Technological advancements impact society in many ways. But have you ever stopped to think about how society can influence the technology we create?
Genomic technologies that allow scientists to read, edit or write DNA are being applied to a variety of societal challenges in healthcare, food safety, the environment and beyond. At Genome BC, we recognize that the responsible and effective uptake of genomics is only possible when spaces to discuss the ethical, economic, environmental, legal and societal implications are created and a diversity of perspectives are heard and considered.
Step Into a Real-World Role
The new Genomics & Society Game from Genome BC’s Geneskool bottles up the real-world research and conversations surrounding the intersection of genomics and society into a role playing game. Designed for high school students, players must synthesize the life experiences and values of their characters into an informed opinion about a genomic technology application . From there, players attempt to convince other characters to support their view through dialogue and debate based on their character’s worldviews aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Aligned with the BC Curriculum
Well-suited to science, social science, philosophy and careers classrooms, the Genomics & Society Game spotlights all three Core Competencies in the BC Curriculum: thinking, communication, and personal and social. The game asks students to empathize with the perspectives of others, both through their character and in their interactions with other players. Role playing allows for a low risk environment in which students can explore the promise of genomics, while also confronting the genuine questions and concerns surrounding its implementation.
A short introductory video accompanies each genomics application, with expert interviews helping students to frame each topic through the lens of science, society, government and industry perspectives.
Choose from one of four genomic applications and request the Genomics & Society Game for your students today!
The Microbiome
Every one of us has a microbiome waiting to be explored! From the digestion of the food we eat to the making of essential nutrients, the bacteria in our guts shapes our lives. But have you ever wondered if our lives shape our guts? |
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 Dr. Paula Littlejohn recently completed her Ph.D. at Dr. Brett Finlay’s lab at the University of British Columbia in microbiology and immunology. Her work involved developing animal models to study the impact of micronutrient deficiencies on gut microbiome health. She is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the BC Children’s Research Institute |
Pharmacogenomics
Different drugs work differently on different people. From finding the most effective antidepressant to screening for adverse reactions, pharmacogenomics can help inform the way we take medications and face healthcare decisions. |
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 Dr. Wan-Chun Chang is a Postdoctoral Fellow at BC Children’s Research Institute who works with Dr. Bruce Carleton and the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety. She is exploring how pharmacogenomic and immunogenic factors influence drug reactions in diverse patient populations. |
Mosquito Eradication
Mosquitos not only cover us in itchy bites, but they can also spread disease. Recent advances in technology allow us to develop ways to eradicate mosquito populations by introducing genetically modified mosquitoes. But what are the consequences to using such drastic techniques? |
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 Dr. Jayce Sudweeks is an Assistant Professor of Public Administration at Georgia Southern University. He explores how policy affects decisions in mosquito eradication through the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. |
DNA Crime Databases
DNA stored in databases can be used to link family members to crimes. However, when do we decide whose DNA to keep, and for how long? Will this practice make our world a more fair place, or further harm those who are vulnerable. |
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 Dr. Amy Conroy is a professor at Simon Fraser University in criminology. She examines how the justice system can apply DNA analysis to crime scenes and how policy decisions can affect privacy considerations behind DNA databases. |
