House of science is bringing top scientists to BoP

House of science is bringing top scientists to the Bay of Plenty

October 2017: The House of Science is hosting leading New Zealand scientists at their biennial symposium in November.

The first-of-its-kind institution is changing the way Kiwis engage with science, fostering the natural curiosity of men, women and children around the country through resources and information they may not have otherwise had access to.

“The symposium, titled ‘Curious Citizens’, provides an opportunity for the whole community to learn together,” says national founder and CEO Chris Duggan. “Our inaugural symposium in 2015 attracted 230 primary and secondary teachers, scientists, researchers, community leaders and the general public. This year we hope to attract over 300 keen and curious citizens. We make this event accessible to as many people as possible by keeping the registration fees affordable yet offering a memorable experience in a great setting”.

Keynote presenters include ‘Bugman’ Ruud Kleinpaste; well-known ambassador for insects and other invertebrates. He is championing environmental education projects from Fiordland to Bay of Islands, engaging whole communities in citizen science.

Steve Hathaway, an underwater oceanographer who starting filming underwater professionally in 2008. His footage has appeared on BBC, Discovery TV, National Geographic and TVNZ, in numerous award-winning documentaries.

Siouxsie Wiles is completely in awe of the natural world and the power of the scientific method to aid our understanding of it. Siouxsie has been awarded many science communication prizes.

Victoria Metcalf is the national coordinator of the participatory science platform in the office of the prime minister’s chief science advisor where she is affectionally known as the ‘queen of curiosity’.

This is a one-day symposium commences at 8:30am and concludes at 5pm. There are three keynote sessions planned as well as two seminar slots where delegates have a choice of four different presentations.

With the focus on citizen science there is also an extended opportunity to try a variety of hands-on activities related to novel science projects. Presenters for these workshops come from all over the country and will amaze with the range of relevant science activities people can participate in.

Delegates will enjoy quality catering at ‘The Orchard’ church venue in Te Puke.
Symposium Registration and full programme on the House of Science website:
http://houseofscience.nz/get-involved/symposium

About House of Science: A unique, not-for-profit venture that was established in 2013 to provide accessible, tangible and engaging science projects and programmes to the wider Western Bay of Plenty. They now have seven other regions operating similar programmes.

Raising the scientific literacy of the community has been the number-one driver behind the venture, and with more students taking the subject and the increasing number of community members involved in House of Science, Chris considers this a huge success for the organisation.

“House of Science is proof that through the simple provision of inspiring and educational science programmes and experiments, children and adults alike are given an outlet for their natural curiosity and a platform for expanding that curiosity to assist with their learning throughout their whole lives”.

House of Science is proudly supported through a partnership with the Wright Family Foundation charitable trust, which is committed to New Zealand education in all its forms and generously contributes to furthering the positive reach of the organisation.

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