Promoting excellence in science and technology
Science and Technology Promotion FundIntroduction 1999/2000 results This contestable fund has been made available by the Government to promote positive values and attitudes towards science, mathematics, social sciences and technology in interesting, exciting and innovative ways. The fund included provision for one large project ($30,000 - $100,000) and a number of projects of up to $30,000. The number of applications for the large project category is notable. It was felt that a number of these would have been more appropriate on a smaller scale, maybe as trial or pilot project, with application for up to $30,000. Twenty-two applications were received for the single large project (up to $100 000) and thirty-three applications were received for up to $30,000. A total of 55 applications totaling $23,112,119.00 million dollars were received. Comment The objective of the fund was changed from 1998/99. Funds were allocated to projects which demonstrated that they would be able to achieve the following objectives:
Consideration was also given to the following:
A number of the applications met the objectives of the fund but others did not, and some appeared to have been prepared considering the 1998/99 objectives. As there were changed objectives for this fund, the selection process took this into account. For the year 2000/2001 fund it will be expected that successful applicants will clearly address their proposals to the objectives of the fund. Science and Technology Promotion Fund (1999/2000) Recipients $30,000 - $100,000 Whodunnit Auckland War Memorial Museum; Project leaders Priscilla Thompson and Katrina Stamp. Amount funded $100,000 Auckland Museum is to create an interactive exhibition based on the solving of a crime which will provide opportunities for New Zealanders to experience science and technology in an exciting, relevant and innovative way; promote positive attitudes towards science and technology; and promote science as an interesting career option. The exhibition will be available for touring, and will be supported by a trunk mini-exhibition for utilisation in remote communities. $30,000 or less He matauranga putaio, he ahunga whakamua (Maori language science calendar) He Kupenga Hao i te Reo, Palmerston North; Project leaders Eljon Fitzgerald and Ian Christensen. Amount funded $30,000 To produce a calendar which promotes understanding of scientific phenomena within Maori language households and enhances Maori academic success in science and technology. The calendars will be widely distributed. Quantum Theatre 2000 International Festival of Science, Environment and Technology, Dunedin; Project leader Caroline Cook (Director). Amount funded $30,000. To encourage New Zealand’s science communication organisations to produce new and innovative ways of promoting science and technology to public audiences. International science theatre acts will also attend the Year 2000 Festival and interact with the New Zealand communicators. The performances and presentations developed will be available for other venues throughout New Zealand after the Festival. Rutherford Centre Stage: the personality behind the science Association of Science and Technology Centres (NZ) Inc; Project leader Jude Benson. Amount funded $30,000 To create an innovative live theatre about Ernest Rutherford. As shown in recent survey, Rutherford is one of the three leading and inspirational New Zealanders of this century and, as such, his life provides an excellent vehicle for telling the story of what makes a scientist and the special qualities that create a great one. A wide range of non-traditional audiences can be reached through the medium of theatre. Science Outreach Dept of Chemistry, University of Canterbury; Project leader Dr Richard Hartshorn. Amount funded $30,000 To provide a programme targeting Year 11 Canterbury students that addresses the negative image that science, and chemistry in particular, seems to have developed in society and to encourage an appreciation of the pivotal role science holds. Outcomes of this project are secondary students with a greater appreciation of the value of science, and graduates with enhanced communication skills. The Sci Files Tearaway Press, Wanganui Project leader Sue Pepperell. Amount funded $30,000 To provide a series of 8 pages profiling young scientists and their work through the monthly young peoples newspaper Tearaway and its website. The Upper Hutt City Science Festival 2000 Upper Hutt Economic Development Agency; Project leader Michael Baines. Amount funded $30,000 The Upper Hutt City Science Festival 2000 Trust aims to bring the wonders and achievements of science in Upper Hutt city to the public, and increase public awareness of the value of science and the scientific and technological activities in the Upper Hutt area. The Festival targets a wide audience but has particular activities for particular groups e.g. the elderly, the young adult male, artists etc. within that wide audience. Radiation: the good, the bad and the technological applications NZ Association of Science Educators; Project leader Rosemary Hipkins. Amount funded $20,000 Using the expertise of this group in communicating, this project will produce a set of 3 posters to challenge commonly-held views on radiation and demonstrate the usefulness of science and technology to society Spider and insect diversity in New Zealand Landcare Research NZ Ltd., Auckland; Project leader Dr Trevor Crosby. Amount funded $30,000 over 2 years To raise children’s awareness of spiders and insects and the ecosystems in which they live, and promote interest and understanding of indigenous species and ecosystems.. Product development technology Institute of Technology and Engineering, Massey University; Project leader Ms Aruna Shekar. Amount funded $30,000 over 2 years One of the few applications in the technology area, this project aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the practice of design and development in students and to, promote the value and benefits of effective product development. Science and technology: pathways to the future Michele Beaton private individual, of Tauranga. Amount funded $24,760 over 2 years To develop a portfolio of experiential programmes drawing on the horticultural, agricultural, biological and geological wealth of the Bay of Plenty to develop and understanding of the vital role and contribution of science and technology and their impact on our daily lives. The programmes will be targeted to particular groups within the public audience, and young people will also be encouraged to consider careers in science and technology. Treatment Wall Katrine Lawton, private individual, of Auckland. Amount funded $12,000 To produce an interactive exhibit which will improve public understanding of how science and technology can overcome detrimental effects on the environment. This exhibit will demonstrate current research results in the reduction of adverse effects from substances in road run-off on the environment. The exhibition will be produced for the Environment2000 expo in February in Palmerston North. Wider availability of the exhibit is anticipated. Alternative Energy Sources Hawke’s Bay Cultural Trust; Project leader Anthony Prebensen. Amount funded $30.000 over 2 years To construct a facility to promote the generation of energy from sources other than non-renewable or fossil fuels and demonstrate technological practice and recent technological change in the energy field. Science Quest Discovery World, Otago Museum, Dunedin; Project leader Jenny Ward. Amount funded $9,050 To develop an evening programme for parents of school-aged children which promotes the value and contribution of science and technology, and trials novel ways of ensuring their participation in the programme. Maori and science initiative - field trips School of Science and Technology, University of Waikato; Project leader Dr Gary Bramley. Amount funded $8,000 To trial a series of field trips to encourage Maori teenagers to further pursue science studies and careers. Vital Science Discovery World, Otago Museum, Dunedin; Project leader Jenny Ward. Amount funded $8,000 To develop a motivating and engaging science based performance for the general public audience, particularly the business community, and use novel ways of ensuring their participation List of all applicants
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