Abstract

Epigenetics is the science of gene expression. Environmental epigenetics examines the effects of exposures (such as stress and diet) on gene expression, including the effects on the developing foetus and across generations. In recent years, some Indigenous peoples across the world have shown great interest in epigenetics, particularly as a potential biological explanation for the effects of historical trauma.

This presentation draws from the findings of a three-year project funded by the Australian Research Council on the reception of epigenetics among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, conducted with colleagues Prof Megan Warin, A/Prof Maurizio Meloni, Dr Jaya Keaney and Henrietta Byrne. It presents a range of views on epigenetics from Indigenous and non-indigenous people working in Indigenous health, social work, and education. It explores our research findings through concepts of epigenetic charisma, hype, hope, and considers implications of the findings for applying emerging scientific fields to Indigenous research.

Speakers

Professor Emma Kowal

Professor Anthony Hannan

Associate Professor Stephanie Gilbert

Details

Please register here.

Date/time: Tuesday 12th July 2022, 10:00 – 11:30am (Australian Eastern Standard Time, GMT+10)

Q&A with the speaker to follow. To send questions/participate in the chat, you’ll need to sign-in using a YouTube account.

The seminar will be recorded and available to watch on the SSN YouTube channel after the Livestream.

If you have any questions, please send to ssn-info@deakin.edu.au