Empowering our Discovery Scholars and alumni with capacity development opportunities - Annual Report 2023

12 April, 2024

Our shared goal is to support our students with opportunities to develop them professionally. We have supported our Scholars to attend conferences, leadership events, and cultural learning opportunities.

New Zealand Institute of Physics (NZIP) Conference

Maia Dean (Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo University of Otago), Associate Professor Pauline Harris (Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University), Jesse Teumohenga (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington)

Three Discovery Scholarship recipients attended the NZIP Conference 2023 in Auckland: Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo University of Otago-based student Maia Dean (Rarotonga), Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington-based student Jesse Teumohenga (Tonga, Samoa, Tokelau), and Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland-based student Chez Panapa (Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngā Puhi, Te Rarawa).

These Scholars attended with a shared objective: to enhance and expand their capabilities and capacities within the field of physics. The conference served as a valuable platform for them to engage in knowledge exchange. We actively seek opportunities and encourage our Scholars to attend such events to further enhance their experiences and prepare them for their future careers.

Global Young Scientists Summit

Maia Dean and Mohsin Ijaz (both from Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo University of Otago)

Maia Dean attended the Global Young Scientists Summit held in Singapore in January. This international gathering brought together aspiring young minds from various corners of the globe, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation. During her time at the summit, Maia immersed herself in a rich tapestry of experiences, collaborating with fellow young scientists, researchers and thought leaders. The summit provided a unique space for fostering connections, sharing insights and engaging in discussions that spanned a wide array of scientific disciplines.

Maia Dean has shared some thoughts on her experience:

"This once in a lifetime opportunity gave me the chance to develop as a young scientist as well as experience the rich culture of Singapore. Through the summit I was able to make connections with scientists across the globe and encounter new ideas through plenary lectures given by Nobel Laureates, Field's Medallists and Millennium Technology Award Winners... On top of the phenomenal speaker line-up, I was able to get a glimpse at the latest scientific and technological advances from the young scientist presentations and poster sessions. It has been an incredible experience and I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained from this trip into the rest of my studies."