Genome Alberta Genomics Award

There are three separate awards sponsored by Genome Alberta, one elementary award, one junior award, and one senior award.

General Criteria: Related to genetic or hereditary traits of micro-organisms, plants, animals and humans. It can also include studies of protiens or cells, therapies for human disease or of informatics relating to genetic sequences. This award is for elementary projects.

Elementary: While it is preferred that the project have some relevance to the area of genomics it is recognized that students at this level will probably not have sufficient knowledge to develop an experimental project. Projects should include some relevant knowledge of biology and the impact of genetics.

Junior: It is expected that students at this level will have a good knowledge of the area of Genomics. Projects may include genetic or hereditary traits of microorganisms, plants, animals and humans. They could also include studies of proteins, cells or tissues, therapies for human, plant or animal disease or a high quality report relating to genetic sequences.

Recognizing that experimental projects in this area are rare, it is acceptable to award a top project which reflects a good knowledge and application of the area of genetics, if no others are available. All projects
should comply with the expectations of Youth Science Canada and the ERSF on the use of animals in experimentation.

Senior: At this level, the student(s) should have an excellent knowledge of the area of Genomics. Projects may include genetic or hereditary traits of microorganisms, plants, animals and humans. They could also include studies of proteins, cells or tissues, therapies for human, plant or animal disease or a high quality report relating to genetic sequences. Projects on controversial topics such as genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) or stem cells are also eligible, but should be judged as being of high scientific excellence. All projects should comply with the expectations of Youth Science Canada and the ERSF on the use of animals in experimentation.