Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Young Science Leaders Forum - a great success

Over 100 young science leaders, science advisors, teachers and students spent a wonderful day at Government House participating in the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Young Science Leaders Forum.

The purpose of the Forum was to establish the agreed observations, views, ideas and solutions of the invited young science leaders about a major challenge facing New Zealand. A detailed written report will be prepared.

The Forum was hosted by the Governor-General Her Excellency the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM QSO and her husband Sir David Gascoigne.

Three powerful presentations by Prof Juliet Gerrard (the PM's Chief Science Advisor), Dr William Rolleston (science entrepreneur and former Federated Farmers President) and Dr Stephen Goldson Chief Scientist AgResearch) set the base for consideration of the challenge posed by Dr Russ Ballard -

The Agriculture Dilemma - Has New Zealand got the balance just right and if not what, do we need to do to get the balance right in the future?

The Forum attendees were asked to consider:

1. The impact of their recommendations, and
2. What is necessary to ensure successful implementation

Following Group consideration the Rapporteur, Veronika Meduna of ConversationsNZ, summarised the points of agreement and highlights in a brief verbal presentation.

A peer-reviewed written report (reflecting the views of the young people who attended) will be produced over the next few weeks which will then be referred to key leaders and leadership groups for their consideration.

The 2018 Alumni gathered for a photo opportunity with the Governor General and Sir David.