Listen back to audio recordings from SCANZ 2011
Professor Sir Peter Gluckman
Keynote speaker - Day 1:
The public has a right to be informed on scientific issues, says the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Sir Peter Gluckman, and both scientists themselves and the media have roles to play in ensuring that reliable and accessible information is available. Speaking to the Science Communicators Association of New Zealand in Auckland this morning, Sir Peter described how science now studies complex, interacting and non-linear systems – such as climate change, food and water security or non-communicable disease. In these complex systems, science cannot produce certainty but rather operates to reduce uncertainty and make predictions about the range of possible outcomes and risks. Moreover, technological solutions to those challenges – for example genetically modified foods – often intersect with public values, and policy makers must appreciate the full range of influences that should inform their decisions.
The public has a right to be informed on scientific issues, says the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Sir Peter Gluckman, and both scientists themselves and the media have roles to play in ensuring that reliable and accessible information is available. Speaking to the Science Communicators Association of New Zealand in Auckland this morning, Sir Peter described how science now studies complex, interacting and non-linear systems – such as climate change, food and water security or non-communicable disease. In these complex systems, science cannot produce certainty but rather operates to reduce uncertainty and make predictions about the range of possible outcomes and risks. Moreover, technological solutions to those challenges – for example genetically modified foods – often intersect with public values, and policy makers must appreciate the full range of influences that should inform their decisions.
Daniel Keogh aka "Professor Funk"
Opening keynote:
Daniel Keogh is an Australian science communicator, film maker and animator whose work has appeared on television, radio and online. He has reported science stories for ABC TV's Hungry Beast and Radio National's Science Show and is a graduate of the Shell Questacon Science Circus programme.
See Professor Funk's Youtube Channel to view videos referenced during this talk.
[NB: this talk's (very funny) opening was unfortunately truncated in the recording. Please also note occasional use of explicit language.]
Daniel Keogh is an Australian science communicator, film maker and animator whose work has appeared on television, radio and online. He has reported science stories for ABC TV's Hungry Beast and Radio National's Science Show and is a graduate of the Shell Questacon Science Circus programme.
See Professor Funk's Youtube Channel to view videos referenced during this talk.
[NB: this talk's (very funny) opening was unfortunately truncated in the recording. Please also note occasional use of explicit language.]
Panel discussion - 'The Other Side'
Can we find common ground on contentious science issues? We hear from panelists who typically find themselves at odds with scientists and research-driven reassurances, and discuss ways to bridge the divide.
Panelists (left to right): Chris Mullane former Agent Orange Project Leader, Ex-Vietnam Servicemen's Assoc., Steffan Browning Spokesperson, Soil & Health Assoc., Joe Harawira Sawmill Workers Against Poisons (SWAP)
Moderated by: Environmental Science and Research (ESR's) Dr Karen Cronin
Panelists (left to right): Chris Mullane former Agent Orange Project Leader, Ex-Vietnam Servicemen's Assoc., Steffan Browning Spokesperson, Soil & Health Assoc., Joe Harawira Sawmill Workers Against Poisons (SWAP)
Moderated by: Environmental Science and Research (ESR's) Dr Karen Cronin
Thesis in Three - (Day One)
Concise three-minute presentations on topics of their choosing
Presenters:
Presenters:
- Belinda Bray - science communication - lessons learned
- Bridget Gallagher - Time Team and innovative outreach on archaeology
- Miriam Sharland, Te Manawa museum - Our River exhibition.
Panel discussion - 'Doubt, denial and rejection'
Confronted with strong reactions on a range of issues (climate change, vaccines, GMOs, medical miracle cures, environmental toxins) - how do we discuss science when science itself is under fire? Moving beyond defensiveness to draw out legitimate concerns and make headway when the public is bitterly divided.
Panelists: David Wansbrough (MoH), Vicki Hyde (NZ Skeptics), Geoff Baird (NIWA)
Moderator: Dr Karen Cronin (ESR)
Panelists: David Wansbrough (MoH), Vicki Hyde (NZ Skeptics), Geoff Baird (NIWA)
Moderator: Dr Karen Cronin (ESR)
Sir Peter Maire
Keynote speaker - Day 2:
Technology entrepreneur Sir Peter Maire is a co-founder and former President of Navman NZ Limited. Peter is a past board member of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and is an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand. Peter has made significant investment into New Zealand technology companies. Peter was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM) in 2008 for his contributions to business.
Technology entrepreneur Sir Peter Maire is a co-founder and former President of Navman NZ Limited. Peter is a past board member of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and is an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand. Peter has made significant investment into New Zealand technology companies. Peter was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM) in 2008 for his contributions to business.
