Science on Wheels at HealthFest 2003 on the National Mall
| WHAT: | Two traveling interactive exhibits that offer a glimpse into how science and biotechnology are shaping our future and affecting our lives will be on display at HealthFest 2003. Held on the National Mall, HealthFest 2003 is a free two-day educational event bringing together more than 100 patient advocacy groups, healthcare providers, volunteer health organizations and the area's leading biotechnology companies to offer visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn about preventative care, healthcare and the future of medicine and biotechnology. Sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry organization (BIO), HealthFest is the annual kick-off" for the world's largest biotechnology industry event - the BIO 2003 annual convention. HealthFest is designed to educate the general public, elected officials, industry stakeholders and other key constituencies about the latest medical research and therapies as well as raise awareness of local health services and patient advocacy groups. NASA's Space Station Imagination will show visitors what it's like to live and work on board the International Space Station - the international laboratory orbiting 250 miles above the Earth at 17, 500 mph. Two 48-foot trailers joined together in an L-shape form the exhibit through which visitors will learn about research, including health-related experiments that draw on biotechnology, that are conducted in space. In addition, the exhibit shows "earthlings" how astronauts live and work in space for long periods of time. Astronaut Roger Crouch will be at HealthFest to answer questions about his experiences in space. Visitors can take part in hands-on biotech and health-related experiments on board one of the four state-of-the-art mobile laboratories traveling from across the United States. Part of the MobileLab Coalition, these laboratories travel from school to school to provide laboratory and computer facilities to students. Attendees can participate in a variety of experiments that are based on real-world applications of biotechnology. The Biotechnology Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to educate young people about biotechnology, was instrumental in bringing the mobile laboratories to HealthFest 2003 and looks forward to working with the MobileLab Coalition to teach students biotechnology. |
| WHEN: | Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day |
| WHERE: | HealthFest 2003, on the National Mall, between 3rd and 4th Street |
| WHY: | Biotechnology has the potential to enhance the way we live. From helping farmers in developing countries combat the perils of drought, plant diseases and low crop yields to finding cures for lethal diseases, biotechnology applications carry the promise of improving our lives and futures. Visitors to HealthFest will learn about the latest trends, developments and discoveries in the ever-evolving and miraculous world of science and biotechnology. In addition, area health providers and information groups will be available to share information on community services and programs with the public. ABOUT HEALTHFEST: |