L'Oreal-UNESCO Fellowships for Young Women in the Life Sciences
Nominations open
UNESCO is currently calling for applications for the 2014 L’OREAL- UNESCO Fellowships for Young Women in Life Sciences.
The l’OREAL-UNESCO fellowships, each worth $US 40,000 (not to exceed a two-year period) are awarded each year to fifteen young women scientists from all over the world, three from each of the UNESCO geo-cultural regions. New Zealand scientists are eligible for the Asia and Pacific awards.
In 2011 New Zealander Zoe Hilton of the Cawthron Institute was awarded a UNESCO Fellowship for her research in the area of brooding cycles of flat oysters.
In 2014 these awards will again be awarded in the area of the life sciences including biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, pharmacy and physiology.
Applications must be submitted on the UNESCO on-line platform at the following link www.fwis.fr by 30 May 2013.
The National Commission will subsequently be required to evaluate the applications on line and endorse up to four nominations for further consideration by an international jury at UNESCO Headquarters.
For further information please contact Elizabeth Rose, Secretary General of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
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An International Perspective on Rock Art
Tuesday, 19 February 2013 14:56
Renowned French archaeologist and cave art authority Professor Jean Clottes and Deputy Chair, NZ National Commission for UNESCO, Dr Andrew Matthews.
Professor Clottes gave public talks in Timaru, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland focusing on the Chauvet Cave in France.
The talks have been followed by a 2D-screening of Werner Herzog's film 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' in which Professor Clottes features. This film was part of the 2010 New Zealand International Film Festival. It explores the Chauvet Cave, which was discovered in 1994 in the Ardèche region in southern France.
It is one of the most important painted caves ever found.
The NZ National Commission for UNESCO contributed towards the costs of Professor Clottes’ visit to New Zealand, together with the Embassy of France, the New Zealand France Friendship Fund, Alliance Francaise, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art Trust, Canterbury Museum and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
UNESCO Celebrates 'Dr Pap' 50 years on.
Wednesday, 05 September 2012 08:59
This year UNESCO recognises the pioneering role of the Greek physician, biologist, and researcher, George Papanicolaou (1883 –1962) who said, “I only live to serve life”.
A statement that characterized the man himself and his research which, 50 years after his death, still continues to serve life today.
George Papanicolaou (sometimes referred to as "Dr Pap"), is the inventor of the Pap-test, an affordable medical examination with no complications, which is still used worldwide for the detection and prevention of cervical cancer and has saved the lives of millions of women worldwide. Up until his invention of the pap test (in the 1940’s) the cervical cancer of the uterus was the leading cause of death among women worldwide.
Today the pap test is a routine medical examination for women that can detect not only the cervical cancer of the uterus but also vaginal infections, abnormalities, some sexually transmitted diseases and lesions related to the Human Papilloma Virus or commonly known as HPV.
Further information including videos about the life and work of George Papanicolaou (courtesy of the Archives and Museum of the ERT, the Greek Public Broadcasting Corporation) can be found on the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO’s webpage. This month in New Zealand, it's Cervical Screening Awareness Month - find out more information on the National Screening Unit and why regular cervical smears are so important to women's health, here.
L'OREAL UNESCO WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARD 2013
call for nominations for l'oreal-unesco women in science awards
The National Commission is currently calling for applications for the 2013 L’OREAL- UNESCO Awards for Women in Science which this year is dedicated to the physical sciences.
The L’OREAL-UNESCO awards, each worth $US 100,000, are awarded each year to distinguished eminent women scientists at the height of their career, one from each of UNESCO’s five regions. New Zealand scientists are eligible for the Asia and Pacific award.
Further information on the initiative may be found here.
To be considered by the National Commission for forwarding to UNESCO Headquarters, applications on the official nomination forms must be received at the National Commission’s office by Friday 18 May 2012.
For further information and application forms please contact the Secretary General, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, c/- Ministry of Education, P O Box 1666, Wellington (
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Professor Sir Paul Callaghan
“The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO joins organisations throughout New Zealand and globally in expressing its sense of sadness and loss at the passing of Professor Sir Paul Callaghan , widely acknowledged as one of our country’s finest scientists.
The National Commission has itself benefitted from Sir Paul’s exceptional ability as a science communicator when it invited him to join us as keynote speaker at one of our joint Sub-commission meetings. On that occasion his exceptional presentation inspired our deliberations as it has so many others in recent years. His leadership and energy will be sorely missed.
