Sequence to Survival: Using Genomics to Save Biodiversity
A Free Public Symposium
Thursday, May 1, 2025 Merrill Cultural Center, UC Santa Cruz Main Campus Doors open at 12:30 PM | Program begins at 1:00 PM
Genomics — the science of reading and interpreting DNA — is transforming how we understand, track, and protect life on Earth. Join us for an afternoon of discovery at the forefront of conservation science, featuring researchers from UC Santa Cruz using the tools of modern genetics to protect the species and ecosystems we love.
Keynote Speaker: Beth Shapiro Chief Science Officer, Colossal Biosciences and Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz
As Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences, the company that recently brought the dire wolf back from extinction, Beth Shapiro is at the cutting edge of genomic science. Her talk will explore what the science of de-extinction is teaching us about saving the species we still have.
Following the keynote, Beth will join a fireside conversation with Wise Ancestors about doing conservation genomics ethically and collaboratively, including how this science can be conducted in genuine partnership with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
After the talks, guests will be able to tour tables of live demos and talk with lead researchers at some of the top labs for conservation genomics in the nation. Come curious and ready to talk science with the people doing it! More details to come.
Schedule
12:30 PM — Doors open
1:00 PM — Welcome remarks
1:20 PM — Keynote: Beth Shapiro
2:10 PM — Fireside chat with Wise Ancestors, moderated by Rachel Meyer
3:00 PM — Refreshments & science fair showcase
4:45 PM — Closing remarks