- Location: St Enochs Church Lounge, 14 Centennial Ave, Alexandra
- Start Date: Friday 25th Sep, 2026.
- End Date: Friday 25th Sep, 2026.
- Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm.
- 1 Weeks.
- 2 hours per week.
U3A Alexandra - Helping Things with Genomics
Speaker: Peter Dearden
Peter Dearden trained as an evolutionary developmental biologist focusing on the evolution of traits in insects. During his career he has worked on many species but became fascinated
by bees and their ability to produce different phenotypes in response to their environment. Peter has turned that interest into leading international publications and a research programme that
support the bee-keeping industry and develops new technologies for the control of pest insects.
Peter developed the application for, and is co-Director of, Genomics Aotearoa, an MBIE funded national network, that is the two research grant the University of Otago has received, and the longest-running research contract from MBIE. Genomics Aotearoa aims to improve the use and value of genomics in New Zealand and involves 10 CRI and University partners and funds an Indigenous Genomics Platform that provides support to communities wanting to use genomic technology. Genomics Aotearoa, after a first 7-year term, has just been re-funded after a strategic refresh led by Peter.
Peter is a Distinguished Professor, and HOD, in the Biochemistry Department and teaches at all levels of the University. Peter has been awarded the Callaghan Medal from the RSNZ for Science Communication, funded and built Lab-in-a-box, and is often asked to comment in the media on genetics and evolution matters.
Peter is going to talk about genomics, genetics and genomes, and how we can use them to help native species, primary production and ourselves.
