Public Genomics Cafe 15th June 2023, 11am-1.45pm, Zoom. Book now!


June’s café will feature informal, public-friendly talks including:

  • Providing genomic testing for cancer patients: the whys, the hows & the next steps Sally Spillane, All Wales Medical Genomics Service
  • Data linkage to investigate the health impacts of carrier status for cystic fibrosis Rob Maddison, Cardiff University
  • A Personal Account of Williams Syndrome Liz Martin, Williams Syndrome Foundation

And more!

All welcome – FREE to attend. Register for Virtual Café: https://shorturl.at/elzE1

Don’t forget to bring your cuppa!

For further information: walesgenepark@cardiff.ac.uk

Recruiting now: Genomics Partnership Wales Patient & Public Sounding Board


Genomics Partnership Wales are now accepting applications to join their Patient and Public Sounding Board. This is an exciting opportunity for a range of individuals to join the conversation on the future of genomics in Wales. GPW are committed to working with patients and members of the public, to explain things in a clear and simple way, empowering the citizens of Wales to understand more about what genomics can mean for them.  

 Expressions of interest are welcome from individuals who:

  • Have personal (or care for someone who has) experience of genetic testing / genomics / precision medicine / clinical trials / inherited cancer / rare diseases / developmental delay disorders 
  • Have good communication skills 
  • Can represent under-served from groups 
  • Do not have professional experience of working in the field of genomics 
  • Are available to attend (virtual) induction training on 12 July and the first meeting on 13 July 2023 

If you – or anyone you know – may be interested then visit the Genomics Partnership Wales website for more information, including a full role description and details of how to apply. 

Applications are open until 31st May.

 

Young People’s Genomics Café Weds 24 May, 6 – 7.30pm, Zoom – book now!


Are you a young person interested in finding out more about genomics and health, or affected by a rare or genetic condition?
Join us! These events are aimed at those aged 16 to 25. May’s café will feature relaxed talks including:

  • From Silence to Sound: Finding My Voice as a Rare Disease Patient Melissa Martin, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University
  • Careers in Cancer Research: My Journey So Far Megan Williams, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University
  • We Are WHEN We Eat Dr Maninder Ahluwalia, School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University

All welcome – FREE to attend

Register for Virtual Café: https://shorturl.at/gvOPS

Don’t forget to bring your cuppa!

For further information: walesgenepark@cardiff.ac.uk

 

 

Audio Drama ‘Tremolo’ Wins BBC Award!  


Wales Gene Park is delighted to announce that ‘Tremolo’ actor Gareth Elis (pictured below) won the Marc Beeby Award for Best Debut Performance at the recent BBC Audio Drama Awards 2023!

‘Tremolo’ by Lisa Parry, a collaboration between Wales Gene Park, Illumine Theatre and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, supported by the Genetics Society, is a thought-provoking, bilingual podcast drama exploring the impacts of a diagnosis of early-onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease, and some of the socio-ethical issues around genetic testing.

Gareth received the award for his portrayal of 18-year-old Harri who’s just finished his exams and is ready to follow his dreams when he discovers that his mother has been diagnosed with the condition, which he and his sister each have a 50 per cent chance of inheriting.

The winners of the awards – presented by the BBC together with the Society of Authors and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain – were announced at a ceremony in the Radio Theatre, BBC Broadcasting House on 19th March, 2023. These awards are dedicated to the creativity of actors, writers, directors, producers, musicians, sound designers and all who work in audio drama.

Many congratulations to Gareth and to all this year’s winners!

Hear Gareth’s award-winning performance in Tremolo via Spotify, Apple Podcasts and AM.

You can also link to it on Spotify below:

More about Tremolo:

If you knew you could have a serious medical condition and could find out, would you? How could this affect your friends and family?

These questions and more are explored through Harri’s story, an 18-year-old who’s just finished his exams and ready to follow his dreams. His world is turned upside down when his mother is diagnosed with early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease, a condition Harri and his sister each have a 50 per cent chance of inheriting.

Should he take a test to find out if he has it too? Tremolo offers listeners a real insight, exploring the impact of Harri’s choice on his relationships and dreams.

Tremolo is aimed primarily at students aged 16+, but also available to the wider public. It is available in both English and Welsh to listen and download via platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AM & on Theatr Genedlaethol’s website.

The podcast series will also feature episodes from the drama’s creative team discussing the themes of the play, as well as contributions from genetics specialists.

Tremolo is an Illumine Theatre production in partnership with Wales Gene Park and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, supported by the Genetics Society.

Starring Gareth Elis. Written by Lisa Parry, directed by Zoë Waterman, harp music composed and played by Eira Lynn Jones, sound design and editing by Rhys Young, assistant director Branwen Davies, additional music by Yws Gwynedd. Tremolo was recorded at Hoot Studios, Cardiff.

Education Pack

The drama is also accompanied by an education pack for schools & colleges aimed at year 12/13 students. The pack contains:

  • Creative content including a synopsis of the drama, interviews with the Creative Team & Creative activities
  • Scientific content including an Information Toolkit, Careers Support, Scientific Activities, Points for reflection, Help and support

Teachers/educators can get a copy of the pack by emailing walesgenepark@cardiff.ac.uk

Public Genomics Cafe 20th April 2023, 11am-1.45pm, Zoom. Book now!


April’s café will feature relaxed talks including:

  • Translating advanced genomic research techniques into the clinic for patient benefit Dr Hywel Williams, Cardiff University
  • The Unique Network: Supporting and informing families and professionals affected by rare chromosome and gene disorders Sarah Wynn, Unique
  • About “Care & Respond” and the Health Passport James Ingram, Scienap
  • The Plan for Genomics in Wales for the Next Three Years Chris Newbrook, Welsh Government

All welcome – FREE to attend

Register for Virtual Café: shorturl.at/eNTY2

Don’t forget to bring your cuppa!

For further information: walesgenepark@cardiff.ac.uk

Public talk ‘Can genetic testing help make medicines safer?’ Mon 6th March 7pm, Pontio, Bangor – book now!


Can genetic testing help make medicines safer? Professor Dyfrig Hughes, Bangor University

Large Lecture Theatre, Level 5, Pontio, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2TQ

Monday 6th March 2023, 7 – 8pm (registration from 6.30pm, talk starts 7pm).

Medicines have transformed the lives of many. However, there is always a chance that people experience a side effect. These can range in severity from a mild tummy upset or rash, to being life-threatening. As we learn more about how medicines cause these untoward effects, the role of genetics is becoming increasingly apparent. We can now test people’s genes to reduce the risk of side effects. This lecture will provide an introduction and overview of role of genetics in the prescribing of medicines, and there will an opportunity for questions afterwards. Join Professor Dyfrig Hughes and Genomics Partnership Wales to find out more!

Attendance FREE. Registration required via Eventbrite: shorturl.at/nzE46

Registration from 6.30pm, talk starts at 7pm.

For more information, email walesgenepark@cardiff.ac.uk

Public Genomics Cafe 2nd February 2023: talk recordings


Public Genomics Cafe 2nd February 2023 – talk recordings (available until 16th March 2023)