British Science Festival – Hidden secrets of the genome

British Science Festival 2026 - Hidden secrets of the genome
17 September, 2026

University of Southampton, Centenary Building (100) - Lecture Theatre A

Web Address

https://britishscienceassociation-tickets.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173683817

Registration

Click here to register

General Information

This talk runs from 10.30 – 11.30

It’s been over 20 years since the first human genome was sequenced, but we know now that genes only make up 1 – 2% of our DNA. So what does the rest do?
Yan Wong from the Big Data Institute (University of Oxford) has the answers. In this talk, he will reveal what exactly DNA is, how it’s packaged up into our bodies and what it does. You’ll explore together what the remaining 98% of our DNA is for and how it’s not just ‘junk’ as previously thought. From individual genomes to population-wide studies, advances in DNA technology have transformed our understanding of human genes and differences.

Leave with a deeper understanding of what truly makes you, you.

Please note there will be a live snake on stage.

For access information and directions to this venue, and all British Science Festival venues, please click this link: https://britishsciencefestival.org/accessibility-venues/

Become a member!

Undergraduate members: £10.00

Postgraduate members: £30.00

Full members: £50.00

Reduced Genetics Society Meetings registration fees

Access to generous grants

Free online access to the Genetics Society Journal, Heredity

And
more!