From DNA to diversity: a tale of genes, genomes, mammals and moths

The Department of Biological Sciences organises an annual lecture for both an internal audience and members of the public. Professor Jack Pridham was a carbohydrate biochemist who founded what was, at one time, the Department of Biochemistry at Royal Holloway. This year the lecture will be given by prestigous scientist Professor Peter WH Holland FRS. 

Professor Holland is the Linacre Professor of Zoology in the Department of Biology and Fellow of Merton College, University of Oxford.  He is  biologist who has focused his career on establishing how the diversity of animals found on Earth can be explained by the evolution of DNA. He is distinguished for uniting two fields of research — how genes control development and how DNA evolves. This area of research has become more prominent in recent years as new tools are applied to old problems. One of Peter's key contributions was his examination of homeobox genes, a large family of genes that direct the formation of many body structures during embryo development. Peter characterised the homeobox genes in fish-like marine animals known as lancelets or amphioxus. He also demonstrated the importance of homeobox genes in the emergence of vertebrates. His research group studies the interaction between genes, embryos and evolution. Peter has received many awards over his career, including the Darwin Medal from the Royal Society for his work with many organisms and genes elucidating key aspects of how changes in the genome influence evolution of animal development. 

All welcome, but booking is essential.  Venue and booking details to follow shortly.