Videography & Edition: Cristian Zaelzer.

François-Joseph Lapointe is a biologist and bioartist at the biology department at the University of Montréal where he manages a molecular and evolutionary ecology lab. In terms of his scientific research, he is interested in phylogenetics, systematics and population genetics. For his artistic work, he is inspired by molecular biology and genetic models. His most recent project consisted of sequencing his and his partner’s microbiomes to generate metagenomic selfies.

On April 18th, 2020, The Convergence Initiative had the honour to host her in our first online talk part if the SciArt ArtSci Series and the Science Symposium 2020.

The Convergence Initiative, in partnership with the Faculty of Fine Arts of Concordia University, is pleased to introduce "You are your microbiome," a conference on bacteria, genes, bioart, and the influence of their presence in our perception of self and in what we do not perceive of ourselves.

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The Convergence Sci-Art/Art-Sci Conferences is a series focussed on the crossover of disciplines with science, especially arts and communication. The talks cover subjects like the influence of media on modern science, the public perception of the scientific method, neuroscience popular misconceptions, neuroscience and technology in the medical practice, or science immersed artistic practice.

The Convergence Initiative is an independent nonprofit initiative developed in partnership with the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program of the RI-MUHC, Concordia Faculty of Fine Arts, and Visual Voice Gallery. It is supported by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience, the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, The Integrated Program in Neuroscience of McGill University, and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation.