Australasian Biotechnology (backfiles) AusBiotech ISSN: 1036-7128 Vol. 12, Num. 3, 2002, pp. 20

Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 12, No. 3, June-July, 2002, pp. 20

SPECIAL REPORT ON BIOTECH EDUCATION

GENETECH 2002: VICTORIAN INITIATIVES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

13-19 MAY 2002

Code Number: au02018

The genetech 2002 is an educational collaboration between Melbourne Museum, the Gene Technology Access Centre, the Biotechnology Education and Training Program, and a consortium of CRCs at The University of Melbourne. genetech 2002 showcased Victorian Initiatives in Biotechnology Education, and was designed for primary and secondary school students, teachers and the general public. A range of activities including student workshops, competitions, lectures, symposia, displays, teacher professional development and public lectures by eminent speakers provided unique opportunities to learn about modern applications and issues related to biotechnology. In raising awareness of the nature and diversity of biotechnology the organisers hoped to foster an appreciation of the scope and impact biotechnology has on the individual and society and to increase community literacy in genetics.

The program included activities at Melbourne Museum, particularly for schools, including competitions, workshops, cinema, lectures and exhibitions. Other lectures and workshops were arranged at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and at the Gene Technology Access Centre at University High School, Parkville. A teacher professional development workshop was also held at Melbourne Museum on two days.

Community education was also addressed by two well-attended free public lectures held in the Melbourne Town Hall. The first on Genetically Modified Organisms - Monsters or Miracles and the second on Gene Choices - Genetics for Humans.

Former Federal Minister for Science and current Chairman of the Victorian Schools Innovation Commission, Dr Barry Jones, AO, officially opened genetech 2002 and unveiled the Display Arcade, an exhibition that showcased Victorian initiatives in biotechnology education on 13 May. Other opening night speakers included Ashley Dunn, CRC for Cellular Growth Factors, and Helen Conley, Manager of the Science in Schools Strategy, Victorian Department of Education and Training.

Professor Adrienne Clarke, Victorian Biotechnology Ambassador, described genetech 2002 as an educational venture that provides the community with "an opportunity to become bio-literate and gain an appreciation of the latest biotechnology innovations.

Professor Clarke says the event was also aimed as a forum for open, informed debate on a range of key issues that have generated widespread community concern, including stem cells research, cloning and the production of genetically modified foods.

"By informing the public they can contribute to the debate on innovations such as stem cells and GMOs on a factual rather than an emotive basis." Professor Clarke sees this as an important issue for the community, "biotech is a growth industry and has become bigger than the mining industry globally over the past 15 years.

For more details, see www.melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au/education/genetech

EDUCATION AND ETHICS

The Gene CRC is committed to empowering and engaging the Australian community for an informed debate on the applications of human genetic technology. To this end, we have developed and education and ethics program that seeks to provide knowledge and skills related to human genetic reserach to a wide range of people in the community, including primary and secondary students and their teachers, health professionals, financiers and the general public.

Highlights of the CRC Program include:

For Secondary Schools
genETHICS, a unique and innovative competition that provides students iwth an opportunity to discuss ethical issues associated with uman genetics. Finalists present their idaes in an oration, play or dissertation at a Grand Final, featuring a high-profiled judging panel, chaired by Sir Gustav Nossal. All finalists and their schools recieve generous prizes, plus an opportunity to meet science media celebrities such as Adam Spencer and Bernie Hobbs.

genthink, a worksheet kit for secondary school teachers that details applications of genetics to real life examples of human health and how they impact on the Australian community.

Genetics and Technology Conference: a four-day conference for talented senior biology and chemistry students that includes a comprehensive practical program conducted annually in the Department of Genetics at the University of Melbourne and a seminar program that explores the role of genetics in science, health, life, law and industry.

For Undergraduate Students
UROP, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, in collaboration with the CRC for Cellular Growth Factors, provides undergraduate university students with real life research experience within a CRC research team while they pursue their academic studies. Research projects range from laboratory science in academic and commercial environments to the ethical aspects of genetic technology.

For Health Professionals
Medical Genetics Resource Kit: The Gene CRC is collaborating with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to develop a kit that specifically addresses the continuing education needs of GPs. This kit will help bridge the gap between the exisiting level of genetics knowledge of GPs and the information society needs to allow findings of genetic research to lead to improvements in health care in our community.

For the Community
www.genecrc.org: a dynamic and informative educational website, providing accurate information on human genetics, commentary on genetic issues and details about the Gene CRC. Ensuring public understanding and acceptance of human genetic advances represents one of the greatest challenges posed to scientists in relation to the community and its ethical perceptions. Our Education and Ethics Program is constantly evolving to meet this challenge. More details can be found in the Learning Centre of the website at www.genecrc.org .

Copyright 2002 - AusBiotech Ltd.