Science Communicators of the Year

Media Statement 19 October 2001

The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology’s Science Communicators of the Year have just been announced.

They feature people who have worked on communicating issues concerning global warming, soil management and organising a science festival. The awards were presented by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Hon Pete Hodgson at a ceremony in Wellington.

The Award to a practising scientist for communications concerning scientific issues of public interest was won by Chris De Freitas of the Department of Geography at the University of Auckland, Tamaki Campus. His contribution covered a variety of topical issues relating to global warming, and showed outstanding skill in expressing large concepts in an easily understood format, which he presented in a series of articles in the media and in other presentations.

The Award for Communications Concerning Principles, Achievements and Methods of Science was won by Graham Shepherd of Landcare Research, Palmerston North for his work in communicating the methods of soil management, and in particular, visual soil assessment. His work offers a new approach to the subject, and he has converted a technically complex subject into a workable tool for 'hands-on' practitioners.

The Freelance Writers and Professional Science Communicators Award was won again this year by Caroline Cook of Dunedin, for her work as Director of the International Festival of Environmental Science and Technology and The Auckland Regional Science Festival. Both festivals used a wide variety of tools and methods to deliver their messages, and the programme of events is a testimony to the energy and time committed to the festivals organisation and promotion. It is clear that these festivals are two of the most exciting events of the science year.

Each of the recipients received a certificate and a cheque for $1200.

For further information contact:

Peter Burke, Communications Manager, 04 917 7809 or 025 2242184

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