Take a break from the lab to make sure you're ready for the upcoming deadlines for preliminary project descriptions and safety proposals, due on July 15. See the project description page and the safety proposal page for more details.

We've been taking a look at the iGEM wikis and we're happy to see how much effort has gone into them. As you continue to work on your wikis make sure that they comply with the iGEM 2011 wiki requirements.

The MathWorks, makers of MATLAB and other computing software, have once again joined as an iGEM sponsoring partner. They will provide iGEM teams with MathWorks software to use during the competition. To see more details on how to take advantage of the MathWorks offer, see the MathWorks sponsor page.

Announcing the iGEM forum system & the new iGEM videos series!

iGEM HQ has put a lot of work into creating custom forum software that will enable the iGEM community to ask questions, keep in touch, share ideas, and more. The system is a combined comment/forum system so you can comment on any page and your comments will be linked directly to the forum, or you could just post topics in the forum. Either way you use it, check it out and let us know what you think. For more information, see the Forum Help page.

Wondering where to test out this new forum system? Leave a comment on a video on the new iGEM videos page. In order to communicate out more iGEM HQ has made, and will continue to make, a series of videos -- informational, instructional, at-the-bench, and others. There is even a collection of community videos. Want to learn something new? Share your team's video? Learn about iGEM? See the Videos page.

Preliminary project descriptions and safety proposals are due on July 15.

See the project description page and the safety proposal page for more details.

In previous iGEM Jamborees, there were several teams that were not able to attend due to visa problems. In order to avoid a similar problem this year, we are asking that all teams apply for visas by June 30 at the latest. If you plan to attend a Regional Jamboree and require a visa, apply as soon as possible! The wait time for visas is typically 3 months, but it can be longer.

Details on how to apply can be found here.

Autodesk, Inc., a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, has joined as an iGEM sponsoring partner. Autodesk will provide iGEM teams with Autodesk Maya®, and virtually all other Autodesk software, to help animate and simulate in 3D their projects. To see more details on how to take advantage of the Autodesk offer, see the Autodesk sponsor page.

The Spring 2011 DNA Distribution is shipping out to teams! All teams should receive their kits early next week. We've made a few changes this year, so when you receive your kits please take a look at our 2011 guide on the Help page.

Important details:
• The distribution is shipped as (4) 384-well plates of dried DNA.
• Kits are shipped via FedEX for US teams and via DHL for non-US teams. Team primary contacts should receive tracking information through FedEx or DHL.
• If you have not received your kit by Friday, May 20th, feel free to send us an email

Do you like making / editing / producing videos?

iGEM Headquarters is looking for an iGEMer to help produce some videos about iGEM including instructional videos, protocol videos, and fun videos about iGEM.

If you have experience in video production and want to work at iGEM HQ, see how to apply on the iGEM Jobs page.

iGEM 2011 Teachers Workshop details have been finalized.

• 27 May: Carmona, Spain

See more details on the Workshops page.

The Oil Sands Leadership Initiative would like to extend an invitation to all iGEM teams, particularly those interested in Energy & Environment, to take advantage of their iGEM 2011 partner offer.

Find out more details about this opportunity on the Oil Sands Leadership Initiative page.

Deadline: May 15, 2011.

Want to get more involved in the world of synthetic biology?

The Fifth International Meeting on Synthetic Biology (SB5.0) will be held on June 15 – 17, 2011, Stanford University, organized by the BioBricks Foundation. Registration is open now and space is limited. The Registration deadline will be coming soon. To guarantee your spot, you are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Visit sb5.biobricks.org for more information on speakers, schedule and registration. Contact Thi Thach ( thi AT biobricks.org) for additional information regarding SB5.0.