Talks and shows

Back from the brink: Genetics in plant conservation

The 2022 Genetics Society JBS Haldane Lecturer is Michael Fay.

Hans Toom via Pixabay

Genetic studies play a role in many aspects of life in the 21st century. One role is informing conservation policy.

Join Michael Fay as he explores the conservation of the native lady’s slipper orchid, the genetics of plants that have been studied across a wide range of species, and how this has helped scientists make conservation recommendations

In this talk, discover how a plant, once thought to be extinct in England, is part of a long-running conservation project.

The JBS Haldane Lecture recognises an individual for outstanding ability to communicate topical subjects in genetics research, widely interpreted, to an interested lay audience. This speaker will have a flair for conveying the relevance and excitement of recent advances in genetics in an informative and engaging way.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

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For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Michael Fay

Michael Fay with a lizard orchid.
via Michael Fay

Michael Fay graduated from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, in Genetics and Plant Breeding, and then carried out research on genetic resources in clover for his PhD at the Welsh Plant Breeding Station (now Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University).

After two years working for the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux International as a Scientific Information Officer, he moved to Kew (where he still works) in 1986, as Head of the Micropropagation Unit.

In 1995, he established a program in Conservation Genetics in the Jodrell Laboratory. Subsequently, he became Head of Genetics, and is now Senior Research Leader in Conservation Genetics and Molecular Ecology.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

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Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

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