New Radio Show Shares the Passion Behind Science

media release

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
11 February 2013

New Radio Show Shares the Passion Behind Science

Ground-breaking science, inspirational scientists and new discoveries are all part of Cawthron Institute’s new radio show launched today in Nelson.

The ‘Cawthron – Behind the Scenes’ radio show starts tonight (Monday 11th February) on Fresh FM, providing a unique glimpse into the science and activities behind New Zealand’s largest independent scientific research centre.

“This a rare opportunity for the community to hear directly from our scientists about the work they are doing to support the environment and industry, and also to find out about the work we’re doing in our region with schools, through public lectures, workshops and events such as the annual science fair,” Cawthron Institute community educator Jo Thompson says.

Hosted by Mrs Thompson and Cawthron Trust Board secretary Judene Edgar, the 20-minute fortnightly programme features in-depth interviews with the institute’s world-leading scientists and discussions about topical research.

“It will be an entertaining and informative show pitched at a level accessible to everyone from primary school children to adults,” Mrs Thompson says. “Anyone with an interest in new discoveries, research and the scientific world should definitely tune in.”

The first show, airing at 5.40pm, features senior scientist Nick King explaining the ground-breaking aquaculture research happening at the institute’s Glenhaven Aquaculture Centre.
Cawthron Institute is a world leader in aquaculture research and development. For the past decade it has been working closely with industry partners to help improve productivity and minimise risk and disease in shellfish.

Mr King is a world expert in selective breeding and genetics of shellfish and shellfish hatchery technology and automation.

“The breeding and husbandry initiatives we have developed over the past 20 years are helping the aquaculture sector step up and play a much more significant role in New Zealand’s food export industry,” Mr King says.

“A significant breakthrough has been in our cultured shellfish programme, where our scientists have discovered how to selectively breed mussel spat - effectively domesticating the greenshell mussel and reducing the industry’s reliance on wild-caught spat.”

“For us, this is just beginning. We are continuously looking at ways our science can add value to industry, including through animal reproduction, health, physiology, genomics and selective breeding.”

The launch of the new radio show follows Cawthron Institute’s highly successful Open Day held yesterday at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park.

“As well as conducting pioneering science, another important role for us is to promote science as a worthwhile career to the next generation, and to share the significance of our work with the wider community and provide opportunities for people to get involved. Our Open Day and new radio show is just another way we are doing that.”

‘Cawthron – Behind the Scenes’ airs fortnightly on Monday’s at 5.40pm and repeated on Wednesdays at 11.40am, on community radio station Fresh FM. Tune in to Fresh FM 104.8 Nelson-Tasman, 95.0 Takaka, 88.89 Blenheim.

ENDS

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