Inside DNA: The UK's first touring exhibition dedicated to genomics
Since the human genome was sequenced in 2000, our understanding of its organisation and function has changed dramatically, with new clues to its role in health and disease emerging almost daily. The speed at which such discoveries are being made - particularly over the last two years - means that, inevitably, what students are being taught about the genome in schools is out of date. Furthermore, until recently there was no exhibition in the UK that allowed members of the public to explore the impact of genomics on society - or to familiarise themselves with the latest scientific discoveries in the field.
With £1.69 million funding from the Trust, At-Bristol - a science and discovery centre - developed a touring exhibition on behalf of the Association of Science and Discovery Centres dedicated to genomics, with associated website, educational materials and programme of events and activities such as public workshops and debates.
‘Inside DNA: A genomic revolution’ is a 350m2 travelling exhibition split into four thematic areas, or 'zones' - current genomics knowledge, identity, health and evolution - and is aimed at young people from the age of 13 or 14 upwards and adults.
The exhibition has physical and electronic interactives (such as information kiosks and games) and objects (including a rotating molecular model of DNA showing the double helix structure). The 'Genome Explorer' exhibit, for example, is a large table with chromosomes floating around on a plasma screen. Visitors can bring up information about the genes and other features on that chromosome, or a filmed interview with a family discussing an inherited condition, or a scientist talking about his or her work. Other popular exhibits look at DNA's role in forensic science, and at differences in distribution of visitors' surnames in the UK over time.
The scientific content for the exhibition was supplied by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, and because of the rate of scientific discovery in genomics, 'Inside DNA' has been designed so that all its electronic content can be updated via a main server.
The 'Dialogue Zone' includes the 'News and Views' pod, which allows visitors to find out about the latest genomic research, vote on a variety of questions and leave their thoughts behind. There is also an area with questions on issues being discussed by the Human Genetics Commission. The results of these questions are anonymised and sent to the Commission at regular intervals, to feed into their discussions.
Inside DNA opened in At-Bristol in November 2007 and has since been on display at Newcastle's Centre for Life, Glasgow Science Centre and Sensation, the Dundee Science Centre.Inside DNA is currently on display in Magna, Sheffield before moving to Liverpool later in 2010.
MH&E Capital Award: 'Inside DNA', 2006
