In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Wellcome Sanger Institute is going to decode the DNA of 25 UK species for the first time…and you can vote to decide 5 of them!

From 6th November – 8th December, a team of scientists and wildlife experts will each champion a species they think should have its entire DNA sequence decoded, competing for votes from students and the general public.

The Dangerous Zone

Some species are invasive and harmful. They could spread disease, prey on smaller organisms or contribute to the declining population of another organism by competing for food.

The Species

 

Turkey Oak | Championed by Mark Winfield

‘A family of large and impressive trees; some of my cousins were used to make Viking longships ships.’

 

 

 

Oak Apple Gallwasp | Championed by Graham Stone and Mark Blaxter

‘I can make an oak tree grow completely new parts that feed, house and protect me from harm.’

 

 

 

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish | Championed by Zak Mitchell and Alex Evans

‘I have venomous stingers, so it’s probably best to avoid hugging me!’

 

 

 

Leathery Sea Squirt | Championed by Claire Shooter

‘I’m a like a mighty viking in sea squirt form!’

 

 

 

Giant Hogweed | Championed by Sakshi Sharda

‘I’m Britains most toxic plant, but my genome holds secrets to how my toxins can be used to prevent pests to produce more food for the world.’

 

 

 

Daubenton’s Bat | Championed by Lisa Worledge

‘I can fly like a hovercraft close the surface of the water gaffing insects with my big hairy feet!’

 

 

 

Asian Hornet | Championed by Seirian Summer and team

‘Your poor European honeybees are rather pathetic at fighting us, I have to say.’

 

 

The Schools

• Alexandra Park School
• Beechen Cliff School
• Blackrock College
• Cawthorne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
• Chryston High School
• Colin Powell Middle School
• Douglas Community School
• Dunblane High School
• Ernesford Grange Community Academy
• Gildredge House
• Irchester Community Primary School
• Jamiatul Ummah School
• King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
• Lagan College
• Lochgilphead High School
• Parmiter’s School
• Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School
• Sheringham High School
• St Andrew’s Secondary School
• St Mark’s CofE Primary School
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Morecambe
• St Mary’s School for Girls
• Sycamore Elementary School
• The Highfield School
• Thomas Alleyne’s High School
• Trinity Church of England School, Belvedere

 

Teachers: remember to book your Live Chat here