- Plant and Animal Genome (PAG) Conference held in Perth for the first time
- Conference attracts a record number of attendees from around the world
- Local scientists to gain insights from international experts
Science Minister Stephen Dawson has today opened the inaugural Plant and Animal Genome (PAG) Australia Conference, a global gathering of scientists, researchers and innovators.
Over the course of three days, world-renowned authorities in plant and animal genomics will host sessions discussing the latest technological innovations and scientific accomplishments in the field, as well as holding education workshops.
Established in 1992, the annual conference has been held in the USA for over 30 years, with an additional PAG Asia series introduced a decade ago. In a major coup for the local scientific community, the conference will be held in Perth for the next three years.
PAG will highlight Western Australia’s status as a unique global biodiversity hotspot. The conference has attracted more than 360 attendees from around the world, making it the largest ever meeting of the PAG Asia series. Attendees from as far as Denmark, Japan and India will have the chance to explore and study the genomic diversity within the State’s distinct ecosystems.
The conference will also allow local scientists to network and collaborate with international and interstate counterparts, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices on a worldwide scale.
Previous conferences have sparked innovative endeavours, such as The University of Western Australia’s DNA Zoo Australia project. Associate Professor Parwinder Kaur has been at the helm of this initiative, which plays a crucial role in conserving Australia’s endangered species by building foundational genomic resources.
Comments attributed to Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Western Australians know our State is rich in plant and animal diversity. The Plant and Animal Genome Conference is a chance to show off these unique species to the rest of the world.
“It’s also an opportunity to highlight the brilliant work being done in WA, and to gain insights from the international scientific community.
“The Cook Government is committed to building our State’s science and technology capability, with a 10 Year Science and Technology Plan currently being developed, that will guide WA’s research ambitions over the next decade.”
