Interactive website engaging young people with genetics now live

30 January 2009. BY THE WELLCOME TRUST

An innovative blend of fact and fiction, drama and documentary, Routes is a groundbreaking exploration of genetics and bioethics that uses a variety of platforms to engage a young audience.

Developed by Oil Productions for the Wellcome Trust and Channel 4 Education, Routes centres on the story of comedian Katherine Ryan as she submits herself to a series of genetic tests. Related content, including games and challenges, will expose teenagers to the big question "Why am I me?" and will help debunk the idea that we are solely the result of our genes.

Routes will enable visitors to engage with serious issues in a stimulating way: it will introduce figures like Darwin and Dawkins, and principles such as determinism, while being sociable, fun, exciting and absorbing.

How much do genes affect personality? Is there such a thing as a 'gay gene'? What can your genes tell you about your risk of disease? Katherine will have to make some difficult decisions about how much she really wants to know what's hidden in her genes. Her journey will be documented over eight weeks, in four-minute instalments on the Routes site.

Each episode will be accompanied by a compelling flash game or 'community challenge' based on an aspect of genetics. Playing the games and engaging with other content on the site will allow users to amass points. The highest scorers each week will be entered into a draw to win a PlayStation 3, with a mystery star prize for the best players over the whole season.

Routes is an engaging and informative destination in its own right, but it is also the portal to a fully immersive thriller that unfolds across a variety of platforms including web, mobile and live theatrical events. Users will be able to become part of the narrative, helping to shape the story rather than simply watching events online.

Routes is part of the Wellcome Trust's activities to celebrate the bicentenary of Charles Darwin in 2009.