Big days in science

There are lots of science related national and international days that can serve as a perfect opportunity to bring some focus on genomics topics.

“There are various dates throughout the year where you can try and get a school wide focus on DNA and on genetics. So for example, national DNA Day happens on April 25, a couple of years ago I went and delivered an assembly to every year group about it and we just spoke about DNA and inheritance, and what technology we’ve now got out there, and that certainly got a big discussion going around” – Matt King

There are lots of different international days or months that can provide a good backbone to boosting engagement with genomics. We’ve listed a few different ones here, but would love to know of local or national days that you’ve linked to genomics in the discussion box.

• Tu Bishvat, New Year of Trees (Israel and Jewish communities) – January/February
• International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Worldwide) – 11 February
• Darwin Day (Worldwide) – 12 February
• World Wildlife Day (UN) – 3 March
• Tick Bite Prevention Week (UK), 22-28 March
• National DNA Day (USA) – 25 April
• International Day for Biological Diversity (Worldwide) – 22 May
• RNA Day (Worldwide) – 1 August
• LGBT in STEM Day (UK) – 18 November
• World Antibiotic Awareness Week (UN) – November

These days can also serve as a good opportunity to do cross-department or cross-curricula exploration of genomics and related topics – could you team up with the art department to explore scientific concepts through art and design? Could the history department focus on the history of science that month?

Does your country have any national or local celebration days related to genomics or biology? Have you used these to celebrate genomics in your school?