Unpacking the Science of Learning

Nina Hood, Academic Director, The University of Auckland

Unpacking the Science of LearningNina HoodThis presentation will provide a nuanced view of the science of learning, exploring what this body of research tells us about the cognitive processes involved in learning as well as the range of factors - social, environmental, emotional and individual - that impact our ability to learn. It will unpack the implications of the science of learning for teachers, particular in light of the current curriculum reform in New Zealand and changing pedagogical approaches.

Nina has a background as a secondary school teacher in Auckland. She has an MSc and DPhil in Education from The University of Oxford and worked as an academic at The University of Auckland for eight years. She is the founder of The Education Hub, a not-for-profit with a mission to bridge the gap between research and practice in education. She also is a co-founder of The Teachers' Institute, which offers school-based teacher training programmes. 

Cutting edge industry, from a kiwi "number eight wire" start

William Rolleston

William has advocated for science, industry and agriculture as the founding chair of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biotechnology industry association (now Biotech NZ) and the Life Sciences Network; as president of both New Zealand Federated Farmers and the World Farmers Organisation; and has advised local and central government on science strategy, economic development and biosecurity through the Science and Innovation Boards, Aoraki Development Trust and as external advisor to the Governor of the Reserve Bank.

Conservation in the Field

Andrew Digby

Andrew lives in New Zealand, though originally from the UK. He completed undergraduate studies in Natural Sciences (Astrophysics) at Cambridge University, followed by a Ph.D. in astronomy at Edinburgh University, where his research explored the structure of the Galaxy through low-mass stars.Following this, Andrew spent two and a half years in the United States on a NASA postdoctoral fellowship at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. In 2006, he moved to New Zealand and worked in meteorological research for three years before transitioning to ecology. Andrew completed a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology at Victoria University of Wellington, focusing on kiwi research at Zealandia Nature Reserve, where he also contributed as a tour guide and volunteer.Currently, Andrew is a scientist at the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, specialising in kakapo and takahe. His research and work can be followed on Twitter: @takapodigs.

Andrew Chappel

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Tim Woodfield

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Plus education - ntba

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Plus chemistry - ntba

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Mythbusting de-extinction to sort fact from fiction

Nic Rawlence

De-extinction has hit the headlines recently with the ‘resurrection’ of the dire wolf and plans to de-extinct the moa. However, can scientists actually de-extinct animals, and more importantly, should they bring them back? In this talk and Q&A Nic will delve into the science, ethics, and Indigenous concerns surrounding de-extinction.

Associate Professor Nic Rawlence is Director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Lab in the Department of Zoology at the University of Otago. His research focuses on reconstructing prehistoric ecosystems whether hundreds of years or tens of millions of years old; how these ecosystems responded (and in some cases didn't) to Aotearoa dynamic geological, climatic and human history; and how this information can be used to inform evidence-based kaitiakitanga and conservation management of our taonga species. Nic has also become one of the world's leading critics of de-extinction and was awarded the 2025 Cranwell Medal for Science Communication by the New Zealand Association of Scientists. He is also the tertiary representative for BEANZ.

Valerie Soltardi

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