2022 Kafatos Lecture

What drives the complex relationship between the two distinct origins of human beings: that of their individual lives and that as interlinked members of the species Homo sapiens? Can we consider these roles in isolation, or are they inextricably linked? What does this mean for our personal and collective identities, and can the study of our embryology inform us about our evolution?

In the historic setting of Heraklion, developmental geneticist Denis Duboule will explore some aspects of these mixed origins, starting from Aristotelian philosophy up to Charles Darwin and the 19th century biological revolution. Fittingly, he will reflect on Fotis Kafatos’ work on developmental evolution and discuss why these two major disciplines of life sciences, while being part of the same generative mechanism, have been and still are difficult to reconcile.

About Denis Duboule

Denis Duboule is a developmental geneticist, based in Geneva and Lausanne. He has contributed to precise detailing of how, during embryonic development, a mass of unspecified cells becomes organised into a body plan through genetic controls. He is a Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Collège de France, and was a Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg from 1988-1993.

About the Kafatos Lectures

The Kafatos Lectures aim to bring groundbreaking and relevant life science research to the worldwide public, making it accessible and highlighting its day-to-day societal impact. Whether you’re a high school student, a world class scientist or someone with a non-scientific background, this lecture is tailored for you. The only requirements are enthusiasm and curiosity.

Find out more about the Kafatos Lectures