8 July, 2004
UNESCO Science Scholarship Winners Announced
Two University of Auckland students have won Undergraduate Science Scholarships awarded by the New Zealand National
Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO NZ) to recognise top
secondary school science students and to help them in their first year of university study. This year’s recipients are
Cherrie Kong, the 2003 Dux of Palmerston North Girls High, and Josephine McVitty, who was Dux at Wellington Grils
College last year. They each receive a scholarship of $1500.
UNESCO Assistant Director-General Walter Erdelen, who is visiting New Zealand from UNESCO headquarters in Paris,
presented the scholarships to the students at Parliament Buildings in Wellington last night.
Mr Erdelen says, “Fostering the young generation is at the heart of tackling science issues like sustainable
development. Through initiatives such as these scholarships, UNESCO seeks to foster young people’s interest and
involvement in scientific research and understanding.”
The two young women were chosen for their outstanding academic records, demonstrated interest and ability in science,
and leadership potential. This year Cherie is studying Biomedical Science and Josephine has embarked on engineering
studies.
The UNESCO NZ Undergraduate Science Scholarships are awarded annually, in association with the Secondary Principals
Association of New Zealand, to first year university students with citizenship or permanent resident status, who are
enrolled in either applied science or engineering at a New Zealand university.
The scholarships were presented at a Royal Society of New Zealand function featuring an address by Robert Lord Winston.
Lord Winston, well known for hosting several BBC science television series including “the Human Body” and “The Human
Mind”, has been touring New Zealand as the 2004 Royal Society Distinguished Speaker.
ENDS