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SUMMARY:Wayfinding through the Human Genome - Dr Keolu Fox\, University of
  California\, San Diego
DTSTART:20250228T173000Z
DTEND:20250228T183000Z
UID:TALK213628@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Janet Gibson
DESCRIPTION:In this special lecture to honor the legacy of Charles Darwin 
 at the University of Cambridge\, Dr. Keolu Fox\, the first Native Hawaiian
  Ph.D. in genomic sciences and a National Geographic Explorer and Wayfinde
 r Award winner\, presents a pioneering perspective that blends Indigenous 
 knowledge with modern genomic research. Drawing on the rich history of Pol
 ynesian wayfinding and Darwin's evolutionary theories\, Dr. Fox introduces
  the concept of "Indigenous Futurism"—a movement to harness scientific a
 nd technological advancements to empower Indigenous communities.\n\nFox's 
 research uses genetic data to rewrite the narratives of Indigenous people\
 , emphasizing that the human genome\, much like the vast Pacific Ocean\, c
 ontains clues about our history\, health\, and future. By studying the gen
 omes of Polynesian descendants of ancient navigators\, his work not only h
 ighlights the complex migration patterns that brought them to distant isla
 nds like Hawaii and Tahiti but also offers insights into modern health cha
 llenges faced by these communities.\n\nIn this lecture\, Fox will discuss 
 how genomics can serve as a tool for land reclamation\, public health impr
 ovements\, and cultural preservation. He emphasizes the need for ethical\,
  community-driven research models that prioritize benefit-sharing and cult
 ural sustainability over extractive scientific practices. By incorporating
  Indigenous values and decision-making\, his approach seeks to return agen
 cy to the communities that have historically been marginalized in genomic 
 studies.\n\nFox's vision extends beyond academia\, with aspirations to dev
 elop mobile genomic technologies that could bring research directly to rem
 ote communities\, revolutionizing conservation genetics and healthcare del
 ivery. Through this fusion of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science\, Dr
 . Fox continues the Darwinian legacy of exploring human evolution—this t
 ime with a focus on the resilience and future of Indigenous peoples.\n\nTh
 is lecture will provide a fascinating look at how the past informs the fut
 ure\, offering a new path forward in genomics that aligns with the global 
 push toward inclusivity\, equity\, and sustainability in science.\n\n\nKeo
 lu Fox is Co-Founder of the Native BioData Consortium\, a nonprofit resear
 ch institute led by Indigenous scientists and tribal members. He is also a
 n assistant professor at the University of California San Diego\, where he
  is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the UCSD Indigenous Futures Institute. G
 rowing up as an avid waterman\, Keolu Fox was immersed in stories about hi
 s ancestors\, Polynesian navigators\, and the men who led the first Hōkū
 leʻa voyage to Tahiti in the late 1970s. As the first Native Hawaiian wit
 h a Ph.D. in genomic sciences\, Fox tells us how genetic data can help rev
 eal powerful narratives about the history of Indigenous people and their a
 chievements\, and empower communities to use data to improve public health
  and preserve their culture.
LOCATION:Lady Mitchell Hall\, Sidgwick Avenue
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