We are on a mission to protect biodiversity

As Distinguished Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Scientific Director of the Genomics Institute at UC Santa Cruz, David Haussler develops statistical, algorithmic and experimental methods to explore molecular function and evolution in genomes, integrating comparative and high-throughput genomics data to study gene structure, function, and regulation. In the 1990s, he pioneered the use in genomics of hidden Markov models, stochastic context-free grammars, neural networks and discriminative kernel methods, building some of the most successful computational methods to find genes in genome sequences and align them to detect evolutionary changes. His team created the first publicly available assembly of the human genome sequence for the Human Genome Project, and created the UCSC Genome Browser, a tool used extensively in biomedical research and for large-scale genomics projects. In 2009, he co-founded the Genome 10K Project to assemble a genomic zoo—a collection of DNA sequences capturing the genomic diversity of 10,000 vertebrate species, an unprecedented resource for worldwide conservation efforts.

As Distinguished Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Scientific Director of the Genomics Institute at UC Santa Cruz, David Haussler develops statistical, algorithmic and experimental methods to explore molecular function and evolution in genomes, integrating comparative and high-throughput genomics data to study gene structure, function, and regulation. In the 1990s, he pioneered the use in genomics of hidden Markov models, stochastic context-free grammars, neural networks and discriminative kernel methods, building some of the most successful computational methods to find genes in genome sequences and align them to detect evolutionary changes. His team created the first publicly available assembly of the human genome sequence for the Human Genome Project, and created the UCSC Genome Browser, a tool used extensively in biomedical research and for large-scale genomics projects. In 2009, he co-founded the Genome 10K Project to assemble a genomic zoo—a collection of DNA sequences capturing the genomic diversity of 10,000 vertebrate species, an unprecedented resource for worldwide conservation efforts.

Keolu Fox is the first Native Hawaiian to receive a doctorate in genome sciences and is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he is a co-founder and co-director of the world's first Indigenous Futures Institute. Keolu is also affiliated with the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, the Department of Anthropology, the Global Health Program, the Climate Action Lab, and the Design Lab. Keolu's work focuses on the connection between raw data as a resource and the emerging value of genomic health data from Indigenous communities. He has experience designing and engineering genome sequencing and editing technologies, and a decade of grassroots experience working with Indigenous partners to advance precision medicine.

Keolu Fox is the first Native Hawaiian to receive a doctorate in genome sciences and is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he is a co-founder and co-director of the world's first Indigenous Futures Institute. Keolu is also affiliated with the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, the Department of Anthropology, the Global Health Program, the Climate Action Lab, and the Design Lab. Keolu's work focuses on the connection between raw data as a resource and the emerging value of genomic health data from Indigenous communities. He has experience designing and engineering genome sequencing and editing technologies, and a decade of grassroots experience working with Indigenous partners to advance precision medicine.

Beth Shapiro is an evolutionary biologist who specializes in the genomics of ice age animals and plants. As Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz and HHMI Investigator, Beth uses DNA preserved in the remains of long-dead organisms to explore how species, communities, and ecosystems changed over time. Her current work focuses on questions about domestication, speciation, and the impact that people had and continue to have on Earth’s ecosystems. A 2009 MacArthur Fellow, Beth is also an award-winning popular science author and communicator who uses her research as a platform to explore the potential of genomic technologies including genetic rescue and de-extinction for conservation.

Beth Shapiro is an evolutionary biologist who specializes in the genomics of ice age animals and plants. As Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz and HHMI Investigator, Beth uses DNA preserved in the remains of long-dead organisms to explore how species, communities, and ecosystems changed over time. Her current work focuses on questions about domestication, speciation, and the impact that people had and continue to have on Earth’s ecosystems. A 2009 MacArthur Fellow, Beth is also an award-winning popular science author and communicator who uses her research as a platform to explore the potential of genomic technologies including genetic rescue and de-extinction for conservation.

Anthony is the Executive Director & Secretary of the Board at the Future of Life Institute, and the Faggin Presidential Professor for the Physics of Information at UC Santa Cruz. He has done research in an array of topics in theoretical cosmology, gravitation, statistical mechanics, and other fields of physics. He also has strong interest in science outreach, and has appeared in numerous science documentaries. He is a creator of the science and technology prediction platform Metaculus.com, and is founder (with Max Tegmark) of the Foundational Questions Institute.