We join with others in expressing our condolences to Sir Paul’s family and friends and to his colleagues in the science community.”
Neil Walter
Chairperson
New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
WORLD WATER DAY - 22 March
world water day 2012 highlights link between water and food security
Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the World Water Day “Water and Food security”, 22 March 2012
Water is vital for agriculture, rural development and food industry. Food security is unthinkable without it. On this World Water Day, we must all recognize this inextricable link between water and food security and make it a central component of our work for sustainable development.
Today, one billion people are undernourished. Every year, six million children die of hunger. Lack of access to clean drinking water exacerbates the burdens carried by the poor and the undernourished, and it increases mortality rates. Global food production and supply do not today match up with demand. And the world will need to feed two billion more people over the coming decades.
Food security depends highly on water -- in terms of quality and quantity. Water of acceptable quality and in adequate quantity is needed to meet food production demands. At the same time, food production and supply have a negative impact on the sustainability and quality of water resources.
Agriculture is the biggest water user, with 70 percent of the global water withdrawal coming in irrigation. Agriculture is also the biggest water polluter, with millions of tons of agro-chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides discharged into rivers and seeping into soil and groundwater. In the face of climate change, food production is also becoming uncertain, because of increasingly variable rainfall patterns and more frequent and prolonged droughts. At the same time, with increasing demand for food, competition for water is rising.
We must come together now to face up to water and food challenges. UNESCO is working to enhance national capacities to use and manage water sustainably. Our vision of green growth in agriculture is clear. We must increase water productivity and wastewater reuse in agriculture to produce ‘more food per drop’. We must put in place more efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems and we must integrate our management of water and land, including also women’s voices.
UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme leads global efforts to promote sustainable rural and urban water management. It works to protect water quality for sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction and it builds capacity in order to enhance water management. It is supported by a network of over 20 UNESCO water Centres and University Chairs that train water professionals across the world.
This World Water Day is a call to action. We must join together today to secure clean water and food for every citizen of the world, now and in the future.
Women in Science Award for New Zealander
Nelson marine biologist Zoe Hilton has won a prestigious science award that honours outstanding, young women scientists from around the world.
“Dr Hilton has been awarded a UNESCO-L’OREAL International Fellowship for Young Women in Life Sciences, one of fifteen awarded worldwide,” said NZ National Commission for UNESCO secretary general, Elizabeth Rose.
“Her exceptional research to date has focused upon aquaculture which is an area of growing importance for New Zealand in terms of long-term sustainability of the world’s oceans and resources.”
A research scientist at the not-for-profit Cawthron Institute in Nelson, Dr Hilton’s academic career has combined studies in marine and environmental science with Spanish. Next year she will undertake research work at the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology, a public corporation of the Catalan government in Spain. Dr Hilton’s research brings together two world leading shellfish research institutes.
“Over fishing, pollution, disease and climate change have severely depleted native flat oyster stocks all over the world. Dr Hilton’s pioneering research focuses upon the brooding cycles of flat oysters in a bid to restore wild oyster stocks and also initiate successful farming methods,” said Ms Rose.
“Dr Hilton is an extraordinary New Zealander and an inspiration to other young women aspiring to a career in science. She is someone whose work is already helping to tackle global issues facing global communities.”
Sponsored by L’Oreal and administered by UNESCO the fellowships are awarded to 15 outstanding young female scientists from around the world to enable them to undertake research projects outside of their home countries in some of the world’s most prestigious laboratories. Dr Hilton won one of three fellowships awarded to young women in the Asia Pacific region. The award comes four years after New Zealander, Professor Margaret Brimble of Auckland University won the L’OREAL-UNESCO Laureate for Women in Science for the Asia Pacific region.
Wai Ora : People and Freshwater
A Summer Studentship project conducted by Shamin Yazdani 2009-2010
Kuia, Keri Kaa of Rangitukia shared her knowledge and insights into Wai Ora with Shamin
The Green Wave is a multi-year global campaign that enables children and youth to make a difference – one school, one tree, one step at a time. The Green Wavebrings together children and youth from around the world to raise awareness about biodiversity, and the need to reduce its loss. The Green Wave contributes to the Plant for the Planet Billion Tree Campaign.
