2-Minute Talks: Young Women in Science
Come hear young women talk about their science with only one picture, one prop and two minutes.
One picture, one prop, two minutes.
A Better Future for Aotearoa
Join us for a discussion about creative solutions to the climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis and other problems caused by economic growth.
Solving the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis – at the same time! Join us for a discussion about creative solutions to the climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis and other problems caused by
About the Heart!
What happens to your heart when you exercise? Learn how it works, why it sometimes beats slow and sometimes feels like it is going to burst!
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After Dark: A Night in the Tropics
Otago Museum opens at night for the hottest attraction in town: music, fun and cold drinks in the warmth of our three-story Tropical Forest.
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Aquavan Adventures: Amazing Adaptations
Get hands on with the Aquavan! Learn about crab feeding and defensive strategies, then meet some marine critters at our mobile touch tank.
W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum: Guided Tours
Have you ever seen the smallest bone in the human body? Tour the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum and discover the wonders of our anatomy.
Many of the models and specimens housed in the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum date back at least 100 years. Displayed alongside the more modern specimens of anatomy, a walk around the museum brings to
AquaBot Regional Competition
Come and watch AquaBots compete in the very first Otago regional AquaBot competition!
Association for Women in the Sciences (AWIS) Triennial Conference
This conference provides an opportunity for women in sciences to develop skills to support their professional advancement, and to learn from and network with other women working in the sciences.
The Association for Women in the Sciences (AWIS) triennial conference provides an opportunity for women working in or supporting the sciences to develop their skills to support their professional
Bang! Science Show
Frankenstein has finally decided what she wants to be when she grows up... a Super Villian! Together with her faithful sidekick, Igor, Frankenstein uses chemical experiments to come up with the
Frankenstein has finally decided what she wants to be when she grows up... a Super Villian!
School of Biomedical Sciences Photo Exhibition
A photographic exhibition showcasing the research and artistic talents of staff and students from the University's School of Biomedical Sciences.
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Mitre 10 MEGA Backyard Builders: Bird Feeders
Join the Mitre 10 team and Orokonui Ecosanctuary’s nature educator extraordinaire Tahu Mackenzie to build your very own bird feeder!
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Build-a-Bot
Come and work with Captain Lego to build a robot out of Lego.
Chartistic
Contribute data for our charts by participating in some fun and creative activities.
Come to Chartistic and have a go at charting your creativity.
Environmental Monitoring: Coastal Care Workshop for the Community
A public workshop at the Albatross Centre where you will learn how to collect and use environmental data to take action for the environment.
Environmental Monitoring: Coastal Care Workshop for Educators
Take your teaching & learning into the real world with this teacher/educator focused citizen science, coastal monitoring & actions workshop.
Aquavan Adventures: Coastal Connections
Connect to your coast with the Aquavan and staff from the NZ Marine Studies Centre!
Code Breakers: Women in Games
Otago Museum has transformed the Special Exhibitions Gallery into an immersive and interactive game zone!Come in and get hands-on with an array of playable games – from indie releases to commercial
Our partners at the Otago Museum have transformed the Special Exhibitions Gallery into an immersive and interactive game zone!
Creative Connections
Reconnect with your creativity at our science-themed craft table!
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Quantum Cryptography via Satellite
Learn about the future of space-based encryption and how entangled photons hold the “key” to quantum-secure communications.
Dogs and Science Working Together
An outline of the ground-breaking work of K9 Medical Detection New Zealand using the enormous potential of canine sensory abilities.
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Fireside Chat with Siouxsie Wiles
Join us for a fireside chat with New Zealander of the Year, Dr Siouxsie Wiles!
Join us for a fireside chat with New Zealander of the Year, Dr Siouxsie Wiles!
Slice of Life - The World Famous Dunedin Study
An exhibition celebrating the 1,000 most studied people in the world - the Dunedin Study members. Research from this study is changing lives. Now on through the end of August 2021.
Slice of Life: The World Famous Dunedin Study provides an overview of the Dunedin Study, its methods, and its major findings and celebrates the lives of the Study Members.
Exploring Dunedin's Volcano
Explore the history and sights of Dunedin's extinct volcano from the boat & receive an explosive commentary as we go!
Edible Insects: Past, Present & Future
What is your reaction when you hear ‘edible insects’? “Yum” or “yuck”? Join us as we discuss the interesting topic of insects as food.
