Brain Trauma Victim to Share Experience at Scifest 2014
A UK scientist who suffered a severe head injury after a car crash that claimed the life of his wife will share his
extraordinary journey to recovery at this year’s New Zealand International Science Festival from 5 to 13 July in
Dunedin, New Zealand.
Science communicator James Piercy and his family’s life changed forever on January 30, 2011, when a nail punctured the
tyre of their Citroen Berlingo while driving along a dual carriageway near Norwich. His children suffered only minor
injuries but his wife was killed on impact.
Piercy, who received a severe head injury, was to spend the next two months in hospital, including a week in a coma.
Now, almost fully recovered, he will share his miraculous story at the festival in his talk ‘What’s going on in his
head?’
Generously supported by the Otago Museum, Piercy will deliver multiple talks at the Museum, giving a special insight
into the often “hidden world” of brain trauma.
“My head injury was classed as very severe and my recovery described as ‘phenomenal’,” says Piercy, the Science
Communicator for Science Made Simple (East).
“I owe my life to a lot of people, some great science and more than a little luck.”
According to a recent study, traumatic brain injuries remain at epidemic levels in New Zealand, with a head injury
occurring every 15 minutes.
“Brain health, including recovery from brain injuries is a key part of Dunedin’s future as a hub for Brain Health
Research and academic neurosurgery,” says Festival Director Chris Green.
“Having James share his remarkable journey – and his personal experience of recovering from head trauma – provides
festival goers with a real insight into the power of science to heal and save lives.”
Whilst in Dunedin, James Piercy will be guest speaker at an Otago Medical Research Foundation Club Otago lunch (Wednesday 9th July). The Foundation raises funds for research projects and summer scholarships with much of its
work globally acclaimed.
Piercy will also give a talk at the Auckland Museum following the science festival.
The festival programme – will be officially announced in late May, with tickets on sale from early June www.scifest.org.nz.
The 2014 New Zealand International Science Festival is sponsored by two major funding partners, the University of Otago
and the Dunedin City Council.
Festival events with James Piercy:
Monday, July 7th, 12noon-1pm at the Otago Museum, Dunedin: “Take a Good Look at…The Brain” - informal panel discussion
and Q with James Piercy – free, no bookings required.
Monday, July 7th, 7:30pm-9pm at the Otago Museum, Dunedin: “What’s going on in his head?” Public talk – free, no
bookings required.
Thursday, July 10th, evening at the Auckland Museum: “What’s going on in his head?” Public talk.
ENDS