The screening event for Ken Burns’ The Gene: An Intimate History at Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center has been rescheduled as a virtual event Wednesday, May 27 at 4pm.

The Gene: An Intimate History screening and discussion

Rescheduled as a Virtual Event May 27

Join us for a Ken Burns: “The Gene: An Intimate History” Virtual Panel Discussion and Educational Event, on Wednesday, May 27 from 4 to 5 pm on OVEE. In partnership with Roswell Park and Western New York STEM Hub, Buffalo Toronto Public Media will host a virtual screening event and panel discussion around the key topics addressed in the Ken Burns and Barak Goodman documentary, “The Gene: An Intimate History.”

“The Gene: An Intimate History” is a major new four-hour documentary from Burns and Goodman, adapted from the award-winning book of the same name by Pulitzer Prize winning author Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee.

The series tells the story of the rapid evolution of genetic science from Gregor Mendel’s groundbreaking experiment in the 19th century to CRISPR, and the hope that newfound powers to alter DNA with pinpoint precision will transform the treatment of some of the world’s most complex and challenging diseases. The series also tackles the daunting ethical challenges that these technologies pose for humankind. The program premiered on WNED PBS in April.

Join us for a free screening and discussion on Wednesday, May 27 from 4 to 5pm. The virtual event will consist of segments from the four hour documentary. Following the screening, a moderated panel discussion featuring Roswell Park experts will highlight Western New York’s signature contributions to the world’s understanding of human genetics.

Virtual Screening and Discussion

Wednesday, May 27

4-5pm

Free

Roswell Park panelists include:

• Richard Hershberger, PhD, MBA, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Educational Affairs
• Irwin Gelman, PhD, Director of Research Integration, Distinguished Professor of Oncology, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics
• Richard Koya, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology, Associate Director, Center for Immunotherapy, Director, Vector Development & Production Facility

“The Gene: An Intimate History” Panel Discussion and Educational Event is presented in partnership Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and WNY STEM Hub.

“The Gene: An Intimate History” is a major new four-hour documentary from Burns and Goodman, adapted from the award-winning book of the same name by Pulitzer Prize winning author Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee.

The series tells the story of the rapid evolution of genetic science from Gregor Mendel’s groundbreaking experiment in the 19th century to CRISPR, and the hope that newfound powers to alter DNA with pinpoint precision will transform the treatment of some of the world’s most complex and challenging diseases. The series also tackles the daunting ethical challenges that these technologies pose for humankind.

Roswell Park is a leading cancer facility right in our own backyard. Involving Roswell Park in this initiative will allow WNED PBS, Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s PBS station, to expand reach to a larger audience of researchers, physicians, students, educators, and patients on a topic that affects everyone. With more than one in three Americans developing cancer during their lifetime and one in five expected to die from cancer, and in a diverse region that includes many medically disparate populations, educating audiences about the role of genetics in cancer and highlighting opportunities for risk reduction or cancer prevention are of significant community interest and priority.

With WNY STEM Hub’s network, this project will also strengthen Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s engagement with the educational and STEM field communities, ensuring that a broad range of stakeholders will be a part of this conversation. Cross-generational learning opportunities also exist, such as having students interview genetic counselors or researchers.

The series premiered on WNED PBS April 2020.