Inside DNA: Unique travelling exhibition offers public chance to shape future science policy
29 November 2007
A unique travelling exhibition launched today will offer the public the chance to challenge their own perceptions of current genome research and have a say in the future policy of a science that will affect our lives.
The £1.5 million five-year project entitled 'Inside DNA: A genomic revolution' is the first UK major touring exhibition on genomics. Funded by The Wellcome Trust, the UK's largest charity, the exhibition is the result of a partnership between Ecsite-uk, the UK Network of Science Centres and Museums, and At-Bristol, leading science centre in the UK, with scientific support from the world renowned Sanger Institute in Cambridge.
The exhibition aims to reach over one million people across the nation over the next five years. Visitors will have direct access to the research and opinions of leading scientists who are involved in the rapidly advancing field of genomic science in the UK in the areas of health, medicine, identity and evolution. Contributions from luminaries include former Prime Minister Tony Blair and eminent scientist John Sulston, the Nobel prize winner whose team sequenced almost one-third of the human genome.
'Inside DNA' provides a combination of interactive exhibits and programmes, allowing visitors to explore the role of genes and environment in human biology and health as well as to take part in the debate about our use of genomic research. It is a neutral platform to help people make informed choices at both personal and societal levels. Feedback from the project will then be shared directly with to the Human Genetics Commission - the UK Government's advisory body on new developments in human genetics and how they impact on people's lives.
Clare Matterson, Director of Medicine, Society and History at the Wellcome Trust, comments: "The arrival of this touring exhibition could not have come at a more appropriate time. Scientific breakthroughs in the field of genetics are constantly under scrutiny from an eager public, wanting to find out more about their own health and how genes affect our susceptibility to certain diseases. The Wellcome Trust is firmly committed to engaging the public with science, and we are delighted that 'Inside DNA' will reach such a wide audience."
Goéry Delacôte, Chief Executive of At-Bristol and Executive Director of the project board of 'Inside DNA', said: "'Inside DNA' is unique in many respects. It breaks new ground by enabling science centres to cater to adult audiences. The set-up of the project also demonstrates an effective model of science centres leveraging one another's strengths and collaborating as a network. This is an exceptionally cost-effective strategy for a sector where resources are limited. At-Bristol is very proud to be at the forefront of this project, which breaks the frontier of science communication, and be part of this genomic revolution."
Bronwyn Terrill, Manager of Communication and Public Engagement at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, comments: "'Inside DNA' will provide an experience of genomics to match the excitement of the research. An engaged public is vital if we, as a society, are to make the best use of information generated by genomic research."
Dr Penny Fidler, Director of Ecsite-uk commented: "The UK's science centres and museums represent an extraordinary resource for the future of science in this country. As a network, we are uniquely positioned to inspire and engage large numbers of people with the latest adventures in science, while leading opportunities for dialogue between scientists and the public right across the UK. We are delighted this ground-breaking exhibition will tour eight of our science centres and museums, encouraging people in all parts of our nation to explore and discuss the latest advances in genetics, and to share their views with policy makers."
Funded by the Wellcome Trust, the exhibition is spearheaded by Ecsite-uk and produced by At-Bristol. At-Bristol has led on the management and development of the project with support and input from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, which led on the scientific advisory panel.
Press enquiries
Mike Findlay, Wellcome Trust
T 0207 611 8612
E m.findlay@wellcome.ac.uk
Mavis Choong, At-Bristol
T 0117 915 7152/0796 733 4152
E mavis.choong@at-bristol.org.uk
Don Powell, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
T 01223 496928
E don@sanger.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
1. 'Inside DNA' opens in Explore-At-Bristol on 29 November 2007. It will be traveling to Centre for Life in Newcastle and Glasgow Science Museum in September 2008 and March 2009 respectively.
To mark the opening of the exhibition, the public is also invited to take part in a unique forum, where nearly 300 individuals from different walks of life will join leading scientists and ethicists from the UK in a lively debate, exchanging their views and insights on the future of genome research. 'Future of Genomics' will explore - through discussion - issues including:he future for this fast-moving field; consequences of its development on modern life and society; and beneficiaries of this area of science.
Participating experts include Nobel Laureate John Sulston, as well as leading researchers, advisers and commentators from Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Human Genetics Commission, North West Genetics Knowledge Park and the University of Oxford. The event will be chaired by Dr Alice Roberts of the University of Bristol and presenter of the BBC2 series 'Don't Die Young' and 'Coast'. For more details see the At-Bristol website.
2. At-Bristol (registered charity 1049954) is a leading science centre in the UK and a major player in the worldwide science centre movement. It is a world-class science and discovery centre that makes distinctive, valued and recognised contributions to informal science learning and public engagement with science across Europe. A registered charity, At-Bristol has hosted more than 3 million visits to-date.
The science centre has an extensive track record of managing and producing large-scale exhibitions. It is fast becoming a hub, developing exhibitions on behalf of and in collaboration with consortia of science centres and institutions. At-Bristol is the only UK science centre to be part of the Science Learning Centres network.
3. Ecsite-uk represents the interests of more than 50 science centres, science museums and discovery centres in the UK. Ecsite-uk was set up in 2001 to give the expanding sector a strong national voice. It aims to raise the profile of science centres and to establish their role as a forum for dialogue between science specialists and the public while offering the centres as an informal resource for learners of all ages.
4. The Wellcome Trust is the largest independent charity in the UK and the second largest medical research charity in the world. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing.
5. The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, which receives the majority of its funding from the Wellcome Trust, was founded in 1992 as the focus for UK sequencing efforts. The Institute is responsible for the completion of the sequence of approximately one-third of the human genome as well as genomes of model organisms such as mouse and zebrafish, and more than 90 pathogen genomes. In October 2005, new funding was awarded by the Wellcome Trust to enable the Institute to build on its world-class scientific achievements and exploit the wealth of genome data now available to answer important questions about health and disease. These programmes are built around a Faculty of more than 30 senior researchers. The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is based in Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.