The Geee! in Genome is Canada's first exhibition on genomics - the study of genes and their functions - and is part of an extensive, innovative, multidimensional public education project produced by the Canadian Museum of Nature and presented nationally by Genome Canada.
The 2500 square foot bilingual exhibition educates Canadians about genomics, its applications to nature and human life, and the important contributions of Canadian scientists to the field. It pays particular tribute to the late Nobel-prize-winning chemist, Dr. Michael Smith, who was committed to fostering young scientists and supporting women in science.
The Geee! in Genome debuted at the Canadian Museum of Nature on April 25, 2003, the 50th anniversary of the first scientific publication describing the double helix structure of DNA. The exhibition then toured Canada from coast to coast, from 2003 to 2007. It visited nine cities and reached close to one million people.
The Geee! in Genome aims to demystify the science of genomics, challenge misconceptions and encourage questions. Visitors are asked to ponder such ethical issues as genetic testing, gene therapy, human cloning, GMO labelling and safety, DNA databanks and access to genetic information. Electronic opinion poll stations in the exhibition give the public a chance to input their thoughts on these controversial issues. This valuable feedback helps The Geee! in Genome project stay in tune with what Canadians are thinking.
Information via The Canadian Museum of Nature website.