OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has been partnering with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology since 2009. Over the years, they have worked to create several citizen-science programs that bring in people over 50 who are curious about scientific research, but have never had the chance to try it. In 2023, OLLI will be partnering with different researchers across the Illinois campus to introduce a new workshop “What’s in my blood? Genomics Testing and You.”

Since the inception of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, its slogan has been “where science meets society.” This highlights the institute’s deep commitment both past and present to communicate the research and discoveries happening at the IGB with the public, and promote scientific thinking to encourage a new diverse generation of scientists and science-informed citizens. “We established a comprehensive outreach program within a few years of opening the IGB, for several reasons,” said IGB Director Gene Robinson (GNDP).

Where Science Meets Society

The IGB embraces the concept of "Where Science Meets Society," and hosts events intended to raise the awareness of the transformative research taking place at the Institute, and also to facilitate the interaction between IGB members and the greater community.

Massive Online Open Course (MOOC)

How relevant are obscure-sounding topics such as cell division, genomics of plant breeding, and bioengineering for the daily lives of a group of local community members?

Collaborative Learning: The OLLI Citizen Scientist Program

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program helps senior citizens explore new callings

Albert Himoe stands in front of a cluttered lab bench and holds a plastic tube up to the light, looking for the small mass of DNA clinging to the side of the tube. It looks like a dry wad of mucus.

Where Science Meets Society

The IGB embraces the concept of "Where Science Meets Society," and hosts events intended to raise the awareness of the transformative research taking place at the Institute, and also to facilitate the interaction between IGB members and the greater community.

Massive Online Open Course (MOOC)