This novel event gave passionate young New Zealanders the opportunity to excite New Zealand's decision makers with science.
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| Hadleigh Frost & Miyang |
The symposium was inspired by the work of physicist and educator, the late Sir Paul Callaghan (GNZM, FRS, FRSNZ).
Sir Paul envisioned a New Zealand focused on learning and innovation - a country which attracts bright young scientists and innovators – inspiring New Zealand students to come back home after gaining experience overseas and providing that “place where talent wants to live”.
He understood that the communication of science is paramount to realising this goal.
Indeed, Sir Paul offered a scientific voice to New Zealand's media. He communicated science to New Zealand in a way everyone could understand. In this spirit, the Rotary Club of Wellington has started the Eureka! Symposium.
To enter the competition over fifty students from many parts of New Zealand produced brief synopses and made 3 minute videos describing an area of science and its relevance to our economic, environmental and social situation.
These entries were judged by an esteemed panel of businessmen, scientists and communicators. Ultimately, twelve finalists gave their presentations to an audience of executives, academics and politicians in Wellington. The science-packed day was opened by the Prime Minister and the finalists covered a wide range of topics including energy, meat production and reversible male contraception.
The finalists were competing for the Sir Paul Callaghan Premier Award, which recognises excellence in science communication. However, Eureka! offers more to the participants than just awards.
All students spent time talking with the executives and politicians who came to watch them present. This gave the students a valuable insight into the landscape of New Zealand's businesses. For instance, Christchurch Boys High School science student Yanni Cowie gained the valuable opportunity to talk to National Radio Presenter Kim Hill on her highly popular Saturday Morning Show about his passion for biofuels as a result of Eureka!.
Further, as part of their participation, the finalists will take part in a forum arranged by the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor `where they will discuss New Zealand's science issues with senior politicians, government officials and business representatives. This unprecedented exchange between decision makers and young scientists will go a long way towards recognising Sir Paul's dream.
Continued sponsorship will secure Eureka! as an on-going part of New Zealand's economic and science landscape, and the Rotary Club of Wellington is committed to building this event.
Eureka! sends two key messages to two important groups of people. It tells our leaders that science is useful, and it shows them how science will impact New Zealand's future. It also tells our young scientists that their hard work is important and that they are valued by their society. These are messages that need to be heard, and Eureka! is telling them.
As a Bachelor of Science student, I can attest that a university degree doesn't prepare you for the real world. Eureka! is fostering the skills and ambitions of young scientists like myself, preparing us to engage with the world in which we live.
Hadleigh Frost
Written by the winner of the Sir Paul Callaghan
Premier Award for Young Science Orators, Hadleigh Frost
Submitted to RDU by Howard Tong
