We focus on enhancing the awareness and understanding of genetics, engaging with health and science professionals, schools, colleges, and the public. Follow @WalesGenePark
Professor Steve Jones speaking at the Sixth Form Genetics Conference
New genetic knowledge has profound implications for healthcare and society at large. Through our education and engagement activities the Wales Gene Park enhances the understanding of genetics throughout Wales and further afield, making access to information easier and facilitating an informed debate among professionals, young people and the public at large.
What we do
We are unique in working with higher education institutes, schools, the NHS, the wider public and the commercial sector in drawing on established strengths in genetics in Wales to deliver innovative education initiatives for these disparate groups. View Wales Gene Park’s Education and Engagement highlights for 2015 and 2016.
1. Schools and Colleges
The Wales Gene Park works closely with teachers to deliver educational events to students throughout Wales and bordering counties. These include:
- Sixth form conferences
- Genetics Roadshows
- Living with Genetic Conditions
Teachers’ Genetics Network The Wales Gene Park established the Teachers’ Genetics Network in 2006 and there are now over 300 members. A newsletter is distributed every school term to all network members. As well as articles on current genetics issues it informs members of interesting genetic-related websites, forthcoming events and teaching resources. Members are also encouraged to send in articles and to feedback with comments and requests for future issues. Membership of the network is free of charge. Further information from Angela Burgess, Education and Engagement Project Manager, burgessam@cf.ac.uk.
2. Public Engagement
University of the Third Age (U3A) discussion group
The Wales Gene Park, in partnership with Techniquest, delivers free talks and discussion sessions to community groups throughout Wales. Topics include Stem Cell Research, Over the Counter Genetic Testing, GM Foods and the National DNA Database. We have discussion kits for smaller groups that fully involve the audience and allow them to participate in the discussions, even if they know little about the topic. If you would like further information or to request an event for your community group, please contact Angela Burgess burgessam@cf.ac.uk
“Over-the-counter genetic testing” public talk
Public talks on topical genetics issues are organised throughout the year. The events are held in various locations around Wales often coinciding with larger events such as National Science & Engineering Week and the Cardiff and Wrexham Science Festivals. To suggest a topic for a public talk, please contact Angela Burgess burgessam@cf.ac.uk.
Diversity, History & Inheritance in Cardiff bay: This mobile exhibition, used interactive displays to examine the increased genetic diversity resulting from the development of Cardiff from a small fishing town to the world’s most important coal exporting port.
Mobile exhibition at the Welsh Assembly
Past locations include:
- Techniquest in Cardiff & Wrexham
- UWIC, Cardiff
- Swansea Maritime Museum
- Aberdare Library
- Monmouthshire County Hall, Cwmbran
- The Berwyn Centre, Nantymoel
- Cardiff International Airport
- National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
- Lampeter University
- Rhondda Heritage Park
- The Old Library, Cardiff
- Gartholwyg Community Centre, Church Village
- Margam Park, Port Talbot
- Afan Forest Park
- Barry Library, Vale of Glamorgan
- Swansea Waterfront Museum
- The Botanic Gardens of Wales, Carmarthen
- Main Building Cardiff University
- Butetown History & Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay
- University of Glamorgan
3. Professional Engagement
Each year events are held which focus on selected areas of clinical and biomedical genetics. Faculty for these events includes experts from Wales together with national and international experts. The events regularly attract participants from around the world and allow dissemination of expertise, provide a forum for networking and showcase areas of expertise in Wales to the wider biomedical community. 
Techniquest
We work with Techniquest, the science discovery centre located in Cardiff Bay to deliver our schools and public engagement programme. Techniquest occupies a purpose-built centre with 150 interactive exhibits, a science theatre and laboratory and complements our output through its mission to engage people with science and motivate them to learn more.
Contact us
The Wales Gene Park
Institute of Medical Genetics
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4XN
Tel: 02920 746940
For enquiries please contact the Education and Engagement Project Manager Angela Burgess: BurgessAM@Cardiff.ac.uk
