The Public Understanding of Biotechnology programme (PUB) of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) takes pleasure in inviting you to attend a Media Round Table (MRT) to debate the topic of DNA fingerprinting in forensics.
The DNA fingerprinting in forensics MRT will take place on Wednesday, the 25th of March 2009 and will be held at the Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg
Experts who will be presenting include:
Dr Carolyn Hancock: Behind the Scenes of Forensic DNA Profiling
Carolyn has a PhD in Genetics and has been involved in numerous research projects. She is now Director of the non-profit organization, The DNA Project which aims to facilitate the expansion of the South African Criminal Intelligence DNA Database.
Dr María D’Amato: University of the Western Cape’s Developments in DNA fingerprinting
Maria is Research Manager in the Forensic DNA Lab in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape, conducting research into the development of human DNA identification systems.
Vanessa Lynch: The New DNA Bill: Why we need this Crucial Legislation in SA
Vanessa is a qualified attorney and Executive Director and founder of the DNA Project. The DNA Project is working with the Office of the Criminal Justice Review Team with respect to supporting the enactment of groundbreaking new DNA legislation in South Africa.
The MRT will be facilitated by Jeremy Maggs.
Media Round Table sessions aim to facilitate the process of introducing the media to scientific topics and ground breaking research which may have an impact on our every day life.
The DNA fingerprinting in forensics MRT will take place on Wednesday, the 25th of March 2009 and will be held at the Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg. This event starts at 8.00am and will end at 1pm. Free parking will be available to participants of the event.
Venue: Melrose Arch Hotel, Johannesburg
Lunch: Refreshments and lunch will be served on the day. Please specify any special dietary requirements.
RSVP physical and virtual attendance: Masego Mokgoro at 012 392 9314 or masego@saasta.ac.za on or before Friday, the 20th of March.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) funds the PUB programme which aims to ensure a clear, balanced understanding of the scientific principles, related issues and potential of biotechnology and to stimulate public debate around its applications in society. SAASTA, a business unit for the National Research Foundation, is the implementing agency. SAASTA is a business unit of the National Research Foundation.