Exploring Sandflats
Explore the Portobello Sandflats with a guide from the Marine Science Centre. Discover the secrets of critters that live beneath the sand.
Science Expo
Come and explore the range of research taking place at the University of Otago, where we constantly go beyond. Lots of exciting activities for kids and adults of all ages.
Come and explore the range of research taking place at the University of Otago, where we constantly go beyond. Lots of exciting activities for kids and adults of all ages.
Eyes Underwater: Livestream
Join us for a dive off the Otago Peninsula coast from the comfort of your home!
Not for the Faint-HEARTed
Faint-HEARTed? Then this workshop is not for you! Come and learn how the heart works by dissecting one.
Far from Frozen II – Going to Extremes
Climate change is our greatest challenge. Otago Museum’s Far from Frozen science showcase brings the reality of climate change to life, and to you.
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. Otago Museum’s Far from Frozen – Going to Extremes is a newly re-developed, hands-on science showcase, that brings the reality of climate change
Fun Science at Moana Pool
Enjoy some Fun Science at Moana Pool! Physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy... We will enjoy all areas of science in the pool.
Editing Them Out: Gene Editing and Pest Control in Aotearoa
Join us for a discussion panel on the role of gene editing for pest control in Aotearoa with experts from New Zealand’s Biological Heritage.
Giants of the Forest
Tūhura is home to more than butterflies! Get up close and personal with the newest residents of the Tropical Forest!
Glow Science at the Observatory
Night science like you've never seen it before... Come along to discover the lights in the dark!
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Hand Sanitiser: Know It and Use It
This hands-on lab experience will explore an essential commodity in our current world, hand sanitizer, through a presentation and demonstration.
Good hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of microorganisms. In the weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown, New Zealand experienced a scarcity of hand sanitiser. Associate Professor Shyamal Das
Hands on Science for our Youngest Learners
An event for young children and their families to have a hands-on science experience, celebrating all things fun and exciting about science!
An event for young children and their families to have a hands-on science experience, celebrating all things fun and exciting about science!
The Heart of a Woman
Join Manaaki Mānawa: The Centre for Heart Research as we hear from a range of world-leading researchers in heart health.
Heart disease is a leading killer of women in Aotearoa, however, it is often thought of as a man’s health problem.
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Inhalers & Artificial Lungs: Fighting Lung Disease
Explore how scientists use artificial lungs to develop inhalers for lung disease, and the cutting-edge treatment research taking place at the University of Otago.
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Mitre10 MEGA Backyard Builders: Insect Hotels
Want to provide a habitat for the awesome creepy crawlies that live in your garden? Come build an insect hotel with the Mitre 10 team!
Reconnect with our Insect Whānau!
Meet some of our beautiful native invertebrates and learn how we can look after them.
PreFest: Junior Film Festival
Join us at the Dunedin Public Library in the lead up to the festival for a mini film festival for kids and teens!
Join us at the Dunedin Public Library in the lead up to the festival for a mini film festival for kids and teens!
Ki-o-rahi!
A workshop showcasing the traditional Māori game Ki-O-Rahi.
Late Night Under the Moon
Enjoy a very special late night opening while you take in the spectacle of Luke Jerram’s Moon sculpture.
Lego Creations
Make connections with our Lego creation station!
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Lego Parkour
Join our Lego mini-figure parkour with Captain Lego. Create an obstacle course challenge to film with our new stop-animation studio.
Light Cycles
Hands-on science and centuries-old stories illuminate the cycles that connect the universe!
Lines & Wines: A Scientific Playreading
Suitcase Theatre and Dunedin Public Libraries are pleased to present a special NZ International Science Festival edition of Lines & Wines.
Marine Encounters at the NZ Marine Studies Centre
Connect to your coast and meet local marine species to find out what makes them special, vulnerable and resilient.
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Dunedin Maths Craft Day
Discover the maths behind the craft and the craft behind the maths at the Dunedin Maths Craft Day.
Discover the maths behind the craft and the craft behind the maths at the Dunedin Maths Craft Day.
Meet a Mars Rover
What does a scaled-down version of a Mars rover look like? What sensors are needed to make it work? How do you build your own?
Come see a scale version of a Mars rover in action!
