It’s the ultimate question: where do we come from? Hear about the first living molecules on Earth, the weird and wonderful early organisms they evolved into, the origins of sexual reproduction, and the search for life on other planets. Our one-day masterclass with six leading experts will guide you through the lucky evolutionary mistakes that led to all the life we see today, and current experiments to recreate life all over again in the lab.
Speakers:
- Matt Powner, reader of organic chemistry at University College London
- Emily Mitchell, Henslow Research Fellow in Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge
- Judith Mank, chair of evolutionary and comparative biology at University College London
- Louisa Preston, UK Space Agency Aurora Research Fellow in Astrobiology at Birkbeck University
- Lewis Dartnell, astrobiologist and professor of science communication at the University of Westminister
- Phil Holliger, program leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge
- Hosted by Penny Sarchet, biomedical news editor at New Scientist
Overview:
New research is shedding light on the oldest of questions: what is life, how did it begin, and where else might we find it? Theories abound as to what the first living things looked like and where they came from, but experiments to recreate the first essential steps in the lab are giving new clues as to what really happened – and what we should be looking for in our hunt for extra-terrestrial life.
Join our speakers on a highly engaging journey into the origins of life.
Topics covered will include:
- How and where life began
- The rise and fall of early lifeforms
- Living in extreme environments
- Life on other planets
- Sparking life again
- The origins of sexual reproduction
- And much more
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in discovering where life came from, whatever your age or background. Whether you’re a scientist, a student or simply a fascinated human being, Instant Expert: The Origins of Life offers the chance to learn directly from the experts at our one-day masterclass.
What’s included in your ticket:
- In-depth and engaging talks from 6 leading experts
- Ask-an-expert Question Time session
- Your chance to meet our six speakers and host Penny Sarchet
- Buffet lunch, plus morning and afternoon refreshments
- Exclusive Instant Expert certificate
- Exclusive on-the-day New Scientist subscription deal, book and merchandise offers