How can we improve the health and wellbeing of kiwis across all age, cultural and economic spectrums? Drawing on research from the National Science Challenges, these talks will focus on supporting and improving our collective mental and physical wellbeing. Panel: Prof Geoff Chase - Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge Prof Parry Guilford - Healthier Lives National Science Challenge Prof Louise Parr-Brownlie - Ageing Well National Science Challenge Prof Barry Taylor - A Better Start National Science Challenge Moderator: Prof Peter Crampton   Established in 2014, the eleven government-funded National Science Challenges are cross-disciplinary, mission-led programmes designed to tackle New Zealand’s biggest science-based challenges. As they enter their final year of funding, representatives of each Science Challenge will gather in Dunedin across four nights to discuss some of the impactful research that has come out of these initiatives and how it is being applied across Aotearoa for the benefit of us all.

Live recording from NZISF 2023 Content warning: some excerpts played in this recording contain dramatised themes of sex, and suicide. Tim Jackson is a versatile dramatist with numerous BBC radio-writing credits, which have helped bring scientific controversies to a wider audience. For example, he has explored the complexity of altruism, the controversy of ivory poaching, and has written an environmental thriller series exploring the conflict between the environment and development. Otago University Associate Professor in Theatre Studies Hilary Halba and Playwriting Fellow Amanda Faye Martin join Tim for a discussion around writing science and environmental issues into narrative, featuring extracts from Tim's plays. Tim Jackson is an ecological economist and writer. Since 2016 he has been Director of the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP) at the University of Surrey in the UK. From 2004 to 2011 he was Economics Commissioner for the UK Sustainable Development Commission where his work culminated in the publication of Prosperity without Growth (2009/2017) which was subsequently translated into 18 foreign languages worldwide. It was named as a Financial Times ‘book of the year’ in 2010 and was UnHerd’s economics book of the decade in 2019. His latest book Post Growth–life after capitalism was published by Polity Press in 2021 and won the 2022 Eric Zencey Prize for Economics. In 2016, Tim was awarded the Hillary Laureate for exceptional international leadership in sustainability. In addition to his academic work, Tim is an award-winning dramatist with numerous radio-writing credits for the BBC. The New Zealand International Science Festival is excited to host Prof Jackson this year which has been made possible thanks to the support of the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific.

Live recording from NZISF 2023 Delve into the implications of AI technologies, exploring how they are reshaping industries and job markets worldwide. Gain valuable insights from University of Otago academics who will discuss this new technology's philosophical and ethical repercussions and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From the impact on traditional professions to the emergence of new roles, this panel discussion will provide a comprehensive understanding of the transformative power of AI. Headed by Prof James Maclaurin, joined by Prof David Eyers and PhD student Daniel Guppy.

Live recording from NZISF 2023 Tim Jackson is joined by the Director of the Centre For Sustainability, Caroline Orchinson, for this evening talk inspired by his latest book, Post Growth - Life After Capitalism. Capitalism is broken. The relentless pursuit of more has delivered climate catastrophe, social inequality and financial instability—and left us ill prepared for life in a global pandemic. Weaving together philosophical reflection, economic insight and social vision, Tim Jackson’s passionate and provocative book dares us to imagine a world beyond capitalism—a place where relationship and meaning take precedence over profits and power. Tim Jackson is an ecological economist and writer. Since 2016 he has been Director of the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP) at the University of Surrey in the UK. From 2004 to 2011 he was Economics Commissioner for the UK Sustainable Development Commission where his work culminated in the publication of Prosperity without Growth (2009/2017) which was subsequently translated into 18 foreign languages worldwide. It was named as a Financial Times ‘book of the year’ in 2010 and was UnHerd’s economics book of the decade in 2019. His latest book Post Growth–life after capitalism was published by Polity Press in 2021 and won the 2022 Eric Zencey Prize for Economics. In 2016, Tim was awarded the Hillary Laureate for exceptional international leadership in sustainability. In addition to his academic work, Tim is an award-winning dramatist with numerous radio-writing credits for the BBC. The New Zealand International Science Festival is excited to host Prof Jackson this year which has been made possible thanks to the support of the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific.

