Research News

Discussion on the origins of life featuring cross-section of Vanderbilt academics set for June 17

How do academics with diverse areas of expertise view the origins of life? What kind of conversation would take place among a cell biologist, a theologian, an astronomer/physicist and a philosopher if they all sat around the same table?

A virtual discussion hosted by the School of Medicine Basic Sciences will bring together perspectives from single-cell biology, theology, space and time and metaphysical philosophy to explore the unique and common understandings among the fields.

The event will take place on Thursday, June 17, at noon Central time. The event is open to the public. Registration is required.

The discussion will be moderated by Ian Macara, Louise B. McGavock Chair and chair of the department of cell and developmental biology. The panelists are:

  • Ellen Armour, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair in religion, gender and sexuality
  • Lenn Goodman, Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the humanities and professor of philosophy
  • Stephen Taylor, assistant professor of physics and astronomy