On 10 October as part of the popular Science in the Club series at the Wicklow Hotel in Armidale, the New England North West Regional Science Hub presents Playing God. Come along to learn about DNA, gene therapy and the manipulation of our future.

Two genetic experts, UNE molecular biologist Dr Mary McMillan and Dr Ken Dutton-Regester from the Queenland Institute for Medical Research Berghofer, will explain their research and provide the outlook for personalised medicine, improved agriculture and next-generation gene sequencing. Find out how these cutting edge technologies can improve life trajectories over a beer at the Wicklow.

Homeward bound

This session will will also celebrate and raise funds for two local Armidale women who are homeward bound, Dr Mary McMillan and Dr Deborah Bower. They will soon be  heading to Antarctica as part of the Homeward Bound program.

Over 10 years, Homeward Bound aims to equip 1000 women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) with skills they need to change the world for the better, by helping to address the gender imbalance in science leadership.

By building the skills and visibility of women in STEMM they hope to build a network of scientists who can influence policy and decisions which will better care for our natural world, and inspire others, right across the world, to contribute what they can to gender equality.

Having TWO women from the University of New England in Armidale is a wonderful demonstration to regional women that they too have the capacity and the passion to lead change in our world.

At the Science in the Club event, Mary and Deborah will auction the opportunity for a small souvenir from two special people in Armidale to travel with them on their voyage south, and be the subject of a photographic adventure!

This is the New England North West Regional Science Hub’s third year of Science in the Club, relaxed nights of science, food and beer at the Wicklow Hotel, proudly supported by Inspiring Australia.