Whose DNA Is It Anyway? Ethics in Genetic Genealogy

Step into the compelling intersection of science, ethics, and family history in this thought-provoking discussion on the ethical dilemmas of genetic genealogy. As DNA testing becomes an increasingly popular tool for uncovering ancestry and building family trees, it also raises important questions about privacy, identity, and data ownership.

Join us for a dynamic panel conversation that explores the far-reaching implications of genetic genealogy - from the impact on personal and familial relationships to the broader societal questions surrounding consent and the use of genetic information.

Whether you're an avid genealogist, a curious consumer of DNA tests, or simply interested in the ethical challenges of modern science, this event will challenge your perspectives and offer insights into the complexities of this rapidly evolving field.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to reflect, question, and engage with the ethics behind the science that’s reshaping how we understand family.

Join journalist Claire Aird, historian Dr Tanya Evans, and genealogical educator Vanessa Cassin as they delve into the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities surrounding genetic genealogy.

🗣️ SPEAKERS
Claire Aird is a Walkley Award-winning journalist with a background in crime, cybersecurity and privacy reporting. She presents The Risky Bulletin, a cybersecurity news podcast, and is the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Vanished, an investigation into Australia’s shameful rates of missing First Nations women. Working across audio and video, Claire has been an ABC news reporter and host, the Executive Producer of Hack on triple j, as well as Supervising Producer for The Feed on SBS. Claire believes there is no more intimate information than our DNA, and is concerned about the risks associated with collecting and storing vast amounts of personal information in an age of data-driven decision-making. She has spent four years following this story.

Tanya Evans is a Professor of History in the School of Humanities at Macquarie University. A prize-winning author who makes regular appearances in the media, she has published nationally and internationally on family history, the history of the family and public history. Her third book Fractured Families: Life on the Margins in Colonial New South Wales (New South 2015) was a history of Australia’s oldest surviving charity, The Benevolent Society, written in collaboration with family historians and the charity. Tanya’s research is targeted at disrupting people’s assumptions about family life in the past. She is committed to the democratisation of historical knowledge. Her most recent book Family History, Historical Consciousness and Citizenship: A new social history was published by Bloomsbury in early 2022.

Vanessa Cassin is a learning and development professional with extensive experience in providing training and assessment in the trustee industry, both as an in-house trainer for the NSW Trustee & Guardian and as an assessor for Western Sydney University’s The College Registered Training Organisation. Vanessa is also a genealogist, who has been researching her own family history for over 20 years. Her current role as Education Manager at the Society of Australian Genealogists has enabled Vanessa to combine her expertise in designing training programs for adult learners with her passion for family history and genealogy.

👩🏾‍🔬 MODERATOR
Adria Castellucci is a library and museum professional who has worked at the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum. She currently leads the Family History team in Reader Services at the State Library of NSW. Adria is passionate about connecting the people of New South Wales with resources that enrich their family history journeys.

🎟️ TICKETED EVENT
Register and purchase ticket(s) at https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/events/whose-dna-it-anyway-ethics-genetic-genealogy

🍺🍷🍽️ DRINKS, DINNER, DISCUSSION
Join us for drinks/dinner for a post-talk discussion at the Top of the World, State Library Rooftop Bar.
An open-air drinks spot with unique views of the Harbour and Sydney skyline from the top of Australia’s oldest Library. Enjoy sunset cocktails with friends, or head indoors for a more intimate vibe.
https://librarybar.sl.nsw.gov.au/
https://librarybar.sl.nsw.gov.au/menu

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