The Department of Science Communication

08/12/2024

This article in The Conversation is based on research conducted by one of the Department's last PhD students, Kati Doehring. Kati is based in Nelson at the Cawthron Institute and was supervised by Nancy Longnecker and Cathy Cole. Congratulations, Kati, and thank you for your productivity and enthusiastic contributions.
https://theconversation.com/how-sharing-stories-about-river-restoration-can-inspire-others-to-take-care-of-waterways-241359?fbclid=IwY2xjawHByYJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVlaT9LJIE62HiQrYfMDjCf8vldYCT4dtVhA20PrQlQv6ptSU5ST1Jdzdw_aem_WL0-oTwNBtM3LpzqMN__Iw

Reversing damage to waterways requires sustained effort over time. Storytelling that emphasises inter-generational goals cultivates patience and resilience within communities.

15/10/2024

An appreciative group of MSciComm students celebrating with Professor Jesse Bering after his intriguing Inaugural Professorial Lecture. A recording of Jesse's IPL will be available to watch in the fullness of time. Check the University of Otago IPLs.

left to right, Charlotte, Jodi, Jesse, Marika, Lily E, Lily W.

20/09/2024

Kaia Kahurangi Jamieson, a talented writer, UO undergraduate, and intern at Otago Daily Times, wrote this article about the Hou Rongo exhibition for The Mix. Well done, Kaia!

An immersive new exhibition transports you to Rēkohu, Kaia Kahurangi Jamieson writes. There is something undeniably meditative about the rhythm of...

19/09/2024

What a privilege to be part of this mahi with the Hokotehi Moriori Trust for the past few years. With support from the MBIE Smart Ideas fund and a Univ Otago CALT grant, the department celebrates its good work at the Hou Rongo exhibition on now at Tūhura Otago Museum.
This project involved many talented science communication students and staff. Led by our Director of Filmmaking, Gianna Savoie, the core project team included Deb Goomes (HMT), Nancy Longnecker (SciComm), Jen Cattermole (School of Performing Arts), and Steve Mills (School of Computing). Ta imi Moriori: Kiwa Hammond, Ajay Peni-Ataera, Ashleigh Ryan, so many others! SciComm departmental contributors: Steve Ting, Brady Clarke, Abi Liddell, Chloé Warren, Rhys Latton, Nathan Hollows, Aislinn Mirsch and Max Quinn. From Computing, Holger Regenbrecht and Kerian Varaine. Museum design dream team, Craig Scott and Annah Taggart harmonised beauty. Andrea Liberatore (project manager) kept us on track.
Go see Hou Rongo. It's great!

09/09/2024

Many Science Communication staff and students have worked hard to contribute to the Hou Rongo exhibition that opens to the public at Tūhura Otago Museum this coming weekend. It runs 14 Sept- 27 Oct. Come have a multi-sensory experience!
https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/hou-rongo-moriori-music-manawa?mc_cid=a9f3090361&mc_eid=03d1f80d02&fbclid=IwY2xjawFLeF1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHf6ZFuEupkelfxrTZh2fmJw9edBZdZJTEDLK3bKUc83-MRzsnt3zAjR33w_aem_tmx6cT8MGPkFrrPMpuyxFg

Hou Rongo offers an immersive look at the culture of New Zealand's indigenous Moriori people, blending tradition with innovative technology to evoke the feeling of being on Rēkohu (the Chatham Islands) amid the realms of the etchu (deities).

04/07/2024

Our very own MSciComm student, Aislinn Mirsch, is co-leading an improv workshop for the NZ Science Festival – "Storytelling for Scientists". If you're keen to play some games and hone your skills in thinking on your feet, grab a ticket from scifest.org.nz! The workshop is on Wednesday the 10th from 5-6pm at the H.D. Skinner Annex, finishing in time to get to our film premiere at Rialto. 😀
https://scifest.org.nz/programme/storytelling-for-scientists-using-improvisation

Unlock the power of improvisation to enhance your scientific communication!

03/07/2024

Check out the trailer for the University of Otago's Department of Science Communication Student Film Premiere 2024. Come see the full show at Dunedin's Rialto Cinemas from 7:30pm, Wednesday 10 July 2024. Tickets at scifest.org.nz

It’s a big night on the big screen as we roll out the red carpet for the last time to celebrate the final cohort of the phenomenal science and natural history film students from the University of Otago’s Science Communication programme.

We are excited to kick off this year’s New Zealand International Science Festival by bringing you an extraordinary slate of films that explore stories of science, technology, nature and culture. Take a deep dive into the ethics of wildlife films and artificial intelligence and learn how the magic of extended reality is bringing a marae to the community. We’ll find inspiration in the resilient Māori communities rising to meet the challenges of climate change and travel to the beautiful island of Rēkohu to learn from our Indigenous Moriori who are in the midst of a flourishing cultural renaissance.

Through superb storytelling and stunning cinematography, these films will knock you in the heart, ignite your curiosity and expand your mind. We’ll see you there!https://youtu.be/hp3bEyTbob0

Trailer for the University of Otago's Department of Science Communication Student Film Premiere 2024, which is being held as part of the New Zealand Internat...

11/06/2024

We really have been fortunate to share the Department's last couple of years with such talented students. From Filmmaking student, Stephanie Guest:
"This year I was able to celebrate with the release of "Guardian of the Sea Lions" on Ecoflix! As my first film that I have led from start to finish, and one without funding at that, I didn't think I could dream so big as to have it screen in cinemas across the globe, eventually coming to a streaming platform dedicated to stories for impact. The short documentary follows the story of an 83 year-old volunteer to show that nothing is stopping you from making a change.

It was a pleasure creating this film with another student, Shania Riethmann, amazing volunteers and organisations like the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust and the Ocean Media Institute.

Coming up to the last weeks of my masters degree, I look forward to announcing news of my latest film with two other filmmakers, "Looking Up", and finishing my last project for my studies.

07/06/2024

The FINAL evening of phenomenal films produced by the University of Otago’s Science Communication Master’s students.

Lights. . . Camera. . . SCIENCE! Join us for a night to delight at the Rialto!

It’s a big night on the big screen as we roll out the red carpet for the last time to celebrate the final cohort of the phenomenal science and natural history film students from the University of Otago’s Science Communication programme.

This event will kick off this year’s New Zealand International Science Festival with an extraordinary slate of films that explore stories of science, technology, nature and culture. Take a deep dive into the ethics of wildlife films and artificial intelligence and learn how the magic of extended reality is bringing a marae to the community. We’ll find inspiration in the resilient Māori communities rising to meet the challenges of climate change and travel to the beautiful island of Rēkohu to learn from our Indigenous Moriori who are in the midst of a flourishing cultural renaissance.

Through superb storytelling and stunning cinematography, these films will knock you in the heart, ignite your curiosity and expand your mind. We’ll see you there!

The FINAL evening of phenomenal films produced by the University of Otago’s Science Communication Master’s students.

03/06/2024

Tūhura Otago Museum provides engaging science communication for visitors of all ages. This funding from DCC will help it continue to do so.

Feeling the love. Thank you so much Dunedin, Otago, and the Dunedin City Council. The incredible outpouring of support and submissions to the council helped us secure the funding we need to continue offering free events, educational programs, and galleries. We are deeply committed to our community, and we work tirelessly to provide you with as many opportunities as possible. Thank you for standing with us. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you!