Mendel in the 21st Century:
The Scientific, Social, and Ethical Impact of Genetics in Our World
This two-day interdisciplinary academic symposium, entitled, “Mendel in the 21st
Century: The Scientific, Social, and Ethical Impact of Genetics in Our World, will
be held on Villanova’s campus from Sunday, Sept. 21, to Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008.
The University is hosting the symposium as part of its campus-wide celebration to
commemorate the 80th anniversary of the awarding of the Mendel Medal.
In addition,
the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova is a proud co-sponsor of the
traveling exhibit, “Planting the Seeds of Genetics: Gregory Mendel,” which will
be at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia from May 28 to Sept. 24, 2008.
As an Augustinian institution of higher education, Villanova is one of the custodians
of the Mendel legacy. As an Augustinian priest trained in mathematics, physics,
and biology, Mendel is an icon of interdisciplinarity.
Accordingly, this symposium
will include a series of engaging speakers in fields ranging from molecular genetics,
genomics, biotechnology, and evolutionary biology to history and the philosophy
of science, ethics, law, medicine, and international studies. Speakers will discuss
the impact and relationship of 21st century genetics from the perspective of their
respective disciplines.
Mendel 21st Century Symposium
Tentative Schedule
SUN 9/21, 7 pm Academy Natl Sci
EVENING LECTURE 1 (Genetics/Evo)
Sean B. Carroll, U Wisconsin at Madison
MON 9/22, Villanova
8AM-12:30PM
PLENARY SESSIONS Continental Breakfast
8:15
Introduction
8:30-10:45
Session I: Philosophy; History Genetics
Dan Hartl, Harvard U
Evelyn Fox Keller, MIT
John Haught, Georgetown
11:00-12:30
Session II: Biodiversity & Evolution
David Hillis, U Texas
(David Krakauer, Santa Fe Institute)
12:30-1:30
Lunch
MON 9/22
1:45-5:30PM
PLENARY SESSIONS
1:45-3:00
Session III: Genomics & Medicine
TBA
TBA
3:15-5:30
Session IV: ELSI
TBA
Matthew McGue, U Minnesota
Lori Andrews, Chicago-Kent Law
Session VI: Genetics, Agriculture, & Global Sustainability TBA
TBA
TUES 9/23
11:45-12:30 12:30-1:30
PANEL DISCUSSION Lunch
TUES 9/23
3:00-5:30PM
FACULTY PAPERS
In addition, the College will host a two-day interdisciplinary academic symposium
entitled, “Mendel in the 21st Century: The Scientific, Social, and Ethical Impact
of Genetics in Our World,” on Villanova’s campus from Sunday, Sept. 21, to Tuesday,
Sept. 23, 2008. The University is hosting the symposium as part of its campus-wide
celebration to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the awarding of the Mendel Medal.
