Drs Ellen Cottingham and Stephen Frankenberg
"Developing genetic biocontrols to
control invasive amphibians in Australia"
3rd October 2024,
Elgin Inn Hawthorn
Australia is unfortunately home to dozens of invasive animal species. Some are relatively newly arrived like the Smooth Newt, while others like the Cane Toad are well established across large parts of the country. Drs Stephen Frankenberg and Ellen Cottingham will present their research on developing genetic biocontrols to control these invasive amphibians in Australia.
Ellen is a postdoctoral researcher in the School of BioSciences at the University of Melbourne, working to develop new tools to help control Australia’s invasive species, including genetic biocontrols for the Cane Toad and Smooth Newt, and virally delivered immunocontraception. Stephen leads the group as a research fellow in the School, with most of his current research focussing on applying genetic engineering to solving problems in conservation and biodiversity, including genetic biocontrol for invasive pests, Cane Toad toxin resistance in northern quolls, and transgenic immunity to the amphibian chytrid fungus.
All are welcome in the audience - no RSVP/registration necessary
Evening starts at 6 pm for dinner and drinks (available for purchase), talk starts at 7:30 pm
The Elgin Inn 75 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Above: Smooth Newt by Kristian Peters