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Seminar
NB: This Seminar has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled - date TBA.
"Harnessing biodiversity genomics to understand and conserve species"
| Time: Date: Venue: Presenter: |
11.00am - 12.30pm Thursday 3 May, 2012 Conference Room, NSW DPI, Pine Gully Road, Wagga Wagga Dr. Andrew Lowe Professor of Plant Conservation Biology, University of Adelaide, Centre Director for Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity |
Abstract
Biodiversity currently faces some of the greatest challenges in the history of the earth, with the impacts of habitat clearance, invasive species and climate change.
Yet at the same time we now have unparalleled access to information on the genomes of species. This talk presents the revolutionising effect that the increasing access to genomics information has had on our ability to understand and conserve species, and which is needed now more than at any other point in time. Prepare for an intellectual ride across a broad range of genomic applications to improve the fate of the earths biodiversity, including:
attempts to discover the 12 million plus species on earth using DNA barcoding- using genetic labels to monitor the trade in illegally harvested species so that consumers can make an ethical choice
- valuing of species and ecosystems using genomics data to prioritise conservation
- developing strategies to increase the adaptive potential and resilience of species and ecosystems
This talk is designed to be a good news story about what the field of biodiversity genomics is doing to develop tools to reverse the decline of species.
Dr Andrew Lowe - Professional Summary
Professor Andrew Lowe is Chair in Plant Conservation Biology and Director of the Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity at the University of Adelaide, and Head of Science within the Science Resource Centre for the South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Andrew's predominant research interest is 'how do plants survive and adapt to anthropomorphized landscapes?' He leads a group applying ecological and genomic analyses, to understand and develop management strategies for a range of landscapes; historical, contemporary and future; intact, fragmented and exploited. Andrew is passionate about communicating science, particularly the threats and solutions to biodiversity pressures.
For further information about this seminar please contact:
- Professor Leslie Weston, T: 02 6933 2429 E:leweston@csu.edu.au