Faculty of Science and Engineering, Victoria University of Wellington

Five researchers from Te Herenga Waka have been awarded Health Research Council grants for projects aimed at transforming health outcomes for New Zealanders. Their work ranges from using AI to uncover new dementia risk factors, to developing innovative treatments for infectious diseases, and investigating inequalities in colorectal cancer. Our Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Margaret Hyland, congratulated the four. “These projects are exploring some of today’s most pressing health challenges, building on the University’s culture of research excellence and a strong record of global impact. “They also represent a valuable opportunity to bring together areas of our expertise, particularly in AI and health research, through cross disciplinary collaboration. Congratulations all.”

Join us for a new Café Scientifique series hosted by Pūtaiao ki te Pāpori—School of Science in Society. In September, an astrophysicist and a novelist will discuss the evolving picture physics gives us about the nature of the universe, and the ways people find their place in it. Doors open at 5.30 pm, talks begin at 6 pm. All welcome—free entry, and nibbles provided. The evening will start with a short introduction from the speakers, followed by a question-and-answer conversation. More info: https://lnkd.in/gSnmcydf

Our Open Day is your opportunity to imagine the next stage of your journey. This Friday, we’re opening our doors to future students and their whānau, inviting you to explore our campuses and halls, and experience Wellington through the lens of student life. Whether you’re local or travelling in, Open Day is a chance to connect with our community, discover study options, and see how your future could unfold in the capital. Learn more and register below.

Non-alcoholic beer has taken off in the past few years. Where once you'd go into a supermarket and have one 0% alcohol option, brewers are taking up the challenge in droves. But how can you get the same flavour into beer without it? This is where science comes in. Specifically, this is where a cross-disciplinary team of researchers from Victoria University of Wellington comes in.    In traditional beer brewing, the conversion of sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide through yeast fermentation is a key part of the process. "Yeast guy" Dr Andrew Munkacsi, "Sugars guy" Dr Simon Hinkley, Dr Fandy Tjiptono from the School of Marketing, and Professor of Population Health Professor Colin Simpson are working with the team at Garage Project to develop a brand-new yeast strain, to recreate our favourite beer flavours, without the alcohol. Research that has real-life application.    Hear the full story from our researchers, alongside Garage Project's head of research and development Dr Peter Bircham, on Radio NZ's Our Changing World. How do you brew beer without the booze? https://lnkd.in/gTtNJHBC

Critical Signals invites you into a living research space for three months of workshops, installations, and conversations exploring the critical systems we rely on—from food to data, water to power—and how we build, own, and nurture them together. Critical Signals explores practical and visionary responses to an era of collapses, with a focus on kai sovereignty, data sovereignty, collective resilience, and adaptation strategies under a rapidly changing climate. With community at the project centre, it asks what changes could we make to our infrastructure, food and energy systems to ensure we not just survive, but thrive, in the years ahead. Part artist lab, part civil defence rethink, part neighbourhood commons—Critical Signals offers a space to gather, experiment, and prepare. Open daily and free to all, it asks not just how we survive disruption, but how we create infrastructures for living—with care, agency, and creativity. Where: 115 Taranaki Street, Wellington More info: https://criticalsignals.nz

📢 We’re proud to celebrate our Deputy Director, Professor Ivy Liu, as she delivers her inaugural lecture as Professor of Statistics at Victoria University of Wellington on September 4 at 5:30 pm. Topic: The Beauty of Uncertainty Uncertainty is everywhere, either in everyday decisions or the data we work with. In her inaugural lecture, Professor Ivy Liu will share how uncertainty became the heart of her research and how it has shaped her academic journey. Even when data are messy, there are still patterns to be found. Professor Liu offers insights into these patterns through her long research journey focused on categorical data. Professor Liu will show the surprising interdisciplinary impact of her work, including the assessment of fairness in educational tests and the analysis of surveys when the respondents could tick all items that apply. Her research has been recognized and supported by numerous external grants.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her story and explore the research shaping the future of data science and AI. https://lnkd.in/gv2TP7dZ Faculty of Science and Engineering, Victoria University of Wellington Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

🌋 Applications Now Open for Girls* on Ice Aotearoa 2026! ❄️ We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Girls* on Ice Aotearoa expedition, running from 12–22 January 2026! Hosted by Antarctic Research Centre - Te Puna Pātiotio at Victoria University of Wellington, this tuition-free program offers an unforgettable journey combining Earth science, art, and outdoor exploration on the glaciers of Mount Ruapehu. 👩🔬🎨🌿 Girls* on Ice is designed for 15–16-year-old girls living in New Zealand* who are curious, creative, and passionate about science, art, or the outdoors. Participants will: - Explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park - Learn about glaciers, climate, and ecosystems - Create art inspired by nature - Conduct their own science experiments - Build lifelong friendships and confidence We welcome applications from cisgender girls and transgender, agender, nonbinary, intersex, and genderqueer youth, and especially encourage those who may not have had similar opportunities before. 🕒 Deadline to apply: Midnight, 17 August 2025 (NZT) 🔗 Apply now and learn more: https://lnkd.in/g7B3SQPx Let’s inspire the next generation of explorers, scientists, and artists! 💫 #GirlsOnIce #InspiringGirlsExpeditions #ScienceArtAdventure #MountRuapehu #YouthEmpowerment #FieldScience #OutdoorEducation #GirlsInSTEM #AotearoaNZ #VictoriaUniversityofWellington #AntarcticResearchCentre

If you want to see how quantum research can drive sustainable growth, attract international collaboration, and turn ambition into action, this is a story about our Quantum Technologies team that is worth reading. Read the full article below. #QuantumScience #NZInnovation #AdvancedComputing #SustainableGrowth #Wellington #STEM #Research

Join us for an evening with three leading earthquake scientists, Alice-Agnes Gabriel, Olaf Zielke, and Jesse Kearse, as they share how novel observations and cutting-edge computer simulations are transforming our understanding of earthquakes and the hazards they pose. Drawing on case studies from around the world, the speakers will explore what we’ve learned from recent major earthquakes—and how new tools are helping us analyse complex ruptures from source to societal impact. 🗓 When: 5.30–7.00 pm, Monday 18 August 2025 📍 Where: Lecture Theatre 1 (GBLT1), Government Buildings, 55 Lambton Quay 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/g6A9WTmK