The scientific and the spiritual are often seen as separate realms, but both are major driving forces of humanity and culture.

Is faith and religion still relevant to the current scientific conversation?

What does faith have to say about gene editing, artificial intelligence, and biodiversity?

Can faith and science find any common ground in these matters?

Gather with us to discuss some of the most important topics within genetics and society, with talks and panel discussions. The goal of the event is to facilitate an open dialogue on the intersection of faith and science in shaping our genetic futures.

The Scientific & Spiritual Human conference welcomes all who are interested, including students and laypeople. 

Details

• 22 July, 2023
• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Old Warden’s Lodge, Trinity College Theological School, 100 Royal Parade, Parkville (Enter through Gate C)
• Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea provided

Prices

• $75 for General
• $65 for ISCAST Members
• $40 for Student/Concession

Speakers

Prof. Philip Batterham

Philip Batterham is an Emeritus Professor of Genetics at Melbourne University, and was the President of the International Genetics Foundation from 2013–2018. He is convening the 2023 International Congress of Genetics, of which The Scientific & Spiritual Human is a satellite public event. The Genetics Society of AustralAsia awarded Philip the 2015 MJD White Medal for a “lifetime contribution to genetics research.”

Dr Victoria Lorrimar

Victoria Lorrimar is a is a research fellow at the University of Notre Dame in Perth. Her doctoral research in theology and science at the University of Oxford was supervised by Prof. Alister McGrath. It explored theologies of humans as co-creators as a response to the prospect of enhancing human nature through technology. Victoria is an ISCAST fellow.

Victoria’s most recent book is Human Technological Enhancement and Theological Anthropology, published by Cambridge University Press.

Prof. Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke is an Emeritus Professor of Zoology, at La Trobe University, where he was the Head of the School of Life Sciences. He is passionate about climate change and creation care, and is an expert witness in fire ecology at the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. He continues to conduct ecological research that informs public policy. Michael is an ISCAST fellow.

Dr Mick Pope

Mick Pope has a PhD in Meteorology from Monash University and lectures in meteorology. He is Professor of Environmental Theology at Missional University, and an adjunct lecturer at Eastern College. He co-authored  A Climate of Hope: Church & Mission in a Warming World with Claire Harvey.

Prof. John Wiseman

John Wiseman is a Senior Research Fellow with Melbourne Climate Futures and Adjunct Prof. at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne. He is also Chair of the Board of The Next Economy. His most recent publications include Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis: Wisdom and Action in the Long Emergency (Palgrave, 2021) and Building Prosperous, Just and Resilient Zero Carbon Regions (Melbourne Climate Futures, 2022).

Dr Kate Dooley

Kate Dooley is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Melbourne. She has coordinated undergraduate and Master level subjects in climate change science, politics and policy. She has been following the UN climate negotiations since 2009, focusing on the role of forests and land-use in climate mitigation, and how human rights and the rights of indigenous peoples are central to these efforts.

More Speakers TBA

Program

The day will be split into 2 parts with morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea (provided).

Partners

We are grateful to Trinity College Theological School and the University of Divinity for partnering with ISCAST to make this event possible.

Contact/Media Enquiries

For further information or media enquiries, please contact Jackie Liu at jackieliu@iscast.org.