Events
Upcoming events hosted by or involving Genetics Otago will be listed here. Please check back regularly for updates. A calendar of events that may be of interest to our members can be found at the bottom of this page and in the sidebar of other pages on this site, please note that this includes events hosted outside of Genetics Otago.
Logan Walker IPL
Preparing for the future of genetic health
Logan is a cancer geneticist and the current Associate Dean Research, at the University of Otago Christchurch. His research focuses on understanding the impact of genetic changes on health. After completing post-doctoral training in Australia, and returning to the University of Otago, his research programme was significantly strengthened by being awarded a Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship (Health Research Council) followed by a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship (Royal Society Te Apārangi).
He is an invited member of several international groups tasked with improving protocols for genetic testing around the world. This work includes developing RNA diagnostic guidelines for both the clinical and research setting, and providing expert advice about the implementation of these guidelines and the interpretation of genetic test results. In collaboration with multiple international consortia, he has also contributed to and led some of the largest genetic association studies to discover inherited DNA copy number changes that increase or decrease susceptibility to cancer.s.
Date: Tuessday, 11th March 2025
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Venue: Rolleston Lecture Theatre, Christchurch Campus (and via Zoom)
AlphaFold for Geneticists
The AlphaFold for Geneticists workshop will introduce participants to the AI tool AlphaFold. Attendees will learn how to run AlphaFold on their chosen variant and interpret outputted results. Led by experts Prof Peter Mace and Dr Adam Middleton, the session will provide insight into the strengths and limitations of AlphaFold. Further details will be provided to registrants.
Date: Monday, 24th March 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Venue: TBC, Dunedin Campus
This workshop is now full, please email go@otago.ac.nz if you would like to be added to the waitlist.
Calendar of Events
The below is a calendar of events hosted by GO as well as events hosted by others that may be of interest to our members. If you have an event you would like us to include please contact us here.
See attached PDF for details of each weeks seminar:
Visit the HEDC Website for details and registration for this event and all other HEDC workshops. Places are limited.
Matariki Lecture – Friday 21 May, 12am-1.30am, via Zoom
Professor Ehmke Pohl, Durham University: Virus-X – exploring the structural and functional diversity of the Virosphere
In this lecture, the key methods and challenges involved in establishing the pipeline from collecting virus samples to analysing the structures and functions of the encoded enzymes will be presented. The potential of Virus-X products will be highlighted with specific examples of applications in Covid19 detection technologies.
- The lecture will be recorded and broadcasted on the Matariki Youtube channel afterwards.
- Zoom: https://uu-se.zoom.us/j/65162580631
- For more information, contact Ellen Sjöholm (ellen.sjoholm@uadm.uu.se)
Emeritus Professor Warren Tate: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a real disease that has come of age with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
ME/CFS has remained a mystery lifelong debilitating disease for many years with little public profile, despite affecting 15-30 million people worldwide, and 20 000 in NZ. The lack of a molecular-based diagnostic test led to a strong belief the disease was an imagined somatic symptom disorder. In NZ, ME/CFS patients have been poorly served by health professionals and social agencies. We have completed multiple molecular preclinical studies on affected patients and have established unequivocal evidence of a complex disturbance to their biochemistry, their DNA epigenetic code and overall physiology. Public recognition and awareness of ME/CFS has suddenly skyrocketed with post SARS-CoV-2 patients exhibiting symptoms mimicking those of ME/CFS. The global incidence of ME/CFS may double as a result of this pandemic.
From December 2019, when an outbreak of a pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus was first recognised in China, to the availability of several effective vaccines less than 1 year later – how did we get here? Dr Ussher from Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago will discuss the need for a COVID-19 vaccine, how the vaccines were developed so quickly, the safety and efficacy of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and the challenge posed by emerging viral variants.
More details here
See attached PDF for details of each weeks seminar:
Master of Teaching and Learning applications close 31 July 2021.
The Master of Teaching and Learning is a one-year programme (or equivalent in part-time study) offered through the University of Otago’s College of Education.
- Bright and motivated graduates from any discipline will be considered for this prestigious qualification.
- Choose between early childhood education, primary education or secondary education.
- Fun learning environment with a good balance of theoretical, interactive and hands-on learning.
- Unique placement programme with early childhood centres, kindergartens or schools ensures our graduates have real-world experience.
- Small classes with passionate lecturers equal a more personal learning environment. Otago’s teaching community and networks support you now and beyond.
- Future-proof your career while having high job enjoyment and a positive impact on children and society.
Please pass this onto students, friends and colleagues who you think would be interested.
More details here
Visit the HEDC Website for details and registration for this event and all other HEDC workshops. Places are limited.
Genetics Otago together with Allan Wilson @ Otago is pleased to bring you the second Ira Rangahau Symposium in June 2021. Initiated in 2019 by Dr Phillip Wilcox (Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungnu ki te Wairoa), Ira Rangahau brings together Māori kaipūtaio (scientists) from around the motu to present on their genetics-related research ranging from the primary sector, to health, to whakapapa and te taiao (the environment).
Biostatistics Centre
Te Pokapū Tatauranga Koiora
Division of Health Sciences
Te Wāhanga Matua Mātua Hauora
Biostatistical Tips from Biostatisticians
When: 28th June 2021,11:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Room 033, Adams Building, 18 Frederick Street
Presenter: Associate Professor Robin Turner
Feeling like it’s difficult to get Biostatistical help? Come along to our seminar to learn about what we do. We will answer all your questions on how to get fast access to Biostatistical help; including all the insider tips on how we work and how we collaborate with researchers.
Questions? Please email: biostatistics_dunedin@otago.ac.nz