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Prizes and Competitions

Gene Researcher for a Week

The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation is pleased to announce that applications will be accepted for the 2010 Gene Researcher for a Week Program November 15, 2009  through January 8, 2010. 
Funded in part by the Canadian Institute Health Research, Institute of Genetics and the NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada), the Foundation selects motivated and ambitious students in grades 11 and 12 who have an innate curiosity for science, human genetics, and human genetics research. This year we will accept up to 30 students into the program.

The program offers high school students:
1.      The opportunity for a hands-on learning experience in the field of genetic research 
Students gain insight into the world of genetic diseases by conducting real, hands-on scientific experiments (i.e. DNA isolation, PCTR, gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, cell culture and ELISA assays). Participants may also learn how genes cause human genetic disorders and how top scientists translate these findings into treatments and cures for genetic diseases.
 
2.   The opportunity to work in one of Canada’s top genetic research laboratories
These students are placed in labs of influential Canadian scientists for one week over Spring Break. This experience gives young students what many have called “a life changing experience”.  The GRFAW mentoring program is a great opportunity for young scientists to learn about human genetics research and connect with some Canada’s best researchers.

3.      The opportunity develop a network of high potential peers
Student gene researchers are bright, talented and highly motivated individuals.  By participating in the program, they will have an opportunity to meet people in their host lab and institution. Some labs will host more than one student, providing a further opportunity to network with other students. 
 
4.      The unique opportunity to learn about the many exciting career paths in science and genetics
 
Through the Science Teachers in the schools, it is our hope that motivated science students across Canada have ready access to this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Please encourage your students that are eligible to apply; application will be posted at www.genecure.ca on November 15, 2009

Science and Technology Week

Science and Technology Week: October, 2009. More details available at Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Events include:

  • Family Science Olympics (Oct. in Medicine Hat)
  • Iron Science Teacher Challenge (Oct. in Calgary)
  • Rock and Fossil Clinic (Oct. in Edmonton)
  • Spaghetti Bridge Building Competition (Oct. in Edmonton)
  • Fossil Making Workshop (Oct. in Edmonton)
  • Volcanoes: Can't Live Without Them (Oct. in Edmonton)
  • HYRS Gairdner Awardees Lecture (Oct. in Edmonton)
  • HYRS Gairdner Awardees Lecture (Oct. in Calgary)

Be a Food Researcher for a Week

·        The program is aimed at Aboriginal (Métis, First Nations and Inuit) students in Grades 11 and 12, with an aptitude in science and an interest in the field of food science and nutrition.
·        Participants will spend a week in March 2010 working in a participating university laboratory (locations across Canada)
·        Students will gain hands-on experience in the lab as part of a research team. 
·        Students will take their experiences and new knowledge back to their community and peers.

All information, including a participant video from our inaugural year, can be found at http://www.afmnet.ca/verna-kirkness/programDescription.html