ESR is proud to have helped inspire generations of Wellington school students about the magic of science for well over 25 years through the ESR Prize, awarded again at this year’s NIWA Wellington Science & Technology Fair to another five local rangatahi who are passionate about science, technology and innovation.
Senior scientists Michelle Christensen, Yasmin Liu, Dr Rishi Pandey and Dr Sarah Russell, who work in ESR's Forensic Specilialised Analytical Service, say ESR is proud to be associated with the popular science fair that ran between 25 and 28 August at Victoria University of Wellington.
“A huge congratulations to this year’s ESR Prize winners!” says Sarah.
“These students prove that insights of tamariki and rangatahi can help society address even the biggest issues. It’s fair to say finding five winners was no easy feat, given the high calibre of all the entries.”
Michelle agrees: “ESR’s philosophy is ‘science for communities’. To us, this means inspiring the next generation about why science is so important, as well as the fun you can have when you undertake experiments. This is what underpins the ESR Prize.”
“The NIWA Science & Technology Fair is helping us take science to communities given its prominence and popularity among students in the region. It’s motivated countless young people about the value science brings, and highlighted how rewarding a career in science can be.”
Rishi says Aotearoa needs more people working in science and technology.
“The ESR Prize helps build awareness about how New Zealand is harnessing science to improve the safety and wellbeing of communities. Despite running for over 25 years, no two winning projects are the same.”
"The ESR Prize is about highlighting the recipients’ innovation and attuned understanding of science, in so much as it rewards them financially. “We hope it inspires the winners to keep-up their studies in science.”
You can find out more about the NIWA Wellington Regional Science & Technology Fair here(external link).
