NZ Science Talk

Sir Paul Callaghan

the-cosmic-engine • Mar 26, 2012

Farewell to Paul Callaghan a proud New Zealander and world-class scientist, whose knowledge, style and modesty provided inspiration to many scientists, myself included. Read More

Science Communication Conference 2009 Palmerston North 9-10 November

Kevin • Sep 23, 2009

Many people will be interested in the Science Communicators Association of New Zealand Annual Conference at Massey University, Palmerston North November 9 – 10. The theme is “SCIENCE COMMUNICATION – BEYOND THE DAILY NEWS”, which is a very commendable goal. The conference should have wide appeal and there is an interesting line up of speakers [...] … Read More

Finally the Truth about the so called “Unfortunate Experiment”

Kevin • Aug 20, 2009

Everyone should listen to this Book Review with Rae McGregor of “A History of the ‘Unfortunate Experiment’ at National Women’s Hospital” by Linda Bryder. Published by Auckland University Press. Finally a comprehensive book outlining the truth about the biggest miscarriage of justice in the history of 20th century New Zealand, where two great New Zealand […] … Read More

Nature Magazine’s feature on the moon landing

Kevin • Jul 22, 2009

You can view this online. It is especially useful to replect on all the spinoffs from the space program, including encouraging people into science! Special : Apollo 40 years on Nature is marking the 40th anniversary of the first Moon landing. We report on a Nature poll that shows how the Apollo programme inspired people [...] … Read More

A Science Manifesto or too little too late?

Kevin • Apr 22, 2008

The Science manifesto is an interesting read. Despite my cynicism when it turned up in my inbox I believe that every scientist every New Zealander should read it. It is apsirational rather than inspirational though. As the last paragraph sums up, the document outlines the problems but offers very little in the way of solutions: [...] … Read More

Is the squeaky NZ science wheel finally going to get a bit of oil?

Kevin • Apr 22, 2008

Jeff Talon has written to signatories of the letter asking that the Marsden fund attaching the National Science Panel’s Science Manifesto. This is fantastic and I thank Jeff very much for this. His email is reporduced below, I am assuming he will not mind getting it out to as wide an audience as possible.   [...] … Read More

Open Letter to Science Minister Requests Tripling of Marsden Fund Another Update

Kevin • Mar 07, 2008

Here is an update mailed to signatories by Jeff Talon. Please contact him if you wish to be involved. “I know most of you signed up to the letter last October/November and you probably have wondered since what has happened with this. I felt that it would have got lost over the Summer/Christmas hiatus so [...] … Read More

Open Letter to the Science Minister Requests a Tripling of Marsden Fund — Update

Kevin • Mar 07, 2008

This is good news!  Craig Borley, a science reporter at The New Zealand Herald, has been looking at the effects of New Zealand’s low “blue skies” research funding on our science community and economy. He now wants to know of any researchers who have moved offshore as a result of New Zealand’s low funding and [...] … Read More