Anthony is the Executive Director & Secretary of the Board at the Future of Life Institute, and the Faggin Presidential Professor for the Physics of Information at UC Santa Cruz. He has done research in an array of topics in theoretical cosmology, gravitation, statistical mechanics, and other fields of physics. He also has strong interest in science outreach, and has appeared in numerous science documentaries. He is a creator of the science and technology prediction platform Metaculus.com, and is founder (with Max Tegmark) of the Foundational Questions Institute.

Ann Pace is a scientific research organizational leader. Ann started her career as a pharmaceutical scientist at Pfizer Central Research in Connecticut, working on dosage form development. Her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at UC San Francisco focussed on studying how specific genetic changes lead to tumor growth. She performed research in signal transduction using functional genomics approaches as an NIH postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. Ann went on to work in gene discovery, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis at a Silicon Valley biotech firm before returning to academia to help start and lead several new endeavors at UC Santa Cruz including the Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering (CBSE), the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), the Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells (IBSC), and the Genomics Institute (GI).

Ann Pace is a scientific research organizational leader. Ann started her career as a pharmaceutical scientist at Pfizer Central Research in Connecticut, working on dosage form development. Her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at UC San Francisco focussed on studying how specific genetic changes lead to tumor growth. She performed research in signal transduction using functional genomics approaches as an NIH postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. Ann went on to work in gene discovery, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis at a Silicon Valley biotech firm before returning to academia to help start and lead several new endeavors at UC Santa Cruz including the Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering (CBSE), the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), the Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells (IBSC), and the Genomics Institute (GI).

Katrina Slater has experience working with both non-profits and higher education institutions as a program and grants manager, research administrator, and community coordinator. She loves collaborating with teams to develop and implement new organizational processes and structures. She received her Master of Public Health from UCLA and continues to seek out ways to improve the health of people and the planet.

Katrina Slater has experience working with both non-profits and higher education institutions as a program and grants manager, research administrator, and community coordinator. She loves collaborating with teams to develop and implement new organizational processes and structures. She received her Master of Public Health from UCLA and continues to seek out ways to improve the health of people and the planet.

Solenne Correard is a molecular biologist and bioinformatician passionate about the complexity of genomes. She did her Ph.D. in France, studying dog genomes to identify and characterize variants implicated in neurological disorders. After that, she moved to Canada for a post-doc with the Silent Genomes Project, a project aiming to reduce health care disparities and improve diagnostic success for children with genetic diseases from Indigenous populations in Canada. She then joined the Canadian Biogenome Project as their bioinformatic lead, generating reference genome for multiple Canadian species. Solenne is interested in using genomic to help navigate some of today’s worldwide challenges, such as protecting biodiversity, studying climate change repercussions on fresh water / food supply, and ensuring equal access to personalized medicine to everyone around the globe, regardless of their origin or economic background.

Solenne Correard is a molecular biologist and bioinformatician passionate about the complexity of genomes. She did her Ph.D. in France, studying dog genomes to identify and characterize variants implicated in neurological disorders. After that, she moved to Canada for a post-doc with the Silent Genomes Project, a project aiming to reduce health care disparities and improve diagnostic success for children with genetic diseases from Indigenous populations in Canada. She then joined the Canadian Biogenome Project as their bioinformatic lead, generating reference genome for multiple Canadian species. Solenne is interested in using genomic to help navigate some of today’s worldwide challenges, such as protecting biodiversity, studying climate change repercussions on fresh water / food supply, and ensuring equal access to personalized medicine to everyone around the globe, regardless of their origin or economic background.

From concept to realization, Aleksandra Smilek gained experience working on numerous brand and cultural projects since 2016. She was the artistic director of EP7 digital art Center in Paris. In 2019, she created the Culture & Innovation department at the international communication agency AUDITOIRE Agency. She has been teaching blockchain since 2017 at the master of PCA Paris and is also working on her behalf as an artist and private consultant. She is currently working on several projects focused on sustainability and research through NFT funding and is part of the DeSci crypto community. Her know-how is based on delivering channels of communication for brands and organizations that are eager to mix culture, tech to create digital and physical strategies. From a cultural and innovative background she loves to work on interactive experiences that connect people with big ideas.

