Media alert, 14 July 2023
Genetics is transforming the future of humanity: from medicine to food, sport, culture, the arts, the law, the tree of life and how we’re changing it – for good or bad.
So the International Congress of Genetics starting Sunday 16 July in Melbourne features not just 1,700 delegates from 50 countries, and 70 companies but also:
- Evensong service at St Pauls Cathedral, Sunday 16 July, 4 pm
- Extraordinary women of science – with Nobel Laureate Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, African pioneer Anne Muigai, and Executive Editor of Science Valda Vinson, Monday 17 July
- An oratorio with full orchestra and 100-strong choir on The origins of the universe, of life, of species, of humanity, at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Tuesday 18 July
- Are super athletes born or made? A discussion with footballer Darcy Moore, Olympian Melissa Tapper, and geneticist Kathryn North, led by Tracey Holmes, Wednesday 19 July
- Genetic Rescue of our Fantastic Beasts – forum at Melbourne Museum, Wednesday 19 July
- Are we ready for population-wide DNA screening to find our disease risk, public forum with research leaders led by Natasha Mitchell, Thursday 20 July
- How faith can speak to being humans of the future, a one-day conference, Saturday 22 July.
Media are invited to the opening ceremony, 6 pm Sunday, and to the entire Congress, Monday through Friday with nearly 1,000 talks, presentations and posters.
For accreditation and interviews contact Niall Byrne, [email protected], 0417-131-977, or Sarah Brooker, [email protected], 0413-332-489.
Full Congress program at https://www.icg2023.com.au
Public program details at https://www.icg2023.com.au/public-program
Media releases at https://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/genetics
Read on for more information
A Genetic Evensong celebrating science and faith
We will celebrate the wonder of science and faith, with worship led by the Cathedral Choir, a sermon from Archbishop Philip Freier, prayers, and Scripture readings. Archbishop Freier has supported science:faith dialogue. In 2009 he spoke at another special service at the Cathedral, celebrating Charles Darwin’s 200th birth anniversary. Among several other qualifications, the Archbishop holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science. Find out more at: https://iscast.org/science-faith-evensong
An oratorio on: The origins of the universe, of life, of species, of humanity.
A new oratorio by evolutionary geneticist Jenny Graves, poet Leigh Hay and brilliant Australian composer Nicholas Buc, performed by the Heidelberg Choral Society, full orchestra and fabulous soloists.
A breathtaking libretto inspired by cosmology, evolution, genetics and anthropology describes our origins from the Big Bang to the emergence of humanity. It’s at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Tuesday, 18 July and is sold out.
Women in Science – unique journeys to different peaks
- Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard (Germany) who shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1995 for “discoveries concerning the genetic control of early embryonic development”.
- Anne Muigai (Kenya) who is the joint leader of the African Biogenome Project that aims to sequence the genomes of 100,000 species of plants and animals endemic to Africa.
- Valda Vinson (USA) with a research background in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Valda is the Executive Editor of the Science journals published by AAAS.
- Moderated by Jen Martin, award winning science communicator, radio host, teacher and ecologist.
https://www.icg2023.com.au/women-in-science
Are super athletes born or made?
A discussion with footballer Darcy Moore, Olympian Melissa Tapper, and geneticist Kathryn North, led by Tracey Holmes.
From cultural norms to scientific factors, the field of sports is a complex and fascinating arena. Whether you're an Olympic weightlifter or a basketball player, your genetics can give you an edge, but it’s not the only factor at play. Family support, economic status, coaching, training and diet also make a difference. At MCEC Wednesday 19 July from 5:30-6:30pm. Wednesday 19 July, https://www.icg2023.com.au/genetics-vs-sport
Population DNA screening for disease risk is coming – what you need to know
DNA screening for risk of disease that can be prevented or treated (like some cancers or heart disease) is being offered to 10,000 Australians (18-40yo) though the DNA Screen pilot study.
This testing could save lives, but there are many ethical and societal issues to consider. Are Australians ready for this kind of testing?
Would you take the test? What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks? How does this compare to international approaches?
A conversation with Paul Lacaze and Jane Tiller from Monash University and Nancy Cox from Vanderbilt University. Hosted by Natasha Mitchell, presenter of ABC Radio National's Big Ideas program and podcast. https://www.icg2023.com.au/population-dna-screening
Future Forums: The Genetic Rescue of our Fantastic Beasts
Hear from experts leading ground-breaking advancements in genetics to save critically endangered species from extinction.
Join the conversation to explore cutting-edge research into genetics and genomics, and learn how these innovations can preserve genetic diversity, restore populations of endangered animals and protect the precious biodiversity of our planet. See the Fantastic Beasts exhibition before the conversation. https://www.icg2023.com.au/future-forums
The Scientific & Spiritual Human
A one-day conference exploring how faith can speak to being humans of the future (gene editing, human enhancement, etc.), and humans of the earth (biodiversity, caring for the planet, etc). https://www.icg2023.com.au/the-scientific-spiritual-human.
Contact details:
For accreditation and interviews contact Niall Byrne, [email protected], 0417-131-977, or Sarah Brooker, [email protected], 0413-332-489.
Full Congress program at https://www.icg2023.com.au
Public program details at https://www.icg2023.com.au/public-program
Media releases at https://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/genetics
