Upcoming Event: Seeing the Art in Science

NEW YORK - June 9, 2015 - PRLog -- Genomics, the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, has been one of the most significant developments in science over the past 25 years. Genomics provides indispensable technologies and concepts to help solve a myriad of scientific challenges, a common language that facilitates connections between researchers with diverse academic backgrounds, and an unprecedented opportunity to engage with, and improve, the well-being of our society. The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to the development and application of genomic science. On Tuesday, June 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., please join us at the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) in New York as we open an exhibition produced by high-end Carl Zeiss Microscopy equipment and other instrumentation and listen to expert panelists speak about the connection between art and science. The speakers will provide an overview of genomics as well as the history of the art of science and artistically enhancing images.

Kathryn Faith Coulter, Senior Multimedia Designer at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) at the University of Illinois, will discuss her role as the managing artist for the Institute’s Art of Science collection, now in its fifth year. Ms. Coulter works with researchers from the IGB to select and artistically enhance images for the exhibit. Her work bridges art and science, capturing the public’s attention and inviting them to learn more about the research that produced these images.

Ms. Coulter will be joined by Dr. Glenn Fried, Director of Core Facilities, the state-of-the-art resources for biological microscopy and image analysis housed at the IGB. He will explain how the Core Facilities provides IGB faculty as well as faculty from across campus with the tools and expertise to meet their imaging goals. These images are showcased in the Art of Science exhibit, highlighting scientific breakthroughs, collaborative research, and the beauty of discovery.

Dr. Lisa Stubbs, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois, will describe how she uses mouse genetics and comparative genomics to explore how gene regulatory machinery has evolved in vertebrate species. She believes that changes in transcription factor repertoires and regulatory rewiring of deeply conserved genes can explain biological differences between species and individuals in a population. Dr. Stubbs is thus focused on mechanisms of genome evolution, including the effect of genome rearrangements, gene duplication, and gene loss on gene regulation during development and differentiation.

Dr. Kirk Czymmek, Director of North American Applications and Labs at Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, will moderate the discussion. With over 20 years of advanced microscopy experience, Dr. Czymmek has expertise in most forms of advanced light and electron microscopy techniques. His work has focused on developing and applying cutting-edge microscopy tools for imaging cells, tissues, and soft materials.

This panel discussion and exhibition opening will take place on Tuesday, June 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the German Center for Research and Innovation (871 United Nations Plaza, First Avenue, btw. 48^th & 49^th Streets). To RSVP by June 12, click here (http://www.jotformpro.com/form/51475761583968).

Unable to attend? Follow @gcri_ny (https://twitter.com/gcri_ny) and the hashtag #genomics for live tweets. A video recording will be available on www.germaninnovation.org shortly after the event.

This event is co-sponsored by the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) and Carl Zeiss Microscopy.

The German Center for Research and Innovation (http://www.germaninnovation.org/) provides information and support for the realization of cooperative and collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21^st century, GCRI hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, GCRI was created as a cornerstone of the German government’s initiative to internationalize science and research and is one of five centers worldwide.