Software

Software in iGEM should make synthetic biology based on standard parts easier, faster, better or more accessible to our community.

Best Software Tool

Regardless of what the topic is, iGEM projects often create or adapt computational tools to move their overall project forward. Because they are born out of a direct practical need, these software tools (or new computational methods) can even prove surprisingly useful for others. Without necessarily being big or complex, they can make the crucial difference to a project's success. This award tries to find and honor such "nuggets" of computational work. To be eligible, your software has to be documented and made available under an OSI-approved open-source license.

Visit the Special Prizes page for more information.

What Should this Page Contain?

This page should aim to make your software accessible and understandable to a wide audience, supplementing the detailed technical documentation available on the repository.

  • Provide a clear and concise overview of the software's purpose and functionality.
  • Use non-technical language to make it accessible to a broad audience.
  • Create step-by-step instructions on how to use the software.
  • Include screenshots and visual aids to guide users.
  • Explain how to integrate the software with other tools or platforms.
  • Explain the key design choices made during the software's development.
  • Discuss any trade-offs or compromises made during the design process.
  • Provide a high-level overview of the software's architecture.
  • Provide clear instructions on how to deploy and install the software.
  • Provide an overview of the software's API, if applicable.

Inspirations