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Can we bring animals back from extinction?
This panel brought together scientists from across the world to discuss the topic of de-extinction and how far the field of genetics has grown.
From dinosaurs to dodos, woolly mammoths to Tasmanian tigers, many species have become extinct with more likely to follow this path in the near future. Conservation efforts around the world are working hard to stop more species from joining this fate, but what about those that we have already lost? Has science progressed far enough that as well as preventing more from becoming extinct, we could bring these creatures back? Or perhaps more importantly, should we bring them back?
Speakers
The event was hosted by author, documentary filmmaker, broadcaster and National Geographic explorer Lucy Cooke, who was joined by:
- Professor Beth Shapiro, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Professor George Church, Professor of Genetics and Health Sciences, Harvard University
- Professor Mike Benton OBE FRS, Professor of Vertebrate Paleontology, University of Bristol
About British Science Week
British Science Week, run by the British Science Association is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, featuring entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages.