PROFESSOR JEAN FLEMING APPOINTED LIFE MEMBER OF NZ INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Prof Jean Fleming was awarded a life membership of the New Zealand International Science Festival at the festival’s annual general meeting held in Dunedin on Thursday 26 January 2012. She was nominated was nominated for the award in recognition of her outstanding services to the New Zealand International Science Festival since its inception as an incorporated society in 1997.
She follows in the footsteps of Dame Elizabeth Hanan who was awarded the festival’s first life membership in 2010. Jean Fleming is a professor of science communication at the University of Otago’s new Centre for Science Communication, where she convenes the Popularising Science MSciComm.
Science Festival president Mike Harte said that Prof Fleming’s drive and determination to see the festival succeed were key factors in the society’s award to her of its second life membership, "Jean was the first programme committee chair when the biennial festival concept was launched by a committed team in 1998. Jean has remained on the festival’s executive committee ever since and we are now well under way in planning our eighth festival. Jean’s energy, her constant stream of fresh ideas for speakers, outstanding international contacts and her own reputation as a scientist and science communicator has made a huge contribution to the success of the New Zealand International Science Festival.”
Prof Fleming says she is thrilled to receive this award - the festival has always been her first love and she attributes the festival to helping her learn to be a science communicator. “I realised that with a bit of passion and enthusiasm, it is possible to get the average person involved in science from a hands on perspective, get out there and do it for themselves,” she said.
WHAT MAKES YOU TICK ?
The NZ International Science Festival is back again from the 30th June through to the 8th of July next year - so set aside the forst week of the July school holidays for something special - from public demonstrations to competitions and fun activities there will be something for all ages ! We will be updating the website with speakers and activities as they are released. but to keep up to date with what's happening and a sneak peek at some of what to expect, check out the facebook site - https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Zealand-International-Science-Festival/152342986524
CELEBRATE HIDDEN DUNEDIN
Celebrate Hidden Dunedin is now up and running - take part in the Science of Beer, chill out with Cuisine at St Clair or stroll, run or walk up the steepest street in the world with the Baldwin Street Gustbuster. Throughout the Rugby World Cup there will be many different activities taking place, each one highlighting a part of Dunedin that usually are experienced only by locals.
Join us as we discover Dunedin's hidden secrets as we welcome the many visitors to our city during this once in a lifetime event.
Visit www.celebratehiddendunedin.co.nz or like us on facebook for up to date news and information about some of these events and hidden gems throughout the city. Don't forget to visit us for the first event on Friday Sept 9th, as we welcome visitors to the city with a Kiwi BBQ in the Octagon with kiwi kai such as paua patties and mini pavlovas ! Cheer on the kids in their backyard rugby games and then grab something to eat. What better way of kicking off the tournament than with good company and good food ?
Celebrate Hidden Dunedin is proudly brought to you by the team here at the NZ International Science Festival, and is part of the REALNZ Festival being held around the country. Thanks NZ2011 National Lottery Fund for the support
Professor Jean Fleming - Companion of the Royal Society
Recently our executive member Professor Jean Fleming was elected as a Companion of the Royal Society in recognition of her outstanding leadership in science, and contributions to the promotion and advancement of science and technology in New Zealand. Jean was a founding member of the Festival and we are delighted that this honour has been bestowed on such a worthy recipient.
Jean Fleming is a Professor of Science Communication at the University’s Centre for Science Communication.
President of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Dr Garth Carnaby, said Jean Fleming was a dedicated science communicator who had led numerous organisations focused on increasing public understanding about science.
“Jean has a wonderful reputation for her work as a science communicator. Her commitment to taking science to the community is well-known both in New Zealand and internationally.
“She has also devoted an enormous amount of energy to popularising science, at the same time as pursing a biology research career. She is a very worthy recipient of the Companion award.”
Professor Fleming has been involved for over 16 years in the very successful science summer camp for high school students from around New Zealand, called Hands-on Science, which has encouraged young people into science over the past 22 years. She was on the advisory board of the Science Media Centre from 2008 to 2010.
She is one of Radio New Zealand National’s Thursday night scientists, interviewed by Bryan Crump on ‘Body Parts’ and has been doing this since early 2008.
In 2000 Professor Fleming was a commissioner on the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification which travelled throughout New Zealand holding public meetings.
The Change that Wasn't!
In case you are wondering, there has not been a change of Director at the New Zealand International Science Festival. Our Director Sue Clarke had a change of circumstance that meant she will be staying in Dunedin and Sue is currently very busy developing the Celebrate Dunedin event whilst assisting the Dunedin City Council prepare for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. We wish to thank those that applied for the role and wish you all the very best for your future career choices.
