Innovative synthetic genomes research showcased
26 Nov 2018
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is pleased to be a major sponsor of the 7th International Yeast 2.0 and Synthetic Genomes Conference to be held in Sydney on 26-28 November.
NSW DPI Chief Scientist, Dr Philip Wright said the NSW DPI is excited to be a part of the international collaboration and cutting-edge research that will be presented at the International Yeast 2.0 and Synthetic Genomes Conference.
“The Yeast 2.0 project aims to design, build and test chemically synthesised yeast genomes,” Dr Wright said.
“Synthetic genomics has the potential to deliver outcomes across food safety and security, medicine and veterinary science, bioremediation and industrial chemistry.
“The conference will highlight the progress of the transformative Yeast 2.0 project and broader developments in synthetic genomics.
“Up to 250 local and international delegates are expected to attend the conference, with representatives from research, policy, government and industry.”
Invited speakers will come from across the globe, including Canada, Denmark, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States.
Opening keynote speaker is Professor Jef Boeke who is the founding Director of the Institute for Systems Genetics at NYU Langone Medical Centre, New York, USA.
Professor Boeke is known for his foundational work on mechanistic and genomic aspects of retrotransposition. His lab develops new technologies in genetics, genomics and synthetic biology. He elucidated a major form of mobile DNA, based on reverse transcription of RNA.
Professor Boeke is using yeast as a platform for exploring the construction of fully synthetic chromosomes for practical and theoretical studies.
NSW DPI Manager Science Strategy Dr Deborah Hailstones has been actively involved as part of the Scientific Planning Committee for the conference.
NSW DPI has made a substantial investment in partnership with Macquarie University in this innovative field of research to actively connect primary industries to the benefits of the next wave of genetic technologies.
The NSW DPI is committed to increase the capacity of primary industries and communities to drive prosperity across NSW, by developing and adopting innovative scientific solutions to issues that constrain productivity and to manage risk.
Media contact: Anne Brook (02) 6763 1163 or 0477 358 305