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Meet a Scientist
What is it like to be a scientist? What do scientists actually do? Come along to this interactive workshop and find out!
What is it like to be a scientist? What do scientists actually do? Come along to this interactive workshop and find out!
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Mission to Mars
In this workshop you will code rovers to navigate simple obstacles to complete their mission.
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Our Moon: Then, Now & Beyond Exhibition
Explore the moon’s past, present, and future in the Our Moon: Then, Now, and Beyond exhibition. This is an exhibition not to be missed; an out-of-this-world experience where you can enter the orbit of
Explore the moon’s past, present, and future in the Our Moon: Then, Now, and Beyond exhibition. This is an out-of-this-world experience where you can enter the orbit of our spectacular moon.
Reconnect with Ngā Manu!
Explore the protected paradise of Orokonui Ecosanctuary and meet some of our beautiful native birds!
Organic Farming for the Future
An interactive discussion on regenerative farming and taste a new organic meat & vege patty- healthier for the environment, better for you!
Intensive animal farming, the use of chemical fertilizers and the pollution of our rivers and streams has resulted in a negative perception of animal farming overall. But organic farming and the use
Ōtepoti Overlays
If you peeled away the layers of the city, what would you find? Ōtepoti Overlays is a walk-through installation juxtaposing native flora against contemporary versions of nature.
When did you last pause to think about the relationship you have with nature?
Our Climate Future Exhibition
MfE's Our Climate Future exhibition shares how climate change is impacting us today and how we can create a better climate future together.
Our Ocean: Bringing Climate Data to Life
Looking for more science opportunities now the festival is done? Join in this immersive workshop exploring ocean climate change, and capturing stories of treasured marine species that give meaning to
Did you miss out on the last session of this SciFest event? Here's another opportunity to take part in a project that explores climate through art. No artistic skills required!
Reconnect with Ngā Awa / Our Waterways!
Discover who lives in our beautiful waterways, how we can best look after them, and how waterways are central to our wellbeing!
ORC Outside Inside Forest
Come and visit our indoor forest experience! Each day there will be a changing selection of exciting hands-on science & nature activities for kids to explore.
We're bringing the outside in! Pay a visit to our indoor forest and learn about the wonderful natural world through hands-on science activities. Thanks to the Otago Regional Council ECO Fund for
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“Plantible” Paper Making Workshop
Plantible Paper Making Workshops for Children: Combining a love of science and art.
Plastic Unwrapped: The Politics of Change
Plastics have played an important role in our world for over a century - but is it as bad as we think?
Plastics have played an important role in our world for over a century, however with growing awareness of the impact plastics make, the industry is diving into disruption. But is plastic as bad as we
PreFest: Pop up Science at the Malls
Join us for some pre-festival fun at the Meridian and Golden Centre malls!
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Pyjamarama!
Get your jammies on and head to Otago Museum for an evening of family-friendly, after-hours fun!
Quantum Shorts Film Festival Screening
Catch the top ten quantum-inspired short films from the 2021 Quantum Shorts Film Festival in the most immersive theatre in Dunedin!
Mitre 10 MEGA Backyard Builders: Rat Trapping Tunnels
Are you keen to do your part towards pest control and help protect our native species? In this workshop, you can!
Rubik Rumble Challenge
Bring your Rubik skills (and your cube) and beat the clock.
Centre for Science Communication Student Film Premiere
A fantastic evening of Science and Nature films produced by Master’s students of the University of Otago’s Centre for Science Communication.
Science Academy: High School Science Expo
Come see Science Academy Year 13 students present a series of short talks, films and museum displays on a wide range of science topics.
Read & Do Science Bundles
Books and activities to read on a science theme available throughout the Festival.
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Unleash Your Inner Detective: Forensic Based CSI Workshop
Expand your armchair detective skills and solve a crime in this interactive and immersive workshop run by a real forensic expert.
The Science of Crime offers immersive forensic science-based events that explore real-life crime scene investigation techniques.
Science Drama at the Library
The Library is home to many amazing science books. Come and see how the Taieri Dramatic Society give life to some of these books!
Science Drama Workshop
Fun Science with Amadeo and the Taieri Dramatic Society are joining forces to turn your favorite science facts into amazing performances!
Science on the Cube
Enjoy a variety of short Science and Natural History films produced by students, alumni and faculty of the University of Otago’s Centre for Science Communication.
