We are honored to welcome Ben Novak, Lead Scientist at Revive & Restore, as our distinguished guest speaker for Darwin Day 2026. A pioneer in the field of genetic rescue and de-extinction, Novak is at the forefront of using 21st-century biotechnology to restore lost biodiversity.
His groundbreaking work focuses on the intersection of paleogenomics and ecology, specifically the ambitious mission to bring the passenger pigeon back from extinction. By bridging the gap between historical DNA and modern conservation, Novak’s research explores how we can “re-evolve” species to restore the health of North America’s forest ecosystems.
Presented in collaboration with Ecology & Evolution (E&E) and the Collaboarative for the Earth (C4E), Novak’s insights into genomic engineering and the future of evolutionary biology promise to be both enlightening and thought-provoking. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to learn from a leading authority on the future of de-extinction!