Emma Hutchinson

One early morning in term one, I wandered into my whānau room just in time to hear the morning notices. As I was sipping away on my McCafe coffee (the only thing keeping me motivated through the end-of-term grind), something caught my attention. “International science opportunity.” I sent off an application without much thought as to what I was applying to, and a month later was shocked to find an email from the Royal Society Te Apārangi (the Society) informing me that I was to be one of the six New Zealand scholars travelling to Sydney University to attend the Harry Messel International Science School (ISS).

I’m so grateful for the opportunity that was only made possible by the Society. As well as meeting 140 like-minded students from around the world, we were introduced to flight directors from NASA, professors from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the extensive ISS alumni and many amazing scientists on the forefront of technological change. Meeting these people opened my eyes to new ideas, and learning about the international current affairs in science inspired me to aim my future toward becoming a change-maker for New Zealand.

This eye-opening experience involved learning about science with fun activities, and allowed each of us to get a real experience of what university life could be like. But the science was only a part of it. As well as lectures and the ‘science stuff’, each day was packed with tourist and social activities, allowing us to explore Sydney and experience the culture ‘across the ditch’. We got to go on a cruise ship around the Sydney harbour, to Sydney zoo, rock-climbing, and could sign out in groups to simply explore - all with like-minded, motivated people.

Returning to school, rather than struggling through the end-of-term grind, I’m left with an excitement for what’s to come, and a wider idea of all the opportunities science has to offer. To anyone who’s children / themselves are considering applying for such an opportunity I strongly push you to do so - you never know what ideas it could spark.

Q&A

Did attending this event increase your knowledge of diverse career paths in science and technology?

Yes. One of the amazing things the ISS did for us was allow us to speak to the wider ISS alumni, as well as the many extremely qualified guest lecturers. Learning about each of their career paths gave me an idea that science isn’t just ‘science’, and the importance of communicating science to the public. This inspired me to potentially pursue a career in science communication, a degree and career path I never would have otherwise considered.

Has attending this event enthused you to go on to pursue a science and technology career?

Yes. Speaking to the wide variety of scientists and scholars involved in putting the ISS together inspired me to ensure that my career involves science and international change. As mentioned in the question above, I discovered ‘science communication’, which I believe I would love to get into.

Has attending this event changed the way you feel about
science and technology?

Yes. I have always had a respect and awe of science and technology, as required to be selected for such a trip. However, by attending ISS I was exposed to a range of ideas and technology that I had never even dreamed of. The ISS has certainly sculptured my perspective on science and the opportunities that it can provide to both New Zealand and the world.

Has attending this event and meeting like-minded students been
of benefit to you?

Yes. I am still in contact with the people I met, and will certainly have lifelong friends all over the world because of it. Having motivated scientific-minded people only a message or phone call away will keep me inspired to continue
toward my goals in a science career.