Live recording from NZISF 2023 Antimicrobial medicines are vital tools for treating a number of diseases. But it's no secret that some types of bacteria and other microbes that cause disease are developing resistance to these tools. What is being done to combat antimicrobial resistance and what new tools are being developed? Experts in the field will talk about the current state of antimicrobial resistance in Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific and discuss what the future of this important research may hold. Panel: Prof Greg Cook - University of Otago Department of Microbiology & Immunology Sakiusa Baleivanualala - University of Otago Department of Microbiology & Immunology Juliet Elvy - Southern Community Laboratories

Live recording from NZISF 2023 How do we remove barriers for Māori to enact kaitiakitanga and what does this look like in practice? Vision Mātauranga has been an integral part of the National Science Challenges, which has resulted in a wealth of kaupapa-based research and examples of Te Tiriti-based partnership and engagement. Come hear about some of these efforts from locally- and nationally-based researchers involved in this work. Panel: Linda Faulkner - Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge Tumai Cassidy - New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge (not pictured) Naomi Aporo - Our Land & Water National Science Challenge James Berghan - Building Better Towns, Homes & Cities National Science Challenge Jon Procter - Resilience to Nature's Challenges National Science Challenge  Moderator: Katharina Ruckstuhl Established in 2014, the eleven government-funded National Science Challenges are cross-disciplinary, mission-led programmes designed to tackle New Zealand’s biggest science-based challenges. As they enter their final year of funding, representatives of each Science Challenge will gather in Dunedin across four nights to discuss some of the impactful research that has come out of these initiatives and how it is being applied across Aotearoa for the benefit of us all. Panelist Bios: Naomi Aporo (Kahungunu, Rangitane, Ngai Tahu, Nga Puhi) is the Kaihāpai Māori (Senior Leader Māori) at Our Land and Water. She provides specialist expertise, advice and support to ensure that that language that we use is correct and appropriate, and that we are respectful of the Māori culture. Naomi is also a Fresh Water Fellow for the NEXT Foundation, an organisation that is proud to support projects that have huge aspirations, but are also run by inspirational kiwis looking to make a difference to real problems for the benefits of our land and our people. She’s also the Group Manager for Wakatū Group, which is owned by the Māori customary owners of the Nelson region, and designed to support the families of Wakatū, as well as their wider region with an economic base of products they create from the land and water and sell in Aotearoa and export around the world. James Berghan is of Te Rarawa and Te Aupōuri descent, from Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach) in the winterless Far North. In 2020, James completed a PhD at the University of Otago, exploring principles of collective housing in urban papakāinga and cohousing developments as part of the Building Better Homes Towns and Cities (BBHTC) National Science Challenge. Since then, he has continued to research with BBHTC on projects looking at housing experiences of students and emerging adults in Dunedin, as well as a concept called ‘kaupapakāinga’ (a housing model for Māori who live away from their ancestral lands). James is based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where he works as a Senior Lecturer in Māori Designed Environments at the School of Architecture, at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.  Tumai Cassidy (bio unavailable) Linda Faulkner: Linda Faulkner is the Manahautū/Deputy Director Māori for the Sustainable Seas NSC. Linda is of Ngāti Rangi and Whanganui descent from the southern central plateau region and the Whanganui River. She has worked for many years in the environmental management sector and has spent much of her career seeking to facilitate recognition and application of mātauranga Māori to mainstream environments. Linda is currently the Director of Tutaiao Ltd., a private consultancy focusing on people, policy and planning, and was recently appointed to the role of Natural Sciences Commissioner with UNESCO New Zealand. In her previous position she was General Manager Māori at the EPA, where she gained extensive experience in the area of environmental and cultural risk assessment and management. Linda has also served on several MBIE research investment panels and worked for Te Papa supporting the developing policy and process that ensured implementation of effective bicultural partnership. Jonathan Procter (Muaupoko, Ngāi Tahu) is a Professor of Natural Hazards at Massey University. He has contributed to developing research that focuses on volcanic hazard simulation and working with communities to increase resilience to natural and environmental hazards. Jonathan manages the Volcanic Risk Solutions research group and has contributed nationally to developing new research directions in volcanology. Being one of only a handful of Māori professorial scientists, Jonathan feels he has a duty to contribute to Māori development. His greatest contribution in this respect has been the development of a new area of research on mātauranga Māori, volcanic hazards and building resilience in Māori communities. Moderator Katharina Ruckstuhl is the Kaitohutohu of the Otago Business School’s Te Maea: Māori and Indigenous Economy and Enterprise Network. She leads a number of research projects, including in the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge, where she is the Vision Mātauranga deputy leader of the Challenge and co-leads the Building New Zealand’s Innovation portfolio. She is also the Associate Director Māori on the Dodd-Walls Centre of Research Excellence. Her broader research focuses on innovation and Māori business, resource extraction, energy transition and Māori policy.   Photo credit: Naomi Aporo

