Professor Peter Dearden

Peter is Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry at University of Otago, and Co-Director of Genomics Aotearoa, Deputy Director of Bioprotection Aotearoa.

Peter’s research focuses on genomics to support conservation and primary production and developing new technologies in insects to either improve their use in primary production or develop novel pest control strategies.

He will talk about Kākāpō, a critically endangered tāonga species, and how genomics is used to support conservation managers make decisions about how best to breed more Kākāpō and protect them from disease.  Peter will also cover how Genomics Aotearoa mobilised its expertise behind the Department of Conservation to make new genomics and AI tools to support breeding, and to trace Kākāpō disease.

Lecture information:

To book for this event, fill in the form below and click submit.