Date: 10-11 January, 2022. Full programme below.

Location: Online.

Audience: Senior Christian Leaders

From Reading to Writing Genes brought together attendees from across the Church with world-leading scientists, explored issues related to genetic medicines and technologies, and asked how genetics are important for understanding our humanity.

Prof Kathy Niakan is a group leader at the Francis Crick Institute and an expert in human developmental and stem cell biology. She is Mary Marshall and Arthur Walton Professor of Reproductive Physiology at the University of Cambridge, Director of the Centre for Trophoblast Research and Chair of Cambridge Reproduction.

 

Dr Robin Lovell-Badge, CBE FRS FMedSci is senior group leader and Head of the Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics at the Francis Crick Institute. He is most famous for his discovery, along with Peter Goodfellow, of the SRY gene on the Y-chromosome that is the determinant of sex in mammals.

 

Dr Celia Deane-Drummond is Senior Research Fellow in Theology at Campion Hall, Oxford. She began her career with a degree in natural sciences from the University of Cambridge, followed by a doctorate and postdoctoral and teaching experience in plant physiology. She is co-editor of the international journal Philosophy, Theology and the Sciences, and Trustee of the International Society for Science and Religion.

 

Dr Philip Ball is a science writer. He worked at Nature for over 20 years, first as an editor for physical sciences and then as a Consultant Editor. His writings on science have covered topical issues including race, genetics and genetic reductionism.

 

 

 

Revd Dr Brendan McCarthy is the National Advisor on Medical Ethics and Health and Social Care Policy for the Church of England. He has contributed to At the End of the Day: Church of England Perspectives on End of Life Issues and is a priest in the Church of Ireland.

 

 

Revd Dr Lucas Mix has a PhD in evolutionary biology from Harvard. His past work includes research on astrobiology and historical life concepts. A priest in the Episcopal Church (USA), he is Project Co-ordinator for ECLAS and is currently on secondment as the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation in Washington DC.