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Putting the Geee! In Genome

Canada's first travelling, national exhibition on genomics announced today

OTTAWA, January 23, 2002 -- The Canadian Museum of Nature, in partnership with Genome Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), today announced Canada's first travelling, national exhibition on genomics. Putting the Geee! In Genome will open at Nature in spring 2003 before beginning its three-year, cross-Canada tour. The exhibition will be supplemented by teaching materials, a Web site component and a lecture series to explore in more depth the impact this new field of research is having on society.

"As Canada's national natural history museum, our goal is to educate and inform Canadians about the natural world. Genomics is quickly changing the way we view nature and how humans relate to it", said Joanne DiCosimo, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature in announcing the new exhibition. "By partnering with Genome Canada and CIHR we can provide a dynamic exhibition for Canadians to learn more about this emerging field of science."

This unique and innovative exhibition will present Canadians with a broad spectrum of information about genomics research (the study of genes and their functions in all living organisms). It will explore topics ranging from the mapping of the human genome and its implications for the health of Canadians, to the use of genomics in agriculture, forestry and the preservation of wild species. Throughout, the exhibition will celebrate Canadian discoveries and facilitate discussion on this emerging scientific discipline.

"Science belongs to, and is meant for, everyone -- not just scientists", added Dr. Henry Friesen, Chair of Genome Canada and an internationally renowned scientist. "At the same time, genomics brings with it new concerns, concerns that must be addressed. And the best way to address them is through education and information. Providing Canadians with the opportunity to learn more about genomics, in their own communities, will enable all of us to make better decisions. That is why I am so proud that Genome Canada is a partner in this exhibit. It is a marvellous initiative. It is an important initiative. And it is a timely initiative."

"Driven by the genomics revolution, we are entering a golden age in health research and health care. Our ability to diagnose, prevent and treat disease will be profoundly transformed over the next 10 years based on our ability to understand the molecular alterations that underlie disease", said Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of CIHR. "These profound advances raise complex ethical, legal and social issues. I hope that Putting the Geee! In Genome will provide Canadians with some of the tools and information needed to tackle these important issues."

Putting the Geee! In Genome will also celebrate the life and values of a true giant in the field of genomics and Canada's pride: the late Dr. Michael Smith, a Nobel Laureate. The exhibit will also showcase other distinguished Canadian scientists who are leading cutting-edge research, nationally and internationally, in the field of genomics.

"Wendy, Ian, and I are happy and proud to support this wonderful initiative and to be a part of this event", said Tom Smith, on behalf of his family. "My father, who taught all his life at the University of British Columbia, would probably be very humbled by this magnificent exhibit. We, in his family, see this as a superb opportunity to allow for his ideas and legacy to continue."

Putting the Geee! In Genome will open in spring 2003 in Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature. In the fall of 2003, it will begin its three-year national tour. Eight sites across Canada, including Nature, will host the exhibition for 12 weeks each. Components of Putting the Geee! In Genome will be integrated into Nature's proposed new Nature of Humans permanent gallery, targeted for opening in 2006. The three partners will share the cost for the development and implementation of the exhibition and its associated programming: Canadian Museum of Nature ($1 million), Genome Canada ($1 million) and CIHR ($500,000).

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