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The MathWorks Sponsors iGEM Competition for Synthetic Biology at MIT
MATLAB and SimBiology Help Accelerate Design of Synthetic Biological Systems
NATICK, Mass. - (3 Nov 2008)
The MathWorks today announced its lead sponsorship of the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) 2008 student competition, held annually by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This year the competition brought together 84 undergraduate teams representing more than 1,000 students from 21 countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. to design and assemble synthetic biological systems using advanced genetic components and technologies.
As a lead sponsor, The MathWorks is equipping teams with its software tools, including MATLAB and SimBiology, which provide advanced capabilities for modeling, simulating, analyzing, and visualizing complex biological networks. Additionally, The MathWorks is offering students in-person and online training sessions to help them become proficient with the tools. The teams also have been matched with experienced MathWorks staff who serve as mentors and technical advisors.
“We are pleased to support important student competitions, such as iGEM, which enable students and faculty to push the boundaries of science,” said Kristen Zannella, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry marketing manager at The MathWorks. “Synthetic biology is an area of rapid innovation and exciting new applications, and iGEM helps create a mindset of approaching complex biological problems with different solutions that use a mix of scientific and engineering capabilities.”
As an incentive for students to master the modeling segment of the competition, The MathWorks instituted in 2008 an award for the team that most effectively uses modeling within its project. Also new this year is a special track for software tools that recognizes teams for developing cutting-edge tools that help engineer biological systems based on standard parts. Winners of the competition will be announced during the iGEM Jamboree at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on November 8-9, 2008.
About MathWorks
MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world's universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 2,000 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.
MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
About iGEM
The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM) is the premiere undergraduate synthetic biology competition. iGEM began in January of 2003.
In the competition, student teams are given a kit of biological parts at the beginning of the summer from the Registry of Standard Biological Parts. Working at their own schools over the summer, they use these parts and new parts of their own design to build biological systems and operate them in living cells. Teams will present their projects at the iGEM Championship Jamboree on November 8-9, 2008.
For more information, please visit www.igem.org
Press Contacts
| Amy Stevens-Jones The MathWorks Australia Pty Ltd. Tel: 02 8669 4700 Fax: 02 8669 4710 E-mail: astevens@mathworks.com.au |
Kara Jecks |
