The GEEE! in Genome Exhibition Arrives in Thunder Bay

Representatives from Thunder Bay’s life sciences community joined the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI) in unveiling The GEEE! in Genome exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery today.

The innovative travelling exhibition, produced by the Canadian Museum of Nature and presented nationally by Genome Canada, will be hosted by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery from September 19 to November 2, 2008. It is presented locally by OGI, the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with support from RBC Royal Bank.

The GEEE! in Genome explores genomics - the study of genes and their functions - and its applications to both nature and human life. It also highlights the contributions of Canadian scientists to the field, including several in Thunder Bay.

“Since 2003, The GEEE! in Genome national education project has engaged over a million Canadians through an award-winning website, curriculum-based activities for teachers and students, public forums and the exhibition itself,” said Roy Piovesana, Board Member, Canadian Museum of Nature. “Canadians young and old are becoming inspired, informed and involved in the science-based issues facing us today.”

“Genomics research, including the world-class projects funded through OGI, is laying the foundation of the future of the life sciences and biotechnology, with significant potential to impact human health, agriculture, forestry, bioproducts and biofuel development and the preservation of a healthy natural environment,” added Dr. Christian Burks, President and CEO of the Ontario Genomics Institute. “By engaging tomorrow’s genomics researchers today, this exhibit is helping to ensure that Ontario will continue to be at the forefront of genomics advances for many years to come.”

“Biotechnology is already changing the face of Thunder Bay,” said Mayor Lynn Peterson. “Leading-edge molecular imaging and advanced diagnostic research happening at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is a prime example. The GEEE! in Genome exhibition offers the perfect opportunity for residents to learn more about the science of genomics and its role in our emerging knowledge-based economy.”

“Genomics are at the root of personalized medicine, and personalized medicine is the future of healthcare. Research at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute begins with the patient, whose needs will drive the innovation in technology and bring new discoveries to life,” said Michael Power, CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.

Visitors to the interactive GEEE! in Genome exhibition will learn about DNA, genetic testing, gene therapy, cloning, stem cells, and genetically modified foods. Some activities include:

Analyzing the traits of your family tree
Race against a cell to build a protein in a video game
Learn which foods contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in a grocery scanning game
Play DNA detective to solve wildlife crimes and mysteries
“Meet” influential genomics scientists past and present

Visitors can also learn more about the type of genomic science happening in Thunder Bay and across Ontario through the Speakers Series of weekly public lectures, presented by the Health Sciences Discovery Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They can also enjoy interactive Sunday Science sessions at the exhibition, where local scientists will be on hand to talk about their work.

The GEEE! in Genome exhibition runs from September 19 to November 2, 2008.

:: Genome Exhibit Backgrounder ::

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