From concept to realization, Aleksandra Smilek gained experience working on numerous brand and cultural projects since 2016. She was the artistic director of EP7 digital art Center in Paris. In 2019, she created the Culture & Innovation department at the international communication agency AUDITOIRE Agency. She has been teaching blockchain since 2017 at the master of PCA Paris and is also working on her behalf as an artist and private consultant. She is currently working on several projects focused on sustainability and research through NFT funding and is part of the DeSci crypto community. Her know-how is based on delivering channels of communication for brands and organizations that are eager to mix culture, tech to create digital and physical strategies. From a cultural and innovative background she loves to work on interactive experiences that connect people with big ideas.

Elizabeth Baum is a strategic communications professional specializing in the areas of climate, sustainability, and health with extensive experience working for brands, films, nonprofits, and media companies. Her passion for personal and planetary health led her to co-found Soil Policy Action in 2021, which is an advocacy platform to help US citizens learn about healthy food and farming systems. She received her Bachelor's degree in Advertising at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Elizabeth Baum is a strategic communications professional specializing in the areas of climate, sustainability, and health with extensive experience working for brands, films, nonprofits, and media companies. Her passion for personal and planetary health led her to co-found Soil Policy Action in 2021, which is an advocacy platform to help US citizens learn about healthy food and farming systems. She received her Bachelor's degree in Advertising at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Wendy Bussiere is a program associate with professional experience in nonprofit, educational and governmental organizations. She is an avid environmentalist who appreciates and values diverse people, cultures and ecosystems, and strongly believes in securing biodiversity for the benefit of the future of our world.

Wendy Bussiere is a program associate with professional experience in nonprofit, educational and governmental organizations. She is an avid environmentalist who appreciates and values diverse people, cultures and ecosystems, and strongly believes in securing biodiversity for the benefit of the future of our world.

Dr. Oliver Ryder is the Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. His work focuses on biobanking, molecular genetics, genomics, and genetic rescue efforts, including stem cell applications, all focused on reducing extinction risk and contributing to species recovery. He guides strategic efforts to foster and expand a global network of cryobanking facilities as Chair of the Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group of SSC-IUCN. Oliver’s publications include key studies relevant to conservation management for gorillas, California condors, African rhinos, Przewalski’s horses, Anegada iguanas, bighorn sheep, and other species. He was a co-organizer of Genome 10K, serves on the steering committee of the Vertebrate Genomes Project, and is a member of the Earth Biogenome Project. A Fellow of the AAAS recognized for contributions to understanding and conserving genetic diversity, Oliver’s scientific achievements have been recognized by numerous national and Global organizations. He received a PhD in Biology from UC San Diego where he is now Adjunct Professor in the Department of Evolution, Behavior and Ecology.

Dr. Oliver Ryder is the Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. His work focuses on biobanking, molecular genetics, genomics, and genetic rescue efforts, including stem cell applications, all focused on reducing extinction risk and contributing to species recovery. He guides strategic efforts to foster and expand a global network of cryobanking facilities as Chair of the Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group of SSC-IUCN. Oliver’s publications include key studies relevant to conservation management for gorillas, California condors, African rhinos, Przewalski’s horses, Anegada iguanas, bighorn sheep, and other species. He was a co-organizer of Genome 10K, serves on the steering committee of the Vertebrate Genomes Project, and is a member of the Earth Biogenome Project. A Fellow of the AAAS recognized for contributions to understanding and conserving genetic diversity, Oliver’s scientific achievements have been recognized by numerous national and Global organizations. He received a PhD in Biology from UC San Diego where he is now Adjunct Professor in the Department of Evolution, Behavior and Ecology.

Dr. Federica Di Palma is Chief Scientific Officer and VP of Research and Innovation at Genome British Columbia, and also serves as Professorial Fellow in Biodiversity at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. She recently served as Director of Science at the Earlham Institute, where she led a core strategic program in food security, as well as a wide variety of research programs aimed at delivering the cross-disciplinary application of novel computational and molecular biology technologies to the understanding of living systems. Dr. Di Palma’s previous experience also includes her roles as the Assistant Director, Vertebrate Genome Biology at the Broad Institute of Harvard, a Senior Research Scientist at the Hubbard Centre for Genome Studies at the University of New Hampshire, and a Fogarty Fellow, National Institutes of Health. Passionate about exploring and preserving biodiversity around the world, Federica also leads numerous multidisciplinary international research programs for Development Assistance Committee countries aimed at generating strategic partnerships, building human and infrastructure capacity, and translating scientific knowledge into policy and private sector engagement to deliver long-term impact.

