Thursday 28 June 2018 1:24pm
The New Zealand International Science Festival begins next Friday evening, with an opening event at the St David Lecture Theatre Complex.
The University’s Dunedin campus will be buzzing with science next month, when the New Zealand International Science Festival gets under way.
The Festival, which is held every two years in Dunedin, is New Zealand’s premier public science event.
This year’s line-up includes talent from New Zealand and around the world with more than 200 events built around the theme ‘Go Beyond’ to be held from 6 to 15 July at 24 locations across the city.
Festival Director Dan Hendra.
Dan Hendra is Director of the Festival for the first time this year – and is proud that the event is bigger than ever before.
Mr Hendra, the man behind Dunedin’s Craft Beer & Food Festival, took over the role in early 2017 – after 10 years managing events for the Otago University Students' Association (OUSA).
He says one of his aims with the festival is to “give back” to the University – which is one of the event’s principal sponsors.
As part of this aim, he has organised for many of the visiting scientists to meet with or speak to University staff who share common interests.
One such person is Kylie Ahern - an award-winning publisher and entrepreneur with experience that spans media, telecommunications, science and education – who will work with University Communications staff in a workshop about science communication.
"One of the strongest components of the festival is the phenomenal support we have gained over many years with our partners and sponsors."
Another is internationally renowned Australian science educator Dr Ken Silburn – recognised as one of the top 10 teachers in the world through the Varkey Global Teacher Prize – who will run a workshop for the 20 teachers from low decile schools who are taking part in the Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy (OUASSA) this year.
Mr Hendra believes it is important for the Festival to “go beyond” simply bringing visitors to the city for presentations, and ensure they can inspire others in their fields.
“We have an incredible opportunity to work with some of the best people in their fields globally, and we strive to not only celebrate sciences with scientists, but with the greater Dunedin community – to inspire and engage people about the importance it plays in our lives.”
He has worked hard to utilise University venues as much as possible, and to ensure the Festival has enough partners to ensure events are free or very affordable for attendees.
“One of the strongest components of the festival is the phenomenal support we have gained over many years with our partners and sponsors. This has allowed us to continuously focus on creating high quality events at subsidised pricing and is something we are very proud of."
The festival opens next Friday night (6 July) at the St David Lecture Theatre Complex – with A Celebration of the Sciences. This event will give attendees a sneak peek at the University of Otago's Science Expo, let them hear the latest findings from Richie Poulton, Director of the Dunedin Longitudinal Study, and celebrate Otago's science heroes when the winners of the 2018 ODT Community Science Awards are announced.
"With so many events in so many locations we are looking to take over the city with sciences – this is a great opportunity to dip your toes into the fascinating field of science."
The University of Otago Science Expo is always a highlight of the festival, and this year will be no different. Being held over the first weekend of the festival (Sat 7 and Sun 8 July) at the St David Lecture Theatre Complex this year’s event will feature all sorts of fun and interactive displays from Otago Departments.
Another highlight on campus will be the School of Biomedical Sciences Photo Exhibition, which will be open from Sat 7 to Sat 14 July in the Link, and will feature images encompassing anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology & immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, pharmacology & toxicology, physiology and more.
In addition, the University’s Anatomy Museum will open its doors for guided tours over the first weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to view and learn about this amazing collection.
“With so many events in so many locations we are looking to take over the city with sciences – this is a great opportunity to dip your toes into the fascinating field of science. To date a number of our events have already sold out so we have created additional ones, but we recommend people book early as most have limited spaces.”
For more information see http://www.scifest.org.nz/
Come along – events on campus:
 | Opening Night: A Celebration of the Sciences Enjoy a sneak peek at the University of Otago's Science Expo, hear the latest findings from Richie Poulton, Director of the Dunedin Longitudinal Study, and celebrate our region's science heroes as we announce the winners of the 2018 ODT Community Science Awards. Fri 6 Jul, 6pm to 7.30pm | |
 | Future Energy Show A family show like no other, starring much loved science communicator Graham Walker. Find out about the science behind future energy technologies like fuel cells, hydrogen, carbon capture and biofuels as we burn and explode our way through a series of awe-inspiring experiments. Sat 7 Jul, 4pm to 5pm and Sun 8 Jul, 2pm to 3pmSt David Lecture Theatre
| |
 | Otago University Expo The Science Festival grabs the best, quirkiest, coolest, weirdest and most helpful science from around the University and packs it all into the ground floor of the St David Complex. Sat 7 Jul, 10am to 4pm AND Sun 8 Jul, 10am to 2pm | |
 | W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum: Guided Tours Many of the models and specimens housed in the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum date back at least 100 years. Displayed alongside the more modern specimens of anatomy, a walk around the museum brings to life the wonders of the human body. Bookings are essential (maximum 40 participants per tour). No food or drink permitted in the museum. No cameras or other visual recording devices are permitted in the museum. Sat 7 Jul, 10.30am to 12noon and 1pm to 2.30pm | |
 | School of Biomedical Sciences Photo Exhibition Discover the images behind the science at the School of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) photo exhibition. A range of stunning photos will be on display which go beyond what you think science to be. Come to the ISB Link to see images encompassing anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology & immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, pharmacology & toxicology, physiology and more! Come along and see what it’s all about … you might even learn something new. Sat 7 Jul to Sat 14 Jul, 10am to 4pm | |
 | Pain in Children and Young People: What do we know? Persistent pain in children and adolescents is a significant health burden on family and society. It interferes with participation in schooling, sport/leisure activities, and relationship with peers; potentially leading to social isolation and/or loneliness. This panel discussion will highlight recent research in this area and discuss the best treatment approaches, encompassing the holistic experience of pain, for providing support to enhance function, despite having pain. Wed 11 Jul, 6pm to 7.30pm | |
 | Climate Change: Why, when and how do we respond? Very brief introductions by experts from Otago University and Victoria University, including James Renwick, will be followed by discussion and questions from the audience. We will discuss environmental, human health and social impacts of climate change, renewable energy, the pros and cons of offsetting, how much time, money and other resources should be spent on mitigation vs adaptation? How prepared is Dunedin and Otago for Climate Change? Sat 14 Jul, 10.30am to 12noon | |
 | Coding Fundamentals for Girls A coding workshop for 8-16 year olds led by Ally Watson from Code Like a Girl. A basic understanding of code is going to be critical for the future of work. Learn about the inspiring women who played a crucial role in the evolution of computer science and have a go yourself with some basics in HTML & CSS in this engaging and creative coding workshop.\ Tue 10 Jul, 2pm to 3.30pm |