciplinary learning and practice for students but also facilitate the alignment of university research resources with industrial application needs

thereby promoting the translation of basic research into industrial applications. Using the participation practice of Hubei University as a case study

this paper further elucidates the specific effects of competitions in stimulating students’ innovative potential

promoting the restructuring of curriculum systems

and advancing the practical application of research outcomes

demonstrating their exemplary value in constructing regional innovation ecosystems. However

the development of synthetic biology competitions currently faces several challenges. On one hand

the pathway for translating scientific research achievements into industrialization remains obstructed

with issues such as insufficient technological maturity and gaps in funding support. On the other hand

interdisciplinary collaboration still encounters institutional barriers

and deeper integration among fields such as life sciences

engineering

and computer science needs to be strengthened. Additionally

the competition systems themselves face issues including imperfect evaluation mechanisms

homogenization in track design

and a lack of biosafety and ethics education

which hinder their sustainable development. In response to the aforementioned challenges

this review proposes a series of actionable optimization strategies from five aspects: resource integration

optimization of evaluation mechanisms

diversified development of competition tracks

enhancement of biosafety education and ethical norms

and avoidance of competition homogenization. Specific measures include establishing an integrated resource platform for industry-university-research

improving an evaluation system oriented towards innovation and application potential

expanding differentiated tracks catering to various stages and needs; strengthening the integration of biosafety and ethics education

and promoting the alignment of competitions with regional industrial characteristics. In summary

as an important vehicle for promoting the integration of industry and education

the healthy development of synthetic biology competitions is of great significance for advancing technological innovation and industrial upgrading in the field of synthetic biology.Through systematic analysis and case discussions

this review undertakes to furnish valuable theoretical references and practical strategies for educational practices and policy formulation in related fields

thereby fostering the construction and refinement of synthetic biology innovation ecosystem.

关键词

Keywords

references

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