Mankind, a universe

18 September 2013. As far as we know today, we human beings are the only organisms on earth that are able to reflect on their origin and future. The modern natural sciences are penetrating ever deeper into the secrets of space, the earth and life. Six speakers will talk about these discoveries and perceptions from different perspectives.

"Born from stardust"
The first lecture will be given by Dr. Josef M. Gassner from the Munich University Observatory on 25 September; it will be entitled "Born from stardust – the genesis of the elements". On the second evening, on 9 October, Prof. Dr. Homayoun Bagheri from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology of the University of Zurich will speak about "'In a warm, small pond…' – about the genesis of life". The Director of the St.Gallen Natural Museum, Dr. Toni Bürgin, will focus on "From the gardens of Ediacara to the Cambrian explosion – the evolution of animals" on 23 October.

"Our nearest relatives"
No fewer than two faculty members from the Anthropological Institute of the University of Zurich will visit the HSG. Dr. Claudia Rudolf von Rohr will speak about "The great apes, our nearest relatives – where social norms have their origins" on 6 November. On 20 November, Prof. Dr. Christoph P.E. Zollikofer will give a lecture on "'And light will be cast upon...' – about the evolutionary history of man". The concluding lecture take place on 4 December: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schumann from the Department of Genetics of the University of Bayreuth will talk about "The human microbiome: how do the microorganisms within our bodies influence our well-being"

The lectures will take place on Wednesdays in Room 01-011 at the University of St.Gallen and will start at 8.15 p.m.

Picture: tobeys / Photocase