Are you a grade 11or 12 student who wonders what it would be like to do cutting-edge genetic research, to study how genes work and to search for cures for diseases such as cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes or heart disease? Here is a chance to find out!

Students from across Canada are invited to apply for Gene Researcher for a Week - the Ramon Hnatyshyn Youth in Science Initiative. This program places high school students, during their spring break week, in the genetic research labs of some of Canada's top scientists.

Why should you apply?

For a chance to learn about COOL TECHNOLOGY
Do you wonder what those guys on TV shows or in the movies are doing with DNA? Here's your chance to learn! While in the lab, researching the genetic basis of disease, you may be have the opportunity to work with DNA, RNA or protein, DNA isolation and purification, PCR, SDS-PAGE, gel electrophoresis, sequencing and Western blotting.

This is a TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
A maximum of 30 students will be chosen from across Canada to spend their spring break in the lab of one of Canada's leading gene researchers. You will work side-by-side with scientists, graduate students and technicians to plan and carry out experiments. You will attend lab meetings, become a member of the team and get a first-hand look at what it is like to work at a hospital or research institute.

We COVER YOUR EXPENSES
Selected students will receive a meal and transportation allowance. Those students requiring air travel will receive a travel bursary and boarding in addition to the meal and transportation allowance.

For more information or to apply, visit http://www.cgdn.ca/eng/training/researcher.html and fill out the on-line application. If you have additional questions, please e-mail Megan Airton at [email protected]. Deadline for application is December 31st, 2003.