Rotary Science and Technology Programmes

Rotary Science and Technology Programmes
On this page:
  • The Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Awards
  • Rotary Science & Technology Forum

The first EUREKA! Symposium was organised by the Rotary Club of Wellington in 2012 and repeated in 2013.

Following their success, the Rotary Club of Wellington established the Rotary EUREKA! Trust to own, develop and manage the national and regional events which showcase the talents of hundreds of young students who speak inspirationally and with great passion about the future opportunities for New Zealand from the application of science, technology, engineering and maths innovations.

 

The Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Awards competition challenges secondary school and tertiary undergrads to deliver a 12-minute presentation about how an application of science or technology will benefit New Zealand’s economic, environmental and social wealth and well-being.  Regional selection competitions are held by each NZ Rotary District around August each year with the finalist moving on to the Awards competition.
 
 
 
 
 

Contacts and Information:

  • www.eureka.org.nz  - this site gives full information including preparation guides and examples of presentations from past year's competitors.
  • Refer to each Rotary District for regional selection information
 
Rotary Science & Technology Forum
 
Each January since 1989, around 168 of New Zealand’s Top Science Students spend 2 weeks of their holidays at a special Forum in Auckland, prior to starting their last year at High School.
 
The top students from across New Zealand apply through their schools to their local Rotary Clubs and are selected for their grades and all-round ability.  These students are then interviewed by their local Rotary Clubs. The best of them are assessed by a District Co-ordinator- who puts forward their selection to the Forum Director.  The successful students may receive some financial assistance from Rotary and/or their schools to attend the Forum and are responsible for contributing the remainder of the required fee.
 
The Rotary Science & Technology Forum Trust runs the programme.  It is managed by a group of Rotary volunteers and supported by Senior Academic staff.
 
The University of Auckland, AUT and Massey University combine resources to present diverse and stimulating academic sessions & experiences across a wide range of sciences & technologies. This is augmented by visits to science & technology enterprises in the Auckland region as well as a range of fun activities for students to enjoy.
 
The central purpose of this Forum is to broaden the horizons for our best science students and to assist them in making the best decisions about their future direction.
 
Past students were extremely stimulated and, excited by the Forum experience and grateful for the opportunity. Two students are selected to represent New Zealand at an International Science Forum in London in July of the following year. A former student nominated by our District was selected to attend the London Forum - Connor Kennedy from Queenstown, see the middle photo above.
 
This rewarding programme has been run by Rotary and in 2019 will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary of lifting the aspiration and assisting our best students choose their best direction.
 
The Forum is run by Darryn Wells who can be contacted at durrywells@gmail.com 
 

Contacts and Information:

 
Some media articles: