Genetic Engineering and Other Knowledges discussed at conference

Many environmental, social, ethical and cultural issues about genetic engineering will be discussed at a conference at a University of Queensland conference Wednesday 3rd July, at the Ipswich campus.

Over 20 Australian and international commentators are speaking on critical issues facing genetic engineering from GM foods, environmental release of GM crops, biopiracy, public perceptions, regulatory problems, biological complexity and evolution, Maori critiques, neo-eugenics and ethics, the human genome, and other indigenous viewpoints from the US.

Other speakers are looking at the alternatives in the intense and growing debate over genetic engineering: at organics, permaculture, city farming, and community agriculture.

Yet others say a broader approach to knowledge and science is needed, one that embraces `place` and other knowledges, such as indigenous and local knowledges.

They say this is needed to better address the pressing question of "How do we deal with the environmental challenges of the 21st century?" -- the theme of the Environment, Culture and Community conference being held on the St Lucia and Ipswich campuses, featuring a range of prominent national and international speakers, 2-5 July.

Convenor of the day, Dr Richard Hindmarsh, from UQ`s Contemporary Studies program said the issues with genetic engineering are summed up by the UQ Arts theatre troupe Cracka`s perfomance at the end of the day called: "Future Ahead: proceed with caution!".

The conference website is at http://emsah.uq.edu.au/conferences/ecc/

Media: for more information contact Dr Richard Hindmarsh, mobile: 0407 439 325 or email r.hindmarsh@uq.edu.au