Forum delivered students a science challenge
Kia ora koutou.
Part of the process of growing successful young men and young women is to find opportunities to really extend them in the areas of academic, sport, culture and service.
Here is an article from Liz Lewis, head of science, describing one such opportunity.
Horowhenua College was invited to send two top STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students to the first Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Young Science Leaders Forum. This was hosted by Dame Patsy Reddy and held at Government House.
Anna Taylor and Nikki Sue, who are both studying Level 3 Biology and preparing to sit Scholarship in biology, attended with Mrs Lewis.
The focus of the forum was “What is the role of science, and that of its leaders, in a world where trust in institutions, in elites and experts, appears to be in decline and the concepts of reliable knowledge and the distinction between fact and opinion now appears to be under threat?”
Three “Science Leaders”, one described as a senior decision maker, a second as an advocate and the other a trusted adviser, addressed this question, and then challenged the attendees to focus on a concern relating to a major challenge with New Zealand Agriculture.
The three keynote speakers were Professor Juliet Gerrard (Prime Minister’s Chief Science adviser), Dr William Rolleston (director of South Pacific Sera Ltd) and Dr Stephen Goldson (principal scientist AgResearch). They gave the attendees food for thought before a challenge was issued to discuss in groups. “Agriculture is suffering from a growing dilemma: it needs to contribute to feeding a growing world population, and conserve biodiversity and manage natural resources of an increasingly depleted planet. In addition agriculture is the economic lifeblood for many nations.”
The challenge: “Have we got the balance just right and if not, what steps do we need to take to optimise the balance in the future?”
The participants were asked to consider this question, recommend changes or steps that could be taken to change the balance, and reflect on the impact(s) of their recommendations.
A highlight for Anna and Nikki was speaking with Dame Patsy over lunch.
The day delivered the students an exciting opportunity to mix with other students and leaders from both the business and science communities who shared a passion for science. It involved young people in collaborating to consider issues that they will face as our future science leaders.
It was a very worthwhile day and we at Horowhenua College felt privileged to be involved.