Science Teller: Imagine a Sustainable Society
Imagine living in a sustainable society. What would that look like and what would it take to get us there?
Imagine living in a sustainable society. What would that look like and what would it take to get us there?
Secrets, Ciphers and Codes
Explore interactive, hands-on demonstrations into how keeping secrets has evolved, from earth-based methods to space photons!
Shark Discovery On Otago Harbour
Seeking some post-festival excitement? Look no farther than a shark discovery harbour cruise with Port-to-Port Cruises!
Shark Spy Community Talk
Join shark expert Rob Lewis as he takes you into the amazing world of our local sharks!
Snippets from the Sea: Seaweed Secrets
Join a variety of experts for coffee, short presentations, films and knowledge sharing all about seaweeds!
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Space Lasers!
Lasers, the moon, telescopes and jelly lenses – come explore how optics makes space science better!
Spacetronauts: Mighty Moons
Explore the weirdest moons in our solar system on this interactive adventure to extreme worlds!
Opening Night: Science in the Spotlight
Join us on the opening night of the Festival for a discussion around the upcoming challenges associated with climate change.
What does the future hold? Why should science be at the heart of the challenges we face?
Storytime Under the Moon
Sit back underneath the amazing giant moon installation and listen to stories of te marama, read by University Book Shop storytellers.
Sit back underneath the amazing giant moon installation and listen to stories of te marama, read by University Book Shop storytellers.
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Kōrero te Marama/Talks about the Moon
To conclude the 2021 NZ International Science Festival, join us under te marama, the moon, for two engaging talks.
Reconnect with Te Ngāhere
Explore the amazing cloud forest at Orokonui Ecosanctuary and meet some of our native tree-sures!
Explore the amazing cloud forest at Orokonui Ecosanctuary and meet some of our native tree-sures!
Tiny Ruins - Solo, Under the Moon
Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of acclaimed New Zealand songwriter Hollie Fullbrook’s debut album, with this very special solo performance under Luke Jerram’s Moon sculpture.
Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of acclaimed New Zealand songwriter Hollie Fullbrook’s debut album ‘Some Were Meant for Sea’ with this very special solo performance under Luke Jerram’s
Tūhura Taster at the Golden Centre
Get a taste of the new Science Show at Otago Museum during this pop-up event!
Tūhura Top Hits: Glow-in-the-Dark Edition
The Science Festival is drawing nearer, come whet your appetite for all things Science with a pre-lunch Tūhura-style show!
Scifest Tūhura Treat
Join one of our Science Communicators for a surprise activity, which could be anything from any field of science!
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Upcycled Food Dining Experience
Learn the science of Upcycled Foods and enjoy a unique meal prepared by Everybody Eats Chefs, made with rescued food supplied by KiwiHarvest
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CODE Virtual Reality & Gaming Centre
Come immerse yourself at our Pop-Up Virtual Reality & Gaming Centre and be amazed by some of the latest virtual reality experiences from around the world!
Back by popular demand, we have levelled up our virtual reality experiences for you for a limited time as part of this years festival.
Yoga Under the Matariki Moon
Celebrate Matariki with this blissful nourishing yoga under the Full Moon at Hanover Hall. With Jessica Latton from the Dunedin Yoga Studio.
Who Owns You (and Your Data)
Your data might well be about you, but is it yours? Let’s get down to the dirty business end of digital privacy.
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ZoBot Revolution
Join the biomorphic robot revolution! On Monday we make robots. On Tuesday we invade the Gasworks Museum with a swarm of robot bugs!
ZoBots are animal-like robots designed by Otago University Neuroscientist and former NASA robotics engineer Mike Paulin.
PreFest: Inspiring Scientist Zoom Series
The NZ International Science Festival invites your school to be a part of our Inspiring Scientist Zoom series.
Zoom Series Update: Tuesday 29 JuneDue to a high movie-making workload and issues relating to working in an ongoing pandemic, our last speaker in the Inspiring Scientist Zoom Series, London-based
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Reconnect with Reptiles!
Adventure through Orokonui Ecosanctuary and meet our amazing native reptiles!
Big Science Show
Dunedin’s favourite mad scientist returns with a brand new science show, full of explosive science to jump start your 2021 Science Festival.