With the March for Science and its satellite marches just a couple weeks away, a much-awaited part of programming is finally being revealed: the speakers. And one of the most familiar names to be announced so far is noted Harvard biologist George Church, who plans to speak at the Boston march on April 22.
Church has a hand in lots of cutting-edge genetics research, from organizing efforts to synthesize a human genome to leading a team to de-extinct the woolly mammoth.
But in his role at the march, he’ll have a chance to step back from particular projects and reflect on science and politics more broadly. STAT caught up with him to get a sneak peek of what he plans to discuss; the interview has been edited and condensed.
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A kin in spirit. “I think I’ve felt that the best way to influence the future is by actually producing technology rather than trying to lobby for it.” I believe this is how we will be able to provide quality and affordable healthcare.
Just out of curiosity, is the March for Science paying an honorarium or travel expenses for George Church or any other speakers? I haven’t seen any information on this. With so many prominent and well-funded scientists (not to mention any names) now forcing their own students to pay their way to scientific meetings, I would think this would be an interesting question to ask.