UMBI DNA Day 2019

On 25th April 2019, UMBI organized a DNA Day program as part of its community service effort to foster the interest among general public, particularly secondary school students, in the field of biology. The event also aimed to educate the general public on the importance of DNA in their daily lives, by illustrating its applications in such fields as medicine and forensics. This event was held in conjunction with the World DNA Day celebration to commemorate the discovery of DNA structure by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, to celebrate the completion of Human Genome Project in 2003, as well as to honor recent achievements in genomics research.

 

The UMBI DNA Day program is an annual event of the institute since year 2012. This year, the event was officiated by UMBI Director, Dr. Nor Azian Abdul Murad, and participated by a total of 123 students from nine secondary schools, namely SMA Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, SMK Bandar Tun Razak, SMK Seri Bintang Utara, SMK Dato’ Onn, SMK Cheras, SMK Seri Tasik, SMS Alam Shah, SMS Teluk Intan and SMK Seri Permaisuri.

 

Many activities were organized during the one-day program. The participants were given the opportunity to have a hands-on experience extracting DNA from a fruit using common household items, and to understand how biology research is carried out by getting involved in a guided tour to research laboratories, museum and biobank. The participants were also given a chance to participate in a fun crime-solving game, where they had to identify a criminal using DNA evidence. In addition, several exhibition booths were set up, where the participants could learn about the various applications of DNA in life. We believe that by participating in all these entertaining activities, the participants could appreciate the usefulness of DNA in many aspects of life and inspire them to become future scientists.

 

The UMBI DNA Day program was a great success and was well-received by the participants. We thank all research fellows, postgraduate students and support staff of UMBI for their help in teaching, showing, explaining, demonstrating and interacting with the participants.

 

For more pictures please go to: https://photos.app.goo.gl/qrZih8KbK9c5J7mdA