Vancouver, BC - An exciting, fun, and hands-on genome sciences exhibition will give local high school students the opportunity to explore DNA, genes, and genomics beyond the classroom at Science World’s newly opened The GEEE! in Genome exhibition.

The feature exhibition's official kick off is this Thursday, October 15th at TELUS World of Science.

The 2500 square foot bilingual exhibition explores topics ranging from the ABCs of DNA and the human genome, to genes and the impacts of genomics on society, agriculture, the environment, and human health.

It also highlights the important contributions of Canadian scientists to the field, paying particular tribute to the late Nobel-prize-winning chemist from UBC, Dr. Michael Smith, who was committed to fostering young scientists and supporting women in science.

The Vancouver exhibition is the result of a successful partnership between Science World and Genome British Columbia. Both organizations produce science outreach programs designed to supplement and enhance the provincial science curriculum.

In particular, Genome BC's Geneskool program will complement The GEEE! in Genome with free weekly workshops for local high school classes throughout the duration of the exhibition.

These interactive sessions will engage students in solving a murder mystery using forensic genetic techniques and searching The GEEE! in Genome for clues.

"With the constant demand on educational resources, it's even more important that organizations such as Science World and Genome BC partner to provide new opportunities for students outside the classroom, which can lead to greater recruitment and retention of science careers in BC," says Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome BC. "Engaging students in innovative education programs such as The GEEE! in Genome exhibit helps them understand the significance of the science in a way that is accessible and exciting."

Bryan Tisdall is Science World's President and CEO. "Science World is thrilled to partner with Genome BC on such an exciting exhibition. The GEEE! in Genome explores the past, present and future of genomics through hands-on experiences," he says. "And for the first time ever, we are excited to be able to extend free admission to high-school classes during The GEEE! in Genome."

The impact of programs such as the GEEE! In Genome, which first came to Vancouver in 2003, and Geneskool, running since 2006, are illustrated by participating students whose experiences have ignited a desire to learn more about genomics.

Clara Westwell-Roper is a UBC PhD/MD student, who graduated from Handsworth Secondary in North Vancouver. In 2003 she was a science fair winner and presented her prize-winning experiment at the first GEEE! in Genome Exhibition in Vancouver. She later went on to help facilitate the Geneskool program. "As a student in Grade 10 or 11, the workshops helped make lab science more tangible and helped me to understand what a career in research would be like going forward."

Amy Thomassen echoes this sentiment. Now a medical student at UBC, she has spent time coordinating and facilitating Geneskool North across classrooms in Northern BC, and appreciates being able to bring genomics education into schools in remote locations with limited facilities. "The workshops in the labs are great because the kids get to see and use equipment in a real biochemistry lab, which helps them to understand genetics and genomics when they go on to choose their career," she says.

About Genome BC:
Genome British Columbia is a research organization that invests in and manages large-scale genomics and proteomics research projects and science and technology platforms focused on areas of strategic importance such as human health, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and the environment.

In addition to research, Genome BC is committed to openness, meaningful dialogue, public outreach, and educational leadership, and as such, seeks to foster understanding an appreciation of the significance of genomics and proteomics science and technology among teachers, students, and the general public.

About Science World:
Science World, a non-profit organization, stimulates positive attitudes towards science and technology in a fun interactive environment, promoting the development of a knowledge-based society in BC.

Media contacts:
Rachael Froese Zamperini
Communications Consultant, Genome BC
rzamperini@genomebc.ca or 604.612.6345

Pamela Findling
Communications Coordinator, Science World
pfindling@scienceworld.ca or 604.443.7470