Live recording from NZISF 2023 There’s arguably little else more important than ensuring an adequate and healthy food supply for our people, and in our changing world, food systems will need to adapt. This panel will address the question: how can New Zealand move towards a food system that contributes positively to health, wellbeing, the economy and the environment? Panelists will discuss the current state of our food systems on land and at sea, and talk about what research is being undertaken to drive positive change. Panel: Dr Julie Hall - Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge Joanne Todd - High Value Nutrition National Science Challenge Prof Cliona Ni Mhurchu - Healthier Lives National Science Challenge Dr Jenny Webster-Brown - Our Land & Water National Science Challenge Dr Phil Wiles - Deep South National Science Challenge Moderator: Niki Bezzant Established in 2014, the eleven government-funded National Science Challenges are cross-disciplinary, mission-led programmes designed to tackle New Zealand’s biggest science-based challenges. As they enter their final year of funding, representatives of each Science Challenge will gather in Dunedin across four nights to discuss some of the impactful research that has come out of these initiatives and how it is being applied across Aotearoa for the benefit of us all. Panelist Bios: Julie Hall: Director of the Sustainable Seas NSC Julie Hall has extensive experience in biological oceanography, leading large multidisciplinary research projects, and in the management of people and projects. Her scientific background is in food web dynamics in both marine and freshwater ecosystems with a special interest in microbial food webs. As the international chair of the Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research (IMBER) project she was responsible for leading the development and implementation of the multidisciplinary Science Plan that addressed the interaction of marine biogeochemistry and ecosystems and their response to global change. In addition, Julie has broad knowledge of marine observation systems, data management and the integration of observations and models, along with extensive project and people management experience. Joanne Todd is Director of the High-Value Nutrition Science Challenge. She joined the Challenge from Fonterra Co-operative Ltd where, for over 20 years, she held several nutrition and management roles with a focus on combining business development, science, regulatory and marketing activities, with an emphasis on Asian export markets. She has led and developed globally based cross-functional teams to deliver on a portfolio of projects and has built consumer insight, clinical research, and product development programmes that have delivered successful commercial outcomes increasing revenue for Fonterra’s consumer brands business. Her experience includes work across many areas including maternal, paediatric, immunity and mobility platforms, bringing vast experience in consumer-led innovation, combined with commercial acumen and understanding of the global consumer goods market and international regulatory environments.  Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu - University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu trained in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and worked as a clinical Dietitian before doing a PhD in Public Health Nutrition. She directs a research programme in population nutrition with a focus on food environment interventions and policies such as nutrition labelling, food taxes, and food reformulation. Cliona is Director of the Dietary Interventions: Evidence & Translation (DIET) research programme, Deputy Director of the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge, and leads a team developing the tools and methods for the next New Zealand Nutrition Survey. She is a member of the Trans-Tasman Health Star Rating Advisory Committee and a Food Standards Australia New Zealand Fellow. Dr Jenny Webster-Brown Jenny Webster-Brown is the current Director of the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge.  Her career as a water quality scientist spans nearly 40 years, and encompasses research, teaching and consultancy, focussing on the impacts of land use and natural resource exploitation on natural freshwater systems.  She worked with DSIR Chemistry Division,  ESR and the University of Auckland,  before moving to Canterbury in 2010 to take up the position of Professor of Water Resource Management, and set up the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management; a joint University of Canterbury/Lincoln University teaching and research centre.   She commenced her role with OLW National Science Challenge in May 2020.  Dr Phil Wiles Phil has a background in climate science and policy.  He spent 20 years doing oceanographic research in regions from the poles to the equator, including 6 years working on climate change and environmental issues in the Pacific Islands.  For the past 10 years, Phil has worked for Central Government on how to address climate change, including helping to establish the Climate Change Commission.  Phil has been Te Kōmata o te Tonga / Deep South National Science Challenge Director since February 2022. Moderator Niki Bezzant is a multi-award-winning New Zealand writer, journalist, speaker and author who has built a reputation for translating complex health and science jargon into easy-to-understand information for everyone. Her book This Changes Everything, published in 2022 by Penguin Random House, is the result of two years of research and has topped the bestseller list in NZ. Niki is a frequent contributor to New Zealand’s top print, online and broadcast media. She founded and edited the Cuisine website before becoming founding editor of Healthy Food Guide magazine, taking that title from an independent start-up to New Zealand’s top-selling food magazine, a position it held for over a decade.

