The iGEM IOANNINA 2025 team was awarded a gold medal for their project at the iGEM Synthetic Biology competition, the largest competition of its kind in the world. The team achieved this major distinction thanks to their innovative work in the “AMADRYADS” project, which aims to protect and save plane trees from canker stain, a devastating disease that causes extensive necrosis and threatens ecosystems not only in Greece, but all over the world. Under the guidance of faculty members, students developed innovative synthetic biology solutions to address the phenomenon, combining scientific methods and documentation with environmental sensitivity.

The Rector, Professor Anna K. Batistatou, stated: “This success is a recognition of the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the students of the iGEM IOANNINA team, which has distinguished itself on the international scene of Synthetic Biology for the fourth consecutive year. We also extend our warmest congratulations to the members of the teaching staff, Mr. Ioannis Leonardos, Mr. Petros Maragkos, Theologos Michailidis, Dimitrios Alivertis, Amalia Sofia Afendra, and Charalambos Stamatis for their substantial scientific support.”

Congratulations to all the members of the iGEM IOANNINA 2025 team and all the supporting faculty members!