Lisa, Wilson, and Taruke organised a lovely afternoon discussion and tour for Juliet Gerrard, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor. There was a great korero around the challenges and opportunities in this Manawatu Māori farm community as well as those of being the PM’s Chief Science Advisor.
Along with UC ConSert, the University of Otago, and The Elshire Group, GFANZ organised and sponsored and Early Career Researchers Breakfast in conjunction with the MapNet workshop. This breakfast was an opportunity for the ECRs to share experiences and discuss challenges.
GFANZ ran a non-model species bioinformatics workshop in Wellington. Most living things are not model (very well studied) species. Researching these species has many challenges, often including difficult computer analysis requirements. This workshop highlighted potential pitfalls and offered practical solutions.
GFANZ founding member Te Rangi Kaihoro presented a public talk on Te Ira Moana at Massey University in Palmerston North. This was a great opportunity for scientists to learn from a kind and generous expert. A series of small group discussions followed – making new connections and expanding understanding.
Our annual planning weekend brought together the council, members, and friends who were interested in helping plan the direction we are taking for the year.