Students from thousands of participating schools around the world will plant a native tree on the 22 May 2011. At 10am local time students will water their tree simultaneously: creating a global, symbolic, Green Wave
UNESCO L'OREAL INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN THE LIFE SCIENCES 2012
We are seeking nominations from outstanding, young female scientists for the prestigious UNESCO-L'OREAL Fellowships 2012. We are looking for New Zealand candidates who have or are working towards a PhD in the life sciences and are aged 35-years or younger.
Water for Cities - responding to the Urban Challenge
The objective of World Water Day 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.
This year’s theme, Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge, aims to spotlight and encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenge of urban water management.
In New Zealand we are celebrating the International Year of Chemistry 2011 with a range of events, competitions and speakers throughout the year. A dedicated website will be the hub for all activities, providing updates on what's happening, as well as interesting resources about chemistry. The launch takes place on Wednesday 9th February 2011 at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre and features the Merino Gold Fashion Show (where students have bonded gold atoms with exclusive Merino wool, creating Merino Gold) as well as a lecture by Sir Richard Friend from Cambridge University.
The Kapi Mana Bioblitz 2011 is the world's 1st combined Marine and Terrestrial Bioblitz: a rapid assessment of species diversity. Bioblitz brings together a wide range of people - scientists, academics, local tribes, members of the public and technical experts - to celebrate the diversity of NZ's wildlife. Fun activities for all the family start at the Titahi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, Titahi Bay, Porirua on Saturday 5 February and end at 5pm, Sunday 6 February - Waitangi Day.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.
The International Year of Forests 2011 was launched on Wednesday 2 February, 2011, at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York.
In New Zealand the official launch is to be held on Wednesday 9th March 2011 at Parliament Buildings, hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Biosecurity, the Hon David Carter.
Te Kura A Rito O Newton students win UN Photo Awards
Saturday, 18 September 2010 12:27
Students from the Maori immersion class at Te Kura A Rito O Newton (Newton School) in Central Auckland have won major awards as part of a nationwide photographic competition held to celebrate the 2010 United Nations International Year of Biodiversity.
The competition is hosted by the Department of Conservation, NZ National Commission for UNESCO, NIWA, and Forest & Bird. It celebrates New Zealand's unique plant and animal life and to mark the 2010 UN International Year of Biodiversity.
Adults and young people around New Zealand submitted 350 photographs that captured different elements of New Zealand's biodiversity.
This is the first year the competition has taken place. Te Kura A Rito O Newton sent in more entries than any other school - their students also submitted all their biodiversity statements in te reo Maori as well as in English.
Principal Hoana Pearson paid tribute to the young photographers and their teacher, Ruth Lemon. "Our children learn from a curriculum that has social justice and equity at its heart. They are critical thinkers who consciously take on learning and challenges," says Ms Pearson.
Education Review Office staff have noted that students at Te Kura A Rito O Newton are encouraged to "achieve their potential and actively participate as citizens of the world."
Wildlife photographers Craig Potton, Kim Westerskov, and Norman Heke from Te Papa judged the competition. The competition had sections for 'Land and Sky', 'Water' and 'People and Biodiversity', with an adult and youth category for each section. Te Kura A Rito O Newton received a special school award.
In addition to this, student Tikirau Hathaway (12) won the "People and Biodiversity" youth section and Rawiri Milne (12) came second in the "Land and Sky" youth section. The overall winners and category winner photos are on display at ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience in Wellington from 16 September - 18 October 2010.
Sunday, 01 August 2010 16:19
THE OUTLOOK FOR SOMEDAY
The Sustainability Film Challenge for Young New Zealanders
The NZ National Commission for UNESCO is a proud Project Partner for this year's Outlook for Someday
Make a short film.
It can be any length up to 5 minutes.
You can make it individually or in a team.
Use any camera you like.
Choose any genre you like and interpret ‘sustainability’ in the way that makes best sense to you.
Anyone up to the age of 24 can enter the challenge.
That means anyone born in 1986 or later who is a Citizen or Resident of New Zealand or is lawfully permitted to study or work in New Zealand.
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF BIODIVERSITY: PHOTO COMPETITION
Friday, 11 June 2010 13:18
Biodiversity is life, biodiversity is our life.
Ko te koiora kanorau, he tauoranga, ko te koiora kanorau to tātou tauoranga.
Photographers are being asked to celebrate New Zealand’s unique biodiversity by getting clicking in a national photo competition to mark the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.