Dr. Federica Di Palma is Chief Scientific Officer and VP of Research and Innovation at Genome British Columbia, and also serves as Professorial Fellow in Biodiversity at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. She recently served as Director of Science at the Earlham Institute, where she led a core strategic program in food security, as well as a wide variety of research programs aimed at delivering the cross-disciplinary application of novel computational and molecular biology technologies to the understanding of living systems. Dr. Di Palma’s previous experience also includes her roles as the Assistant Director, Vertebrate Genome Biology at the Broad Institute of Harvard, a Senior Research Scientist at the Hubbard Centre for Genome Studies at the University of New Hampshire, and a Fogarty Fellow, National Institutes of Health. Passionate about exploring and preserving biodiversity around the world, Federica also leads numerous multidisciplinary international research programs for Development Assistance Committee countries aimed at generating strategic partnerships, building human and infrastructure capacity, and translating scientific knowledge into policy and private sector engagement to deliver long-term impact.

Ann McCartney holds a PhD in Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution that focused on using mathematical networks to uncover novel gene transcripts across primates. Her postdoctoral fellowship with Genomics Aotearoa focused on building genomic pipelines for the generation of high-quality genomes for endemic and endangered eukaryotic species that respected Māori practices and aligned with mātauranga Māori. As a Visiting Fellow at NHGRI, Ann was part of the T2T Consortium that produced the first complete sequence of a human genome, directed the European Reference Genome Atlas Pilot Project, and worked on Tribal data management and sharing in the NIH Office of Science Policy. Ann is now an Assistant Researcher in the Genomics Institute at UC Santa Cruz. She serves on the Earth BioGenome Project’s Executive Council, co-chairs the Local Contexts Hub Technical Implementation working group, and is a member of the DSI Scientific Network. Ann is passionate about training the next generation of Indigenous data scientists and leads workshops for SING USA and SING Aotearoa, and is a co-organizer of IndigiData.

Ann McCartney holds a PhD in Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution that focused on using mathematical networks to uncover novel gene transcripts across primates. Her postdoctoral fellowship with Genomics Aotearoa focused on building genomic pipelines for the generation of high-quality genomes for endemic and endangered eukaryotic species that respected Māori practices and aligned with mātauranga Māori. As a Visiting Fellow at NHGRI, Ann was part of the T2T Consortium that produced the first complete sequence of a human genome, directed the European Reference Genome Atlas Pilot Project, and worked on Tribal data management and sharing in the NIH Office of Science Policy. Ann is now an Assistant Researcher in the Genomics Institute at UC Santa Cruz. She serves on the Earth BioGenome Project’s Executive Council, co-chairs the Local Contexts Hub Technical Implementation working group, and is a member of the DSI Scientific Network. Ann is passionate about training the next generation of Indigenous data scientists and leads workshops for SING USA and SING Aotearoa, and is a co-organizer of IndigiData.

is the director of the CALeDNA community science program that seeks to enable the public to generate and make sense of new environmental DNA information so as to improve biodiversity and ecosystem management. She is also an assistant adjunct professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz and leads research projects in plant genomics. Her doctoral and postdoctoral work focused heavily on food and medicinal plant ethnobotany in Asia and Africa, and now she is applying that to study cultivated species native to California. Rachel serves on the executive committee of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network, and is active in education and advocacy in international science policy and upstanding bioethics. For the latter, she is one of the US Nagoya Protocol Action Group members and leaders, running educational websites and workshops.

is the director of the CALeDNA community science program that seeks to enable the public to generate and make sense of new environmental DNA information so as to improve biodiversity and ecosystem management. She is also an assistant adjunct professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz and leads research projects in plant genomics. Her doctoral and postdoctoral work focused heavily on food and medicinal plant ethnobotany in Asia and Africa, and now she is applying that to study cultivated species native to California. Rachel serves on the executive committee of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network, and is active in education and advocacy in international science policy and upstanding bioethics. For the latter, she is one of the US Nagoya Protocol Action Group members and leaders, running educational websites and workshops.