Biologists today have the knowledge, the tools, and the ability to influence the evolution of life on Earth. Do we have an obligation to bring back species that human activities may have rendered extinct?

In this podcast, host and moderator Neil deGrasse Tyson leads a panel of experts in a discussion about this possibility - and the technology needed to get there. You will hear from George Church of Harvard University and MIT, Hank Greely of Stanford University, Gregory Kaebnick of the Hastings Center, Beth Shapiro of University of California Santa Cruz

The 2017 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate took place at the Museum on March 29, 2017. Watch a video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LnAtMeSVeY

The late Dr. Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific and influential authors of our time, was a dear friend and supporter of the American Museum of Natural History. In his memory, the Hayden Planetarium is honored to host the annual Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate — generously endowed by relatives, friends, and admirers of Isaac Asimov and his work — bringing the finest minds in the world to the Museum each year to debate pressing questions on the frontier of scientific discovery. Proceeds from ticket sales of the Isaac Asimov Memorial Debates benefit the scientific and educational programs of the Hayden Planetarium.