The University of Dundee is to offer the public an exciting chance to get a little closer to the pioneering research that has been made possible by human gene mapping.
For the first time, the University will open the doors of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Post-Genomics and Molecular Interactions, where scientists are working to harness the wealth of data gathered from genome sequencing projects to accelerate biomedical research.
The centre is a suite of purpose built laboratories within the Wellcome Trust Biocentre equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in four key areas - Bioinformatics, Proteomics, DNA-Microarrays and Molecular Interactions - and is just one of several venues to be included in Scotland's Doors Open Day on September 21.
From the historic splendour of the Geddes Quandrangle to the contemporary and powerful design of the Wellcome Trust Biocentre, a diverse range of buildings around the University's city centre campus will be opened to visitors, free of charge.
A series of guided tours will take place at the £14 million Wellcome Trust Biocentre. Physically joined to and integrated with the University of Dundee's Medical Sciences Institute, the WTB houses some 400 School of Life Sciences researchers and support staff.
In addition to Post-Genomics and Molecular Interactions, visitors will have the chance to tour the Wellcome Trust Centre for High Resolution Imaging, home to one of the world's most powerful microscopes.
Pat Whatley, the University's head archivist is co-ordinating the University's Doors Open days. She will be inviting visitors to look round the Archives Department in the Tower Building, where the University holds many historically significant documents and artefacts including the biggest collection of textile records in Europe and the Michael Peto photo-journalist collection.
There will also be the chance to view the University's specialist paper conservation facilities at the Conservation Unit which works on historically significant paper-based material from museums, libraries, archives and private individuals from the whole of the UK. Visitors are invited to bring in their own cherished items, from books and letters to prints and photographs for free advice on how to care for them. The tour takes place at 11am. To book call 01382 344094.
Pat said, "The Doors Open Days not only offer the public the chance to see buildings of historical significance, but those which are of general architectural significance, such as the Tower Building, and those where important and innovative work is carried out, such as in the Wellcome Trust Biocentre. The event should help people appreciate the work that has gone into, and the work that goes on inside, some of Dundee's most familiar buildings."
To complement the event, the University's Museums Curator Matthew Jarron will be conducting a series of campus tours. The campus includes many interesting historic buildings, rarely seen by the public. Starting in the Geddes Quadrangle, Matthew will lead guided tours around the campus and describe some of the people and events which shape the University College in its early years. Tours take place on Saturday at 11.00am and 3.00pm. For a full list of tour times at the University and around the rest of Dundee, visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk
Doors Open at the University of Dundee
University of Dundee Historic Campus Tours Tours on Saturday 21 Sept at 11.00am and 3.00pm. Telephone Dundee 433558 to book.
Wellcome Trust Centre for High Resolution Imaging Old Hawkhill Access only by pre-booked tour, at 10.00, 11.00am and 12.00 noon. Telephone Dundee 345828 to book.
Dundee Contemporary Arts - University of Dundee Visual Research Centre The VRC's production facilities are included in the DCA behind the scenes tours at 2.00pm.
Wellcome Trust Post-Genomics and Molecular Interactions Old Hawkhil Access only by pre-booked tour, at 10.00, 11.00am and 12.00 noon. Telephone Dundee 345828 to book.
University of Dundee Archives Tower Building Access only by pre-booked guided tours at 10.30am, 11.30 and 12.30pm. Telephone Dundee 433558 to book.
Wellcome Trust Biocentre Old Hawkhill Access by pre-booked tour only, at 10.00, 11.00am and 12.00 noon. Telephone Dundee 345828 to book.
University of Dundee Library Conservation Unit Main Library Peter's Lane / Small's Wynd Access by pre-booked tour only, at 10.00 and 11.00am. Telephone Dundee 344094 (9.00am-2.00pm weekdays only) to book.
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk