Dr. Paola Marignani will give the first lecture of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science (NSIS) 2026-2027 Public Lecture Series. Attendance is free and open to all, in person at Dalhousie University or online through Microsoft Teams.

From Tumour Cells to Polar Waters: Finding Biological Signals in a Changing World

• Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
• Time: 5:30 PM
• Location: Room C202, Life Sciences Centre (LSC), Dalhousie University, 6287 Alumni Crescent, Halifax
• Online: Microsoft Teams. NSIS posts the link at nsis1862.ca one week before each lecture.
• Cost: Free
• RSVP: NSIS Facebook event

The talk explores how modern biology and artificial intelligence can help scientists find early signs of disease that are otherwise difficult to detect. Dr. Marignani will show how studying individual cells, genes, and other biological indicators can improve our understanding of cancer, dementia, and the factors that shape health over time.

She will draw on her laboratory research and her polar fieldwork, including an Arctic expedition to assess biodiversity and an expedition to Antarctica, to show how the same tools can reveal change in people and the microenvironment. She will also discuss why public trust is essential when translating data into meaningful action.

To let NSIS know you plan to attend, respond on the Facebook event page.