Live recording from NZISF 2023 How can we adapt our cities and the way we inhabit them to make them more liveable in an era of climate change? A wide range of options will be discussed, from creating urban sponges to increasing flood resilience, encouraging food equity, changing the way we move around, and greening our cities to support mental health - all drawing upon research from the National Science Challenges. Panel: Simon Kingham - Healthier Lives National Science Challenge Caroline Orchiston - Resilience to Nature’s Challenges National Science Challenge Robin Quigg - University of Otago Division of Health Sciences Danielle Shanahan - New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge Robyn Simcock - Building Better Towns, Homes and Cities National Science Challenge Moderator: Aaron Hawkins (former Mayor of Dunedin) Established in 2014, the eleven government-funded National Science Challenges are cross-disciplinary, mission-led programmes designed to tackle New Zealand’s biggest science-based challenges. As they enter their final year of funding, representatives of each Science Challenge will gather in Dunedin across four nights to discuss some of the impactful research that has come out of these initiatives and how it is being applied across Aotearoa for the benefit of us all. Panellist Bios: Prof Simon Kingham is Ahorangi o te Matawhenua | Professor of Geography at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | the University of Canterbury in Ōtautahi | Christchurch. In this role he teaches and researches on a range of issues related to the impact of the urban environment on wellbeing, with a specific focus on transport. Simon is a Principal Investigator in the Healthier Lives and Ageing Well National Science Challenges. He is also seconded to Te Manatū Waka | the Ministry of Transport as their Kaitohutohu Matua Pūtaiao | Chief Science Advisor. His role there is to ensure that policy is evidence-based. Assoc Prof Caroline Orchiston is the Director of the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Otago. She has more than ten years of applied social science research experience focusing on rural, community and tourism resilience related to earthquake, tsunami and climate-related hazards. Caroline co-leads the Rural programme of the Resilience to Nature’s Challenges National Science Challenge, is an Associate Director for QuakeCoRE and is the Science Lead for Project AF8, an award-winning multi-agency Alpine Fault response planning initiative. Dr Robin Quigg - I have a wide range of research interests with experience in physical activity and playgrounds, smokefree environment policy evaluation, and equity in tertiary education. I am particularly interested in decolonising spaces, such as parks, as they are largely westernised concept, reflecting the industrial revolution distinction between work and leisure, with the parks the result of colonisation, space taken from indigenous cultures. They are not innocuous features of the landscape especially in cities, but result from colonialist intervention, and have culturally specific dimensions. However, urban parks are often cited as health-saving spaces, such as supporting sustainable goals and enhancing mental well-being, as well as facilitating or increasing physical activity levels of a population. Dr Danielle Shanahan is CEO at Zealandia and Adjunct Professor at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University fo Wellington. Danielle has as a wide and varied background in conservation management and research. She led Zealandia’s restoration efforts inside and outside the fence for over five years, and has carried out cutting edge research into what nature means for people’s health and wellbeing. She has worked internationally on challenges including human-elephant conflicts in Myanmar, expanding the national park estate in Australia, through to planning cities to improve the prospects for nature as well as people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Danielle’s motivation is creating a healthy future for people and nature. Dr Robyn Simcock is a reconstructive ecologist at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research carrying out research and consultancy in areas where people strip ecosystems down to rock: cities, roads, and mines – and then rebuild native ecosystems. Since 2008 this has included developing living components of Water Sensitive Design / Sustainable Urban Design such as green roofs and raingardens that use our native plants and soils, and more recently, helping colleagues explore the roles of large trees in delivering urban wellbeing, equity, and ecosystem services. Aaron Hawkins is a recovering elected representative and resource management commissioner, having served for six years on the Dunedin City Council and another three as Mayor. In that time, his focus was on building an inclusive and accessible city that prioritised environmental, social and cultural wellbeing. Under his leadership, the city started to adapt Kate Raworth’s donut economics model as its strategic framework, acknowledging the ecological limits and the necessary social foundations of a thriving city. At a national level, he was an elected member of Local Government New Zealand’s National Council; was appointed to the Ministry for the Environment’s Local Government Steering Group on resource management reform; and was the founding Co-Chair of LGNZ’s Young Elected Members network. He is a co-founder of Floruit, a visitor accommodation and land restoration project built around significant native reforestation across the motu.