© Pint of Science, 2026. All rights reserved.
Could the secret to surviving a changing planet lie in a blend of ancient wisdom, genetic engineering, and agricultural science? This session spans the globe from African maize fields to Australian vineyards and aquaculture, exploring how gene editing, carbon capture and climate-resilient viticulture are securing our future food and wine. Grab a pint and settle in as we bridge the gap between the world’s oldest continuous sustainability science and the high-tech tools of modern biology.
From SynBio to the Field: The Story Behind Virus-Resistant Maize in Africa
Allen (Zhengyu) Wen
(Allen (Zhengyu) Wen makes crops stronger using gene editing. He’s worked globally, helped build disease-resistant maize for Africa, and now leads a new plant science facility at ANU.)
Gene editing helped maize resist a devastating disease—delivering healthy yields in Kenya and marking the first gene-edited crop grown in Africa.
The Oldest Climate Science on Earth: First Knowledges for a Changing Planet
David Newham
(David Newham is a proud Wiradjuri speaking descendent and much loved cultural educator with 25+ years’ experience. Newcastle born and bred, he brings deep Aboriginal knowledge, big heart, and good humour to every yarn, workshop, and stage he is on. )
Aboriginal people have adapted to dramatic climate shifts for tens of thousands of years. Their deep knowledge of Country is the oldest continuous sustainability science on Earth. While others look to new technologies, this talk explores how First Knowledges offer proven, place based strategies for resilience, food security, and living well with a changing climate.
Viticulture in a changing world – how to cope with extreme weather events
Joanna Gambetta
(Dr. Gambetta is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and has a master’s degree in oenology and viticulture and a Ph.D. in wine science. Her research focuses on the effect of abiotic stresses on the aroma and composition of grapes and wines )
Have you ever wondered what happens to vines and wine under this increasingly extreme weather? This presentation delves into the effects of extreme heat and sunlight, and the strategies scientists are coming up with to deal with it.
Bio: Dr. Gambetta is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and has a master’s degree in oenology and viticulture and a Ph.D. in wine science. Her research focuses on the effect of abiotic stresses on the aroma and composition of grapes and wines
Bio: Dr. Gambetta is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and has a master’s degree in oenology and viticulture and a Ph.D. in wine science. Her research focuses on the effect of abiotic stresses on the aroma and composition of grapes and wines
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Other The Happy Wombat events
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Power to the People: Sparking Post-Coal Conversations
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575 Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW 2302, Australia
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Ancient Roots, Modern Tech: The Race to Save Our Species
The Happy Wombat
575 Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW 2302, Australia