Myth busting de-extinction to sort fact from fiction
Description
De-extinction has hit the headlines recently with the ‘resurrection’ of the dire wolf and plans to de-extinct the moa. However, can scientists actually de-extinct animals, and more importantly, should they bring them back? In this talk and Q&A Nic will delve into the science, ethics, and indigenous concerns surrounding de-extinction.
Associate Professor Nic Rawlence’s research focuses on reconstructing prehistoric ecosystems whether hundreds of years or tens of millions of years old; how these ecosystems responded (and in some cases didn't); as well as Aotearoa’s dynamic geological, climatic and human history; and how this information can be used to inform evidence-based kaitiakitanga and conservation management of our taonga species. He is also a respected and internationally recognised science communicator and enjoys busting a few scientific myths now and then. Nic has become one of the world's leading critics of de-extinction. |
Lineup

Associate Professor Nic Rawlence, Director of the Ancient Ecology Lab in the Department of Zoology at the University of Otago.
Nic won the 2025 Prime Ministers Science Communication Prize and the 2025 Cranwell Medal for Science Communication from the New Zealand Association of Scientists.
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