Genomic Expressions: Express yourself at new exhibition
What does genomics mean to you? It may mean family and inheritance, or scientific research into disease and big data. How would you answer the question? Genomic Expressions is a new exhibition at the Wellcome Genome Campus that displays the creative efforts of the people who work across the campus, reflecting what genomics means to them – from vivid paintings and sculptures to baked goods and audio experiences.
The exhibition is part of the Wellcome Genome Campus’ Open Saturdays programme, which are free to attend but booking is required. Open Saturday dates include 24th March, 21st April, 19th May and 16th June 2018.
A genome is the unique DNA code possessed by all living things. It is the set of genetic instructions needed to create life. The Wellcome Genome Campus was established as part of the Human Genome Project, an initiative to sequence the entire human genome for the first time. The project took 13 years to complete but it changed how we understand biology. Today, researchers based at the Wellcome Genome Campus work towards understanding thousands of genomes to help improve human health.
“One of the wonderful things about being a genome scientist is the personal connection to your own research. My work involves finding genetic variants involved with diseases, and every one of those discoveries tells me something about myself, too.”
Dr Jeffrey Barrett Director of Open Targets and Senior Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
“Genomics means ‘family’ to me. It’s the silver thread that links me to my relatives; it’s about what is shared within my family and our communal heritage. My sister, mother and maternal grandfather are all artists and sculptors.”
Dr Anna Middleton Head of Society and Ethics Research at the Wellcome Genome Campus
“For me, genomics is about exploration. It is a chance to understand a hidden language that unites all life yet at the same time, almost paradoxically, underscores biological diversity.”
Alex Cagan Postdoctoral Fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
More information
The exhibition is available to visit as part of the Wellcome Genome Campus’ Open Saturdays programme, where everyone is welcome to visit the campus.
Dates to visit include:
- Saturday 24th March, 12-2:30pm
- Saturday 21st April, 1-3:30pm
- Saturday 19th May, 1-3:30pm
- Saturday 16th June, 1-3:30pm
Open Saturdays are free for all but booking is required. Genomic Expression is also open by arrangements for group visits. For further details, and to book your free tickets, visit: www.wgc.org.uk/engage
Selected websites
About Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement
Through a wide range of projects, activities, visits and events Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement encourages exploration and discussion about genomics, from exciting research findings to the social and ethical questions it can raise. Working together with collaborators in scientific research, the arts and humanities, public engagement and education specialists, and cultural organisations, we aim to share knowledge, spark discussions, and foster a community of engaged researchers. Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement is part of Connecting Science. http://publicengagement.wellcomegenomecampus.org/
About Wellcome Genome Campus Connecting Science
Wellcome Genome Campus Connecting Science’s mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society. We connect researchers, health professionals and the wider public, creating opportunities and spaces to explore genomic science and its impact on people. Connecting Science inspires new thinking, sparks conversation, supports learning and measures attitudes, drawing on the ground-breaking research taking place on the Wellcome Genome Campus. www.wellcomegenomecampus.org/connectingscience
The Wellcome Sanger Institute
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is one of the world’s leading genome centres. Through its ability to conduct research at scale, it is able to engage in bold and long-term exploratory projects that are designed to influence and empower medical science globally. Institute research findings, generated through its own research programmes and through its leading role in international consortia, are being used to develop new diagnostics and treatments for human disease. To celebrate its 25th year in 2018, the Institute is sequencing 25 new genomes of species in the UK. Find out more at www.sanger.ac.uk or follow @sangerinstitute
Wellcome
Wellcome exists to improve health for everyone by helping great ideas to thrive. We’re a global charitable foundation, both politically and financially independent. We support scientists and researchers, take on big problems, fuel imaginations and spark debate. wellcome.org
