In April 2017 the logo of the IGBB was changed from a "binary helix" (Figure 1A) design to a simpler "pinwheel" design (Figures 1B-1F). Both the old (IGBB 2011) and new logo (IGBB 2017) feature the letters IGBB in caps in a modified Bank Gothic Pro font.
The six-part "pinwheel" in the 2017 IGBB logo is:
- A symbol of lab unity as it shows "parts" coming together to make a "whole."
- A flower or clover representing (a) plants, important subjects of our research, (b) life in general, and (c) the life sciences (biology).
- A set of chromosomes being moved towards the center of a cell.
- The Sun - another symbol of life.
- A protein composed of six subunits (e.g., a protein pore).
- Three foxes putting their heads together. The fox is a symbol of cleverness in Western folklore. Since the IGBB is organized into three service groups (Genomics, Proteomics/Metabolomics, and Biocomputing/Computational Biology), the foxes could represent the three disciplines working together.
- A scientist jumping for joy after making an important discovery.
- A windmill, the primary symbol associated with Cervantes' famous character Don Quixote - Like Don Quixote, scientists must be willing to attack 'wicked giants' (e.g., ignorance, racism, sexism, intolerance, use of the term 'science' in the promotion of non-scientific causes), champion worthy causes (e.g., education, intellectual freedom, human rights, environmental responsibility), and remain optimistic in the face of defeat (e.g., most days in the lab). Hopefully, however, the average scientist can accomplish these tasks without becoming delusional (a problem that squashed Quixote's dreams of becoming a plant molecular biologist).
- A DNA double-helix or protein in cross section.
- Antibodies binding to a protein.
- Whatever you want it to be.
The decision to replace the 2011 logo is based upon...
- The fact that the double-helix symbol is used in many/most logos of genomics institutes and businesses; we love the double helix and all it represents, but wish to have a logo that is different.
- The desire to have a logo that represents life at various resolutions (high resolution = DNA, proteins, and chromosomes; mid-resolution = a flower, a windmill, foxes, a research team; low resolution = Life, the Sun).
- The Director's love of abstract artworks (e.g., paintings, songs, poetry, symbols) that allow the viewer/listener to interpret the work in a way that may give it a new and unique meaning.
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