What makes us tick? Science Festival theme & dates announced

21 November 2011

What makes us tick? Science Festival theme and dates announced for 2012

Planning for the New Zealand International Science Festival is underway with the appointment of Chris Green as the new festival director for 2012. The eighth New Zealand International Science Festival will take place in Dunedin, from 30 June to 8 July.

The 2012 festival will be held over nine days and will take a different approach from previous years, with more hands-on events based around the theme 'what makes us tick?'

According to Festival President Mike Harte, the 2012 event will focus on presenting events that are inspirational as well as sheer fun, with the aim of raising public awareness of the role that science plays in all aspects of our everyday lives.

"The new theme of 'what makes us tick?' will give us an opportunity to deliver a programme of events that are entertaining, educational and inspiring - all at the same time. It's going to be a fantastic line-up and we'll be announcing our international guests in the New Year," says Mike.

Mike confirmed Chris Green as the new festival director for 2012. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked on the 2010 festival as associate director.

Chris believes the festival has the ability to reach a much wider audience, and will build on the success of 2010 by delivering more events related to everyday issues, experience-based and also just fun.

"I want the festival to give people the opportunity to say 'thanks to science'. A lot of what happens to us is a direct result of science. Science plays a massive role in what makes us the way we are and the things we use on a daily basis," Chris says.

"From eating certain foods like dark chocolate, oranges or salmon that can reduce our stress levels, to understanding how the ability to develop mental toughness is key to sporting success - these are just some of the topics we'll be looking to cover."

Keynote speakers and events are yet to be announced.

Background

The New Zealand International Science Festival has developed, managed and produced seven International Science Festivals in Dunedin every two years since 1998. In addition to a wide range of events, the festivals involve the participation of international keynote speakers, external event organisers, and a range of local and national sponsors and funders.

Up to 40 individual volunteers help run festival events, and thousands of visitors from all over New Zealand participate in festival activities.

The NZ International Science Festival is a not-for-profit organisation, which aims:

• To promote and celebrate science, technology and the environment to a wide general audience, and show that science is exciting, fun, and accessible
• To encourage young people to consider working in the fields of science, technology and the environment as positive career options
• To show the relevance of current developments in science and technology to our daily lives
• To promote the quality and achievements of New Zealand scientific research

For more information visit www.scifest.org.nz.

ENDS

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