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Programme is subject to change. Last updated 14 November. Monday 27 November 2006
Panel Discussion Synopses
Boundary Riding : Collaboration and Crossing Boundaries in Research It is well known that research conducted in the spaces between traditional disciplines can be highly productive, both from an academic and an economic point of view. Interdisciplinary research requires collaboration and crossing boundaries amongst scientists of different backgrounds. However, there is a tension between collaborative and competitive approaches to scientific research in New Zealand. This tension is made acute by the limited resources available in this sector and this issue is central to the future of New Zealand research and technology insofar as it underpins the allocation of funds and determines the behaviour of researchers and research institutions. It is time for a broad-ranging discussion around questions about collaboration, crossing boundaries and competition. Where do the incentives currently lie? Are there issues of scale in the sector which favour one approach over the other? And can individuals collaborate while their institutions are actively competing? Leaving the World a better place: The Contribution of Science to Society Some would argue that the guiding principle for the research endeavour should be its potential to benefit society. What are the benefits to New Zealand society of the current research effort? Should this principle be central to the future efforts of New Zealand researchers? And is it possible to make an assessment of future benefit either in an economic or social context? Indeed, how does science engage with the complex challenges which are facing society today and in the future? This panel will seek the opinions of prominent researchers, policy analysts and futurists to address these questions. “Picking winners” is a well-touted slogan in the research sector in New Zealand. This amounts to playing the Science Stock Market. In the broadest sense, this panel will talk about what’s hot and what’s not in science in New Zealand both now and in the future. The discussion will be relevant to all levels of the research and policy community ranging from informing the high school all-rounder about which subjects to pursue at university, to telling the venture capitalists where to place their bets. Indeed, if you’re not in a hot area now, should you abandon ship or quietly develop your expertise until you find your area on the ‘hot’ list? Dr Who? Creating Future Scientists What makes people want to become scientists? How do we encourage this and how do we nurture our future scientists? What do we expect from them? Is it simply their intellect and technical skills, or do they need to be effective communicators and have expertise in a wide range of disciplines? Content societies often have less science demand, how does this effect the science community and should we worry about this rheostat? This panel will scope out a couple of different timelines for future science scenarios, discussing the importance of our future scientists and the best ways to ensure their contribution to society. Click here for registration information and costs Conference Programme Changes The conference programme is currently accurate however the Conference Organising Committee reserves the right to amend any component as necessary. Changes will be notified on the conference website www.conferenceteam.co.nz/runninghot if they occur. In the event of any disruption or event leading to losses or added expenses being incurred by delegates, there shall be no liability attached to the Oxygen group, MoRST, the Conference Organising Committee or The Conference Team. Registration will indicate an acceptance of these conditions by the registrant.
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