Any effort to bring back extinct species needs to be done in conjunction with the people who share their space, a science forum in Brisbane has been told.

The planet is in the grip of its sixth great mass extinction, scientists contend, but if we develop the power to raise species from the dead, should we use it?

(From left) pannellists Duane Biggs, Andrew Pask, Kerrie Wilson, Thomas Hildebrandt and moderator Robyn Williams. Credit:Stuart Layt

At the 'De-extinction Debate', one of the events being held as part of the World Science Festival on Wednesday evening, the audience asked to consider the return of the thylacine – or Tasmanian Tiger.

Scientists currently have its genome sequenced, and the techniques are being refined to develop a viable embryo.