As one of New Zealand's foremost innovators and scientists, we are pleased to welcome Sir Ray Avery to Dunedin to be part of the NZ International Science festival.
With his keynote on Monday 2nd July, Sir Ray hopes that those who attend his festival talk about science and innovation will come away inspired on at least two levels. “Science can change everything. I want to show how science can have an impact on social and environmental issues.” he says. Sir Ray Avery is a successful pharmaceutical scientist, a founding member of the Auckland University School of Medicine’s Department of Clinical Pharmacology and former technical director of Douglas Pharmaceuticals.
Over the past thirty years, he has made a major contribution in the development of New Zealand’s pharmaceutical industry. These are huge accolades for a man who has come from very humble beginnings. His autobiography, Rebel With a Cause, tells the inspiring story of his journey from homeless street kid to successful businessman and scientist, the inventor of life-saving medical products. While homeless in London, he developed a love of books and science, spending hours in libraries to keep himself warm.
Originally from England, at the age of 12 he was made a ward of the state after being abused by his parents. After being shuffled between orphanages and foster homes, Ray eventually ran away. He was found, put into care and continued his education – going on to become an analytical chemist. Today, Sir Ray’s work is supported by an international network of scientists, technologists, forward-thinking New Zealand companies and Nobel Laureates; he reflects that while his backers often donate their time and knowledge for free, they are rewarded simply by making a difference. Sir Ray Avery will be attending the festival to share his inspiring story, the contribution he has already made to the development sector and his ideas for the future.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join Ray for an inspiring evening where he’ll be talking about science and innovation, putting New Zealand education under the microscope, scrutinising our research and innovation track record, both governmental and private, and discussing ‘the root causes of New Zealand’s poor Global Innovation Index’. This session will also include an interactive panel discussion entitled “Science and Innovation: Issues, Problems and Solutions for the Future" An evening with Sir Ray Avery Venue: Teachers College Auditorium, Union Street East Monday 2nd July, 7 – 8.30pm Tickets $10 available via TicketDirect www.ticketdirect.co.nz from Tuesday 5 June