Precision Medicine and Ancestry

Dr Geoff Chambers is a Biochemist and Molecular Biologist who joined the academic staff at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University Wellington in 1985.  He developed strong research programmes in wildlife conservation and human molecular genetics. Starting from forensic DNA profiling technology and extending to work on blood groups and tissue transplantation, the data from his research have far-reaching implications for the scientific understanding of Pacific Island health issues.
 
Starting 5,000 years ago from the island of Taiwan, the Austronesian people have dispersed to settle many places in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.  Along the way they developed the characteristic Lapita culture and interacted with other voyagers.  Their descendants now number around 350 million worldwide.
 
Geoff will explain how modern genetic studies, including those of his team of colleagues, can serve to inform our understanding of these events in relation to exciting new opportunities delivered by precision medicine. Please come along!
 

Join the Wellington Branch

We hope to see you at Professor Chambers’ lecture. If you wish to attend more such interesting lectures and discussions about important issues, please join the Wellington Branch. You can join through our website, and you will be very welcome.