The Department of Conservation, NZ National Commission for UNESCO, NIWA, and Forest & Bird are seeking entries now for winning photographs of our wonderful native wildlife.
The themes of this competition are: Biodiversity of land and sky, Marine and fresh water biodiversity and People and biodiversity.
The competition will be judged by wildlife photographers Craig Potton, Kim Westerskov, and Norman Heke. Winning entries receive cash prizes: winners of each theme, under both young and adult categories, will win a cash prize of $300.The overall winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and runner up $500.
The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of life on earth and of the huge value of biodiversity for all of our lives. The world is invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: its biodiversity.
UNESCO sees the International Year of Biodiversity as an effective instrument to advance the cause of biodiversity conservation.
DOC General Manager Conservation Engagement Nicola Holmes said that the global recognition of the importance of biodiversity was in reality a celebration of the variety of life.
“For New Zealanders, the photo competition provides an opportunity to take delight in our amazing natural environment, but also to think about the actions we need to take to protect the thousands of unique plant and wildlife species we have in this country,” she said.
“With increasing land-use changes, agricultural intensification, pollution, and development, much of our biodiversity is now under more threat than at any time since Europeans arrived,” says Forest & Bird Conservation Advocate Kirstie Knowles. “This year and this competition are about getting out there and experiencing our fantastic range of plants and animals, and giving people a sense of responsibility to safeguard their future.”
NIWA Chief Scientist Biodiversity and Biosecurity Dr Don Roberston says, “Marine and freshwater biodiversity is at least as important as biodiversity on land. And small organisms – many that we can see only with a microscope – are at least as important as the plants and animals we can easily see.”
The winners and runners up will see their photos featured in a road show display touring New Zealand in 2011. Prizes will be presented at an awards ceremony. There are two entry categories: Adult and Young Adult
Contact: Shelley Biswell - Department of Conservation, International Year of Biodiversity Coordinator, Telephone 021 985 843
International Year of Biodiversity 2010
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 13:53
The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. The world is invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity.
This NZ government biodiversity website provides information about Aotearoa New Zealand’s native biodiversity, what is being done to help conserve and manage it, and who is involved.
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity which celebrates life on Earth and the value of biodiversity for everyone’s lives. This webpage includes information on what is biodiversity, why is NZ’s biodiversity unique and events in NZ celebrating biodiversity.
The Ministry for the Environment is the New Zealand Government's principal adviser on the environment .They have a webpage that provides information on biodiversity.
UNESCO "Realise the Dream" Prize won by Jake Martin, Cambridge High School
Wednesday, 10 March 2010 14:00
Outstanding Cambridge High School Year 13 student, Jake Martin, has won this year’s UNESCO Senior Student Award in the national science and research, Realise the Dream competition.
Over the past year, Jake discovered that charcoal produced by his clean wood burning engine - last year’s supreme Realise the Dream winner - was paramagnetic. This was a significant discovery that saw him working long hours alongside scientists at Waikato University where he is also taking some university papers.
Twenty nine extraordinary science students from all over New Zealand are selected to take part in the annual Realise the Dream event that is organised by the Royal Society of New Zealand. Genesis Energy is the event’s principal sponsor, Dairy NZ and the NZ National Commission for UNESCO are supporting partners.
UNESCO is the only United Nations specialised agency with a specific mandate to promote science and education. "Realise the Dream" sits within UNESCO's commitment to science and its recognition of the role the application of science plays in international cooperation towards peace, human rights and development.
UNESCO Realise the Dream Senior Science Winner, Jake Martin and UNESCO Chair, Bryan Gould
Thursday, 22 October 2009 12:14
Wellington Youth Climate Forum 2009
What causes global climate change? What are its consequences? What are our potential solutions? These were some of the issues considered by more than 60 secondary students attending the Wellington Youth Climate Forum (WYCF) at Victoria University in September. The NZ National Commission for UNESCO helped make the forum possible with a grant from the 2009 UCAF fund. Students also planned and carried out a range of public actions to draw attention to climate change that included: making chalk art mural on Lambton Quay; handing out certificates to passengers at the railway station; writing a press release; and prepring a 'communique'. The final part of the forum saw participants use the skills they gained over the weekend to begin planning further action for fellow classmates in their respective schools on the 23rd October 2009: 350 Schools Day of Action on Climate Change. Several students also became active participants on the ReGeneration Network: a social networking site with more than 270 youth members.
Women in Science Award for New Zealander
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