Queenstown Lakes District councillor Cath Gilmour will provide a short introduction.
Dr Ceridwen Fraser is well known within the science world for her research on the evolutionary impacts of historic climate change.
Associate Prof Jon Waters is part of a research group which studies the ecological and evolutionary genetics of natural populations.
The series of symposiums has been created by Genetics Otago, a multidisciplinary group of scientists who consider it vital to "keep individuals and communities up to date about exciting developments in science".
Sophia McKay, publicity manager at the University of Otago, said speakers were chosen for the high standard of their research, the excellence of their teaching and their ability to communicate.
"We are really just trying to get out there and share our research findings across the area," she said.
Aimed specifically at regional communities, the talks aim to convey the importance of science in people's lives, community and country.
Each of the talks will be followed by a discussion as well as an opportunity to question the scientists on the significance and relevance of their research. The forum will run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Admission is free.
