Gene technology is on the move with science commentators, including Walter Isaacson, claiming Genetic Modifications (GM) could impact our society more than social media in the future. The New Zealand government has introduced a new bill that would remove or reduce many uses of gene technology from regulations, creating a faster pathway to environmental release.
In this free talk, come and hear University of Canterbury Professors Tammy Steeves and Jack Heinemann talk about the implications of a deregulated future including whether gene technology could help save threatened species in Aotearoa.
Pieces in the gene technology puzzle
There are multiple components in play regarding the use of genetic technologies. Cultural and societal considerations sit alongside scientific and technological considerations.
Image sourced from Pixabay.
About the speakers
Professor Tammy Steeves is a Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Professor based in the School of Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary processes that contribute to the formation and maintenance of species boundaries, and the application of this knowledge to enhance the recovery of species at risk. Her interdisciplinary team is world-renowned for integrating genomic and non-genomic data to co-develop culturally responsive conservation genetic management strategies for some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rarest taonga species.
Professor Jack Heinemann is a Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Professor based in the School of Biological Sciences. He is the founding director of the Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety at the University of Canterbury. His research interests include Biosafety risk assessment having served for over a dozen years on the United Nations (UN) Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety Expert Group and has taught in the UN Environment Programme’s multi-year biosafety course. He and his team of research students and assistants also study microbial genetics and the effects of environmental sources of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Location: Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Related content
New Zealand’s GE technology reform carries risks and benefits – take a closer look at some of the possible risks and benefits of reforming GE technology in Aotearoa New Zealand in this article republished from The Conversation. At the bottom of this article are links to more related resources on Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao.
