Peter Dearden • Nov 02, 2018 •
This is the first posting of a blog provided by members of the newly formed New Zealand research organisation; Genomics Aotearoa (GA). GA is an MBIE platform to improve the use of genomics and bioinformatics in New Zealand, and part of what we do it talking about what might be able to be achieved with these sciences. Why should you … Read More
Jean Balchin • Apr 26, 2018 •
I’m in the exceedingly fortunate position of not worrying about my postgraduate education costs; I have a scholarship that pays my fees and accomodation over the next few years. I won’t have to worry about feeding myself, scraping together my dollars to cover power bills, or shivering in my bedroom because I can’t afford an electric blanket. But … Read More
Lynley Hargreaves • Jun 15, 2017 •
Originally posted on Royal Society Te Apārangi’s Past and Future series where, as part of 150th anniversary celebrations, early career researchers are invited to share discoveries in their fields from days gone by or give us a glimpse into where their research may take us in the future. By Jason Gurney, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, … Read More
Siouxsie Wiles • Sep 07, 2015 •
Picture this. A new virus, Mortenza, is sweeping around the world, killing millions. Despite all efforts, Mortenza reaches New Zealand and rapidly spreads around the country. In desperation, the Government isolates the tiny uninfected island of Great Barrier. How would this small community cope? Would they survive the pandemic? This is the fascinating scenario I’ll be exploring this coming weekend … Read More
Peter Griffin • Aug 09, 2013 •
Well this is exciting – the University of Otago’s Centre for Science Communication is undertaking a worldwide search for a science communication academic to join the Dunedin-based centre run by Professor Lloyd Davis. Prof Lloyd Davis The Centre for Science Communication is New Zealand’s only dedicated science communication academic centre and has won worldwide acclaim for its work … Read More
Elf Eldridge • Apr 06, 2012 •
Of course it wouldn’t be fair to the conference to only showcase opinions of the attendees to the NZAS conference! With this in mind I tracked down one of the conference organisers, Dr. Justin Hodgkiss, to get his feedback on the event. Originally from Rotorua and an Otago graduate, Justin … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Sep 22, 2010 •
Two recent posts from (parts I and II) review a graduate student forum where two university staff members presented their thoughts about career paths. I’d like to use these as an opportunity (well, excuse) to pull together in one post some of things I have previously written on this topic, about science-based careers outside academia. Read More
Grant Jacobs • Jun 28, 2010 •
Running from July 6th to 11th, New Zealand’s International Science Festival hits the streets. For many it may be better known as mainly for kids. There is of course a huge programme for kids, but there is also a busy programme for adults, which I am going to focus on here. Read More
Grant Jacobs • Jun 09, 2010 •
(Source: Wikimedia Commons.) Today’s Otago Daily Times runs with a feature story that the University of Otago is to limit enrolments to first year courses in a two-tier fashion next year. Some might recall this is the opposite of a previous decision by the University Council that there will be no limitations on first-year enrolments at … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Jun 01, 2010 •
This post is mainly for those at the University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand). Non-locals are welcome to comment on the workshops, of course. (Source: University of Otago Higher Education Development Centre.) Not all students arrive at university with good essay-writing or exam skills. While at the Science library yesterday, a small flyer drew … Read More