Manawatu’s budding scientists set to showcase research at Fonterra Science Fair
Does the amount of saliva produced by a calf affect its growth? Could taking Omega 3 capsules improve a student’s ability to learn?
This weekend, the Manawatu community will have the opportunity to discover the answers to these questions - along with a host of others - at the annual Fonterra Manawatu Science and Technology Fair.
240 of New Zealand’s future scientists and technologists will display their research at this year’s event, which marks the culmination of many months’ work on the part of the region’s primary and secondary school students.
“This year’s Fair looks set to impress with projects covering a wide range of areas in the field - including environmental, dairy and health - and we are delighted to again be able to support the event,” says Fonterra’s Research & Technical Operations Manager Janneke Van Wagtendonk.
“For Fonterra, supporting our rising stars of science is important, as this will help to ensure the industry continues to have a pool of talented researchers to draw on.”
Manawatu Science Fair Committee Co-convenor Dr Heather Meikle agrees.
“Often, winners of the Fair are selected to participate in the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Realise the Dream programme - a national event which showcases student excellence. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of the Fair – giving students an opportunity to realise their potential.”
This was the case for Mark Zhu who, after winning last year’s Fair, went on to win a place in the 2006 Realise the Dream programme, spending five days in Wellington visiting key science and technology research institutions and presenting his research before some of the nation’s leading academics. Mark has also travelled to Brisbane to attend the Bio-Futures conference and represented New Zealand at the Beijing International Youth Science Competition.
“None of these exciting things could have happened without the Fonterra Manawatu Science and Technology Fair, the passionate scientists involved and its sponsors. I am so thankful to be given these life changing trips, and I hope the students this year will be able to win these great opportunities as well.”
The Manawatu Science and Technology Fair runs from August 31 to September 2 at Te Manawa, with the award ceremony held on Saturday, September 1 at 6pm in the Palmerston North Convention Centre. The public can see the exhibits from 10am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday at Te Manawa.
