Students to help Joondalup longitudinal health study

24/3/06
School students in Perth's Northern Suburbs will have the chance to participate in a groundbreaking study that will monitor the long-term health of Western Australians.
The Schools Outreach and Science Education Program aims to help students demystify the world of genetics and biotechnology by allowing them to participate in the Joondalup Family Health Study.
The longitudinal study being conducted in the Joondalup area is similar to the revolutionary Busselton study, which began in 1966.
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today launched the new Schools Outreach and Science Education Program at Ocean Reef Senior High School.
Ms Ravlich applauded the program for bringing teachers and scientists together so students could engage in the leading edge science being carried out in their suburb.
"The Joondalup study will involve research into genetics and biotechnology, so students will be exposed to the lifestyle and genetic components that affect people's health as they study conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes," she said.
The Minister said the Carpenter Government planned to develop new biotechnology industries in WA and said schools could play a vital role.
"School students of today are our future medical practitioners and researchers - they are also the future decision-makers when it comes to significant matters such as stem cell research," she said.
"This is not only a program that will help WA students be their best; it could have a real impact on people's health."
The program encompasses professional development and curriculum support for teachers to help them incorporate its contents into their teaching modules.
Minister's office: 9213 6800