"Genetically Modified Organisms: Promise and Perils," is the on-the-news theme for the sixth annual Josephine L. Hopkins Foundation science workshop for journalists. The workshop will be held at Cornell University June 22-24. A feature of the workshop will be "hands on" laboratory demonstrations of the latest techniques used in genetic engineering.

The workshop, featuring the latest research into genetic modification in foods, plants and medicine presented by some of the nation's leading researchers, is open to all working science journalists.

The organizers of the Hopkins workshop believe that in order for journalists to write about the biological impacts of genetically modified organisms, it is helpful for them to have an understanding of the genetic basis of the modified trait and its effect on the host organism, the agricultural system -- and the consumer. Thus, in the laboratory sessions, participants will be given a grounding in plant molecular and population genetics. They will be exposed to: (1) characterizing and tracking agriculturally useful genes using genomic technologies, and (2) processing and analyzing DNA sequence and genetic information using tools of bioinformatics.

The workshop will cover three basic areas of the field of genetic modification: basic science, future applications and the political and social issues involved in the increasing use of the technology. Speakers will include Cornell researchers in molecular biology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, nanobiotechnology, economics and food safety.

The workshop is organized by Bruce Lewenstein, professor of science and technology studies and director of the New York Science Education Program; by Peter Bruns, professor of genetics in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics; and by David Brand, senior science editor at the Cornell News Service.

Journalists wishing to attend should call or e-mail David Brand at (607) 255-3651, deb27@cornell.edu for an application form. Completed applications should be accompanied by a non-refundable registration fee of $50 to cover the cost of campus accommodation for three nights, an opening reception and dinner, a banquet, two breakfasts and two lunches. An online registration form and detailed program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.nysep.cornell.edu/hopkins/.