Genetically Informative Investigation of Creativity Across Domains and Cultures project
Creativity is a prerequisite for innovations which are essential capital in modern, technological societies. This project is taking an ambitious aim by investigating creativity comprehensively in many levels. We look for answers to the structure of creativity and its links to intelligence and personality. These are important topics that have implications for education. For example, would exporting Art & Design teaching pedagogies to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) enhance creativity in these fields? Or perhaps even more importantly, is creativity similar in these two educational areas? Results from this research are useful for talent selection and development also in work environments. InLab is providing an excellent platform for this interdisciplinary project and among many other methods, we will include behavioural genetic analyses to evaluate genetic influences on several aspects of creativity. To make this project even more exciting, we will conduct cross-cultural investigations on creativity.
The International Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Study
This project employs a variety of methods to explore the current level of understanding of genetics and genetic research across populations. Fears and concerns about genetics will also be evaluated so that justified and unjustified concerns can be separated and addressed accordingly. The International Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Survey (iGLAS) is available in 7 different languages and has been completed by some 13,000 participants. With the understanding gained from this empirical evaluation, evidence-based learning and teaching materials will be developed and evaluated to improve public engagement in this vital and changing area of science and society. This forms part of the wider work of “The Accessible Genetics Consortium”, an international and concerted effort by genetics researchers to make genetics accessible to as broad an audience as possible. In addition to the website www.tagc.world, TAGC also runs CPD training for teachers as well as the very popular public engagement events: “Genes & Tonic.”
Genetically Informative Study Into Early Child Development
The purpose of the IVF project is to study the effect of genetic, pre- and postnatal environmental factors on child health and mental development. Data on biological (DNA, trace elements), socio-emotional and physical characteristics of parents and children are collected prospectively starting from pregnancy. The project combines the traditional longitudinal method with a novel design based on families in which children were conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Children conceived by homologous IVF, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation and surrogacy differ in the extent to which they share genes with their parents. By employing an IVF design it is possible to disentangle not only the relative effects of genetic and environmental factors on development, but to parse the environment into prenatal and postnatal components. We also aim to identify specific genetic polymorphisms and describe the epigenetic processes involved in the development of cognitive, emotional and behavioural characteristics of children.
Multi-cohort Investigations into Learning and Educational Success project
The Multi-cohort Investigation into Learning and Educational Success (MILES) is an ongoing longitudinal research project.
MILES aims to further our understanding of how psychological, cognitive and experiential factors interact in shaping students’ learning experiences, wellbeing and academic success. For more, click here
