Events

In her clinical role as a paediatric epileptologist, Lynette diagnoses and manages children with epilepsy. She is a physician scientist with expertise in epilepsy phenotyping and epilepsy genetics. Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological illness of children affecting nearly 50 million people world-wide.

Lynette’s research, combining international collaborations with physicians and laboratory scientists, has led to the discovery that the majority of epilepsy is caused by abnormalities in genes. Although it is known what these abnormalities are in some epilepsies, there are still many types of epilepsy for which the genetic change remains elusive.

Over 2000 New Zealanders are participants in Lynette’s epilepsy genetics project. Professor Sadleir is the president of the New Zealand League Against Epilepsy. She is presently the chair of the International League Against Epilepsy Budget Review Committee and a member of the International League Against Epilepsy Clinical Genetic Testing in the Epilepsies Task Force. 

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The rapidly emerging evidence base linking physical activity to mental health has been accompanied by “blanket” statements of efficacy from advocates. However, these “blanket” statements fail to recognise the unique mechanistic pathways linking physical activity and mental health. This presentation explores the nuance behind effective physical activity promotion for mental wellbeing.

Justin previously completed a D.Phil in Public Health at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on physical activity interventions and mental health outcomes in vulnerable populations. This includes ongoing work in low- and middle-income countries as well as marginalised groups in high-income settings. He has a particular interest in the rigorous evaluation of physical activity interventions and has previous experience within the UN system.

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Marking the midway point of the James Cameron – Challenging the Deep exhibition, Otago Museum is extremely pleased to host a talk with the world-famous deep-sea explorer, innovator, and environmentalist himself.

Discussing the issues that are facing the planet, the science that is developing to address them, and how civic, community, and global leaders can change the way we live in our world.

Dunedin’s new Mayor, Aaron Hawkins was elected on a Green Party ticket, the first such New Zealand mayor. James Cameron’s foundation, the Avatar Alliance Foundation, works closely with communities around the world to empower them to facilitate change and sustainability. Cameron himself is a dedicated advocate for living more sustainably. Join these two environmental activists to be informed and inspired.

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The future of food is tied up with the future of water, soil, climate, waste, pollution, and population growth. It is also dependent on human responses to threats and technological possibilities. As with the effects of climate change and other environmental degradation, there are many possible futures. Perhaps the scariest are from 'business as usual' scenarios.

Catherine Iorns will consider predictions related to the future of food in 2050. They cover a wide range of possibilities. All involve change.

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Te Maire is the director of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre at the University of Canterbury. He took up this position in 2011, having previously been a Senior Lecturer in History at the University. Te Maire belongs to Ngāi Tahu, the principal tribe of the South Island, and lives in Tuahiwi, the largest village of that tribe.

As a specialist historian on oral traditions, tribal genealogies and indigenous knowledge systems, Te Maire was used as an expert witness and historian for the settlement of the Ngāi Tahu Claim - the largest settlement in its day between Māori and the Crown for lands wrongfully taken.

Since then he has had a number of publications dealing with oral traditions and the relationship between indigenous knowledge systems and how they intersect with western science. Te Maire’s research interests include the philosophy of knowledge, oral traditions, myth, indigenous development, and history.

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Otago Museum is thrilled to be hosting New Zealand’s most famous zero wasters. The rubbish reduction nomads are back in Dunedin, so for those of you who missed out on last year’s talk, now is your opportunity to come along and learn about what you can do to do your bit!

This two hour seminar is an introduction on how to implement waste reduction in your life. With more than four years of zero-waste living, and a lot of research into the practicalities of the movement. 

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