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.