Head of the Otago Biochemistry and Genetics Student Association, Cushla Bridges and Liam Young, have organised a ‘Selling the Science’ panel for fellow tauira to discuss science commercialisation through biotechnology advancements.
Why should we care about science and does all research need to have immediate benefits?
A student-led initiative is hoping to bring staff and students together to discuss the big issues facing science in Aotearoa currently, and to understand how biotechnology could help.
Cushla Bridges and Liam Young, who head the Otago Biochemistry and Genetics Student Association (OBiGSA), have organised a ‘Selling the Science’ panel discussion on the commercialisation of science through advancements in biotechnology, to be held on 30 July from 6-8pm in the University of Otago Union Common Room.
Their aim is to hear first-hand about how biotechnology has been taken out of the lab and into people’s lives, and to use the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing science.
“We’re doing this because we see how important it is to the future of New Zealand, and to our futures,” Cushla says.
“There are significant shifts happening in the science culture of New Zealand, including changes in research direction at universities. I think it's important that we talk openly about these changes rather than avoid them. Often, I feel that the implications of these decisions aren't clearly communicated down the chain — including to undergraduates who are deciding where to do postgraduate study and in what field.
Biotechnology represents an incredible opportunity, but at the same time I think we need to help people to understand that fundamental science underpinning discoveries remains just as important, CRISPR technology being a great example,” she says.
The organisers have attracted a stellar lineup of panellists:
- Greg Cook, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation
- Debbie Hay, Pharmaceutical scientist and drug developer
- Anna Campbell, Co-founder of Zestt Wellness & Viropin Pharmaceutical
- Richard McKnight, Head of Technology Implementation, Kiwifruit Breeding Centre
- Sam Wilkins, Otago Innovation Ltd, Commercialising IP
“We think students in particular will be interested in the panellists’ journeys and experiences — what they studied, how that led them to where they are now, and what their work or company is aiming to achieve.”
Cushla and Liam, both Biochemistry postgraduates, founded OBiGSA last year to provide opportunities for people to connect outside of their studies and build the kind of relationships that make their department feel like a community.
They’re enjoying the mahi.
“We did this because we noticed there was little sense of community among Biochemistry and Genetics undergraduates, or between undergraduates and postgraduates.
“We also felt a lack of conference-style, high-level conversations. One of the great privileges of being at this university is the access it gives you to so many remarkable people, but there was no dedicated space to hear from them and be inspired,” she says.
They had already hosted one panel discussion when they launched their association last year and were pleased with its success.
“We think that organising panels has been a good way to foster a community that is genuinely excited about science, and to channel that passion to share knowledge,” Cushla says.
Find out more about the event via this link here.
-Kōrero by Claire Grant, Communications Advisor, School of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Biochemistry
Biochemists find out how the molecules in living things work. By unravelling the secrets underlying fundamental biological processes, we can find innovative approaches to challenges in medicine, biotechnology and agriculture.
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