Targeted support for science teachers - Annual Report 2024

1 July, 2025

Associate Professor Anna Garden presented a workshop demonstrating a simple synthesis of gold nanoparticles

One objective for the Institute is to target better the needs of teachers. After consultation with several teachers across the motu, this year we sponsored and attended ChemEd BioLive - New Zealand secondary school teachers' conference - for the first time. Deputy Director Outreach and Education Associate Professor Anna Garden presented a workshop demonstrating a simple synthesis of gold nanoparticles that can be performed using only materials from the supermarket or craft store, making nanoscience experiments safe and affordable for use in the classroom.

We also offered tours of various MacDiarmid Institute labs at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, which were very popular and drew many interesting questions from the teachers. We are working to use the information we have regarding career outcomes of our graduates (see the 'Inspired One Hundred' list) to help provide resources for teachers. Examples of deep tech careers and non-academic career pathways in science are increasingly useful and sought after.