Inside DNA: a Genomic Revolution
Identity; Crime; Ancestry; Evolution; Health; Drugs; Mutation; Development
Inside DNA is all about our health, our identity and our evolution. It is a unique exhibition aiming to engage the public in current and future UK-based human molecular genetics and genomics research, providing the tools to enable them to explore the issues that recent developments have raised.
Designed to provoke questions and stimulate debate, Inside DNA delves into ethical questions such as whether genetic testing will lead to discrimination, who will benefit most from genetic medicines, and the role of DNA databases. The exhibition is accompanied by associated learning and engagement programmes.
Inside DNA contains contemporary materials and experiences, with frequently updated content to coincide with significant developments in genomics research throughout the five years of the project.
Inside DNA is designed to attract visitors from a wide range of backgrounds and will be readily accessible to adults and to school students aged 14 to 19. It supports the curriculum at KS3, KS4 and Post-16, including aspects of How Science Works. It is particularly relevant for students of Science, Citizenship, PSHE, Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology and Science for Public Understanding.
The exhibition zones
Inside DNA – an introduction: How is our current knowledge of the structure, function and interactions of the human genome changing our understanding of human biology? How much DNA do we have? And how can different genetic mutations affect an organism?
Human identity: The study of contemporary genetics is helping to identify similarities and differences between us, but what are the personal and forensic applications of this knowledge? Here people can discover how many other visitors to the exhibition have the same genetic traits, or investigate a murder by profiling the evidence at the crime scene.
Genes and health: There is great potential for applying contemporary genetics in medicine in order to help us better identify, understand and treat disease. Find out about the tests available to screen for genetic disorders, discuss the ethical questions raised by pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or design and test your own medicines.
Human evolution: How did humans evolve, and what are the similarities and differences between ourselves and other primates? Learn how early humans migrated across the world, or find out about the distribution of surnames across the UK.
Dialogue zone: News and Views pods allow visitors to find out about the latest genomic research, vote on a variety of questions, and leave their thoughts behind. There is also an area with questions on issues being discussed by the government’s advisory body, the Human Genetics Commission. The results of these questions will be compiled and sent to the HGC at regular intervals, to feed into their discussions.
Tour information
Inside DNA was developed by At-Bristol on behalf of Ecsite-uk, with funding from the Wellcome Trust and support from the Sanger Institute.
At-Bristol and Ecsite-uk are now planning the tour and are offering the 350m² exhibition to host venues in the UK for approximately six months each until 2012.
The first eight will have the opportunity to host this innovative and ground-breaking exhibition free of charge. In return, these partner venues will be asked to contribute to the evaluation of the Inside DNA project, helping Ecsite-uk to learn more about how users are interacting with the exhibition and participating in the formal and informal programmes. Partner venues will receive full support including a programming pack, staff training and a marketing and media pack.
Technical information
| Display size | 350m² |
| Minimum rental period | Six months |
| Installation duration | Maximum of one week |
| Support materials | Exhibition manual including a learning and programming package, promotional material templates, marketing and pr plan, spare parts. |
| Number of exhibits | 33 |
| Transportation | Hirer to pay inbound transport costs and transit insurance. |
| Insurance | Hirer to pay insurance during host period. |
Current tour schedule
| City | Hire period | Status | Venue |
| Bristol | December 2007 to August 2008 | Confirmed | Explore-At-Bristol |
| Newcastle | September 2008 to February 2009 | Confirmed | Centre for Life |
| Glasgow | March 2009 to August 2009 | Confirmed | Glasgow Science Centre |
| September 2009 to 2012 | Available |
To enquire about availability and to discuss hire terms, please call At-Bristol’s exhibitions team on 0117 909 2000 or email travelling@at-bristol.org.uk.
