Dynamic Science Wellington
The School of Chemical and Physical Sciences held a 2-day event called ‘Dynamic Science Wellington’ for Year 12 and 13 high school students who are passionate about chemistry and physics.
The first day included a series of engaging activities in the research labs where the students gained hands-on experience and insight into the cutting-edge research within SCPS, finishing with some inspiring talks from founders of start-up companies, who are using their scientific expertise to address global societal topics.
The second day started with a trip to the Robinson Research Institute and Ferrier Institute where the students learned about where science has a place in industry. They gained an understanding of how chemistry and physics can contribute to New Zealand’s large scientific community allowing them to see where a degree in chemistry and physics can take them. They also interacted with current undergraduate science students, who shared some of their experience at University. The day ended with a fun and challenging chemistry and physics escape room, where the students had to use the knowledge they gained throughout the past two days to solve puzzles and clues in order to break out of the lab.
Dynamic Science Wellington was a successful event that inspired the students and got them excited to further their studies in chemistry and physics at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
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Wellington NZIC Branch news
In December 2022, the NZIC President, Associate Professor Michael Mucalo, gave his NZIC Presidential Seminar to the Wellington NZIC branch. This was followed by the Wellington branch AGM with the election of the new branch committee, and a handing over of the baton to our new NZIC president Associate Professor Joanne Harvey.
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Student successes
Congratulations to Victoria University of Wellington students who have won prizes at recent conferences:
- Lara Brown - best overall student poster prize at the NZIC 2022 conference.
- Aditi Kumar - best student poster at AMN-10, February 2023.
- Jake Hardy and Calum Gordon - best student talk at AMN-10, February 2023.
- Emily Stephens and Andrea O’Reilly - best poster at the MacDiarmid Symposium.
After winning the Victoria University of Wellington - Te Herenga Waka 3 Minute Thesis Competition, PhD student Lucy Hughes qualified for the 3M Asia-Pacific competition where she finished in the top ten.
PhD completions
Congratulations to Ferrier students who have recently successfully completed their PhD examinations in 2022: Rudy Bundela, Mitchell Ganley, Parastoo Khajeaian, Rose McLellan, Michael Meijlink, Charlotte Page and Yoan Preux.
Rose McLellan’s exceptional PhD thesis was selected for the Dean’s list.
Te Kāuru - Ferrier Research Institute
New lab facilities opened at Gracefield
Last year Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall (then Minister of Science) opened Te Pā Harakeke at the Gracefield Innovation Quarter. These new labs are occupied by some of Ferrier’s researchers who welcomed the opportunity to give her a tour.
Callaghan Innovation - Te Kāuru joint NMR facility
Callaghan Innovation and Ferrier Research Institute have purchased two cutting-edge NMR spectrometers, with one in use and the other being installed soon. These 500 MHz spectrometers are equipped with the latest technology, being up to 100 times faster for some experiments compared to previous generations due to advances in instrument sensitivity and the use of cryo-probe technology.
New Te Kāuru - Ferrier Research Institute Director appointed
On 1 February 2023 Professor Gary Evans became the new director of The Ferrier Research Institute. Professor Richard Furneaux has been leading the group that is now the Ferrier Research Institute for the past 40 years, building the Institute up to the powerhouse it is today. Richard will still be part of the Institute, but with much more time to spend on the science that he loves including delivery of research solutions to clients.
Gary completed his PhD at Otago and a postdoc at Oxford, UK, before joining the Institute as a FRST Postdoctoral Fellow. For the past 4.5 years he has been the Chief Science Advisor at MBIE. Gary’s impressive publication and patent record along with his recent experience in government Ministry circles sets the Ferrier up well for the future.
