A FIJI student will be the first Fijian to compete at the world’s biggest synthetic biology competition, the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) event, this year in Paris. Aayush Atishay Lal, 22, from Labasa is studying Chemical Engineering and Industrial Bioengineering at Beijing University of Chemical Technology in China. He was selected as part of a university team tackling marine plastic pollution. “Being the first Fijian to participate in iGEM is a tremendous honour and a deeply personal achievement,” he said. “It means representing my country on a global scientific stage and showing that students from small island nations like Fiji can contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge research and innovation.” The iGEM competition brings together teams from around the world to develop synthetic biology solutions to real-world problems. “Growing up in a close-knit community inspired me to pursue opportunities that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. His passion for science deepened during high school, especially in chemistry, biology, and physics, where he saw potential for real-world applications. “I’ve been interested in science and engineering from a young age. Growing up, I was always curious about how things work — from simple machines to natural phenomena and this curiosity naturally led me toward science,” he said. Lal says his teachers at Labasa College played a vital role in encouraging his curiosity, with one of his most memorable experiences being hands-on lab work. He chose to study Chemical Engineering and Industrial Bioengineering in China, drawn by the country’s rapid advancements in science, technology, and research. “Chinese universities offer high-quality education, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse international environment,” Lal explained. These factors combined to provide him with both academic and personal growth opportunities. Lal first learned about iGEM through his university, where seniors and professors highlighted it as a prestigious competition in synthetic biology. “What motivated me to join was its unique combination of research, innovation, teamwork, and real-world impact. It’s not just a science competition, it’s a platform where students can turn bold ideas into action, engage with communities, and think critically about ethics and responsibility,” he said. His project involves engineering enzymes to degrade biodegradable plastics like, Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and Polylactic acid (PLA), which often fail to break down effectively in marine environments due to high salinity and other harsh conditions. Describing his role, Lal said, “I assist in cloning, expressing, and analysing enzymes in the lab. I also work on protein modelling and molecular dynamics simulations to predict and improve enzyme performance before testing. This blend of experimental and computational work allows his team to streamline their design-build-test cycle more efficiently. Lal described the challenges and rewards of the project: “Balancing experimental and computational work under tight timelines is tough. Protein engineering requires careful coordination, and it can be frustrating when results don’t go as expected. But overcoming those challenges has made the journey even more fulfilling.” For him, the most exciting part is contributing to a solution with real-world environmental impact. Looking ahead, Lal hopes to bring back his knowledge to Fiji. “I want to help inspire and mentor young students in Fiji to pursue STEM, especially biotechnology and environmental science,” he said. Lal hopes to collaborate with local universities to develop sustainable projects tailored to Fiji’s unique need and urged young Fijians to embrace their ambitions. “Don’t be afraid to dream big and pursue your passions. Your background is a strength– you bring unique ideas and experiences that can enrich the scientific community,” he said. “Stay curious, work hard, and believe in your ability to contribute to meaningful change both at home and globally.” For schools and universities interested in collaborating, Lal can be contacted at 2023150003@buct.edu.cn .