News
Published 7 May 2018Māori scholarship awarded to Ōtaki College student
Iritana Bennett Fakahau learnt today that she had won a Māori Scholarship to attend the London International Youth Science Forum.
Iritana Bennett Fakahau was more surprised than anyone when it was announced at her school assembly this morning that she had won the Māori Scholarship to attend the London International Youth Science Forum.
Iritana was so nervous that her application would not reach the panel meeting on time that she took half a day off school to personally deliver it to the Society, which certainly paid off.
Her school principal Mr Andrew Fraser and her science teacher Ms Dawn Hirschberg were told of her success over three weeks ago by the Society but they were sworn to secrecy until it could be announced today.
Royal Society Te Apārangi together with the London International Youth Science Forum initiated this award last year which will enable Iritana to attend the two week forum at no cost to her. Many scholarship applications were received but the selection panel were particularly impressed with Iritana's application.
Iritana will join 500 students from over 75 countries for this residential event and students will stay at the Imperial College, London. The theme for LIYSF in 2018 is ‘Science for the Future’. Participants will attend lectures and demonstrations from leading scientists, visit research centres, scientific institutions and world class laboratories and universities.
Iritana plans to study health science next year at university.
Further announcements on students selected by Royal Society Te Apārangi for international science events will be announced within the next two weeks.