The competition focusses on the genetic modification of a bacterium, giving it new properties which may be directly used in industry (health, agro-food, environment, etc.).
Although the subject particularly concerns the Biosciences Department, the focus is on an inter-disciplinary approach to biology: to win the world finals in Boston requires expertise in molecular biology, naturally, but also in chemistry, computing, mechanics or energetics.

Last year, INSA Lyon, in conjunction with ENS, participated in the finals involving 65 teams, having qualified thanks to the gold medal and prize for the best construction in the regional finals in Amsterdam.

The depollution of radioactive components using GMOs made a big impact in 2011. This year, the INSA team aims to go even further, and do even better by winning the competition's "Environmental" category. For the moment, the chosen subject is still under discussion but should focus on the depollution of harmful metals or green house gases.

The dates to remember European Qualification Jamboree:

• 5, 6 and 7 October 2012 in Amsterdam
• World finals: 2 to 5 November at MIT in Boston