Cafe Scientifique

The School of Science in Society invites you to Café Scientifiqué—a place where anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology in a relaxed, friendly environment.

This events theme is reproduction, fertility, and population(s). Join a biologist and an anthropologist to discuss reproduction, and what shapes how we think about it.

Speakers

Dr Nayantara Sheoran Appleton

Nayantara Sheoran Appleton is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Science in Society at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Trained as a feminist medical anthropologist and Science and Technology Studies (STS) scholar she has largely worked on reproduction, hormonal contraception, and demographic politics. Her most recent book is Demographic Desires: Medicine, Media, and Emergency Contraception in India (2026).

Dr Zaramasina Clark

Zaramasina Clark is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. She uses molecular biology tools and in vitro models to study ovarian biology, infertility, and reproductive ageing, with a particular focus on factors that affect ovarian function. Her research also explores Pacific peoples’ experiences of and access to fertility care, with the aim of improving reproductive health outcomes.

The evening will start with a short introduction from the speakers, followed by a question-and-answer conversation.

Doors open at 5.30 pm, talks begin at 5.45 pm. All welcome—free entry, nