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Melbourne Forum gives you access to the highest level of expertise and real-world lessons that our conversation leaders – all with a reputation for excellence – bring to the table under the Chatham House rule.
We are committed to providing a platform for, and the increased visibility of, diverse voices.
With varied formats (in-person or virtual; conversation leader or members engaging with each other; learning from experts or new experiences) there are multiple ways to participate.
Explore our upcoming program of events and forums.
- This event has passed.
Editing humanity – ethical issues (Waiting list only sorry)
- Members' Lunch with Dr Alan Trounson
Hosted by:
October 14, 2015 @ 11:30 pm - October 15, 2015 @ 1:00 am
The world's biodiversity is decreasing, human populations are continuously expanding and global climate change is impacting. It is likely that pandemics will also increase in volume and severity. Can science and technology protect our species survival? Do we need, or want, gene editing in the mix?
Alan Trounson, MSc, PhD, Dr, LLD, FRCOG, FANZCOG, FATSE
Emeritus Professor Monash University
Distinguished Scientist, Hudson Institute for Medical Research
Alan was President of Californian Institute for Regenerative Medicine (for 6.5 years; 2007-2014) the Californian state’s $3 billion stem cell agency driving research in stem cell biology and facilitating the translation of stem cell discoveries into clinical therapies.
He was a pioneer of human in vitro fertilisation (IVF), introducing fertility drugs for controlling ovulation, embryo freezing techniques, egg and embryo donation methods, early sperm microinjection methods, initiated embryo biopsy, developing in vitro oocyte maturation methods and the vitrification of eggs and embryos. He led the Australian team for the discovery of human embryonic stem cells in the late 1990’s.
He is now developing a new biotech start-up company in immune cell therapies for cancer and is a member of the Hudson Institute.