Press invitation: Dinosaurs on Campus II – Back from Extinction

An inspiring mix of science, debate and entertainment exploring the limits of evolution

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel and research organisation Palaeontologica Belgica are pleased to invite you to the second edition of Dinosaurs on Campus. After a highly successful first edition in 2023, this year’s event once again promises an evening full of infotainment, putting science in the spotlight in an engaging and inspiring way.

Science and entertainment go hand in hand as we explore one of nature’s greatest mysteries: extinction — and the revolutionary possibilities of bringing extinct organisms back to life through genetics. This is no longer just science fiction: today, mammoth genes have already been implanted in mice, ancient wolves are being recreated in laboratories, and scientists are actively working on reviving the dodo and reconstructing the genomes of several Ice Age species preserved in permafrost.

At this event, leading experts will come together to discuss these rapid and sometimes controversial developments — from scientific, ethical and ecological perspectives. The audience will be invited to take part in the discussion, with opinions gathered before and after the sessions.

In short, an exceptional evening designed to inform, challenge and entertain. After all, a university is the perfect place to learn, to question, and to be amazed — preferably with humour, curiosity and a generous dose of entertainment.


Practical information


Contact:

Anthonie Hellemond (president Palaeontologica Belgica): 0495477550

Dr. Koen Stein (Paleontologist, VUB): 0471517909

Frans Steenhoudt

Frans Steenhoudt

Perscontact wetenschap en onderzoek

 

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About Press - Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By providing excellent research and education on a human scale, VUB wants to make an active and committed contribution to a better society.

The World Needs You

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel assumes its scientific and social responsibility with love and decisiveness. That’s why VUB launched the platform De Wereld Heeft Je Nodig – The World Needs You, which brings together ideas, actions and projects based on six Ps. The first P stands for People, because that’s what it’s all about: giving people equal opportunities, prosperity, welfare, respect. Peace is about fighting injustice, big and small, in the world. Prosperity combats poverty and inequality. Planet stands for actions on biodiversity, climate, air quality, animal rights... With Partnership, VUB is looking for joint actions to make the world a better place. The sixth and last P is for Poincaré, the French philosopher Henri Poincaré, from whom VUB derives its motto that thinking should submit to nothing except the facts themselves. VUB is an ‘urban engaged university’, strongly anchored in Brussels and Europe and working according to the principles of free research.

www.vub.be/dewereldheeftjenodig

 


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tineke.sonck@vub.be

www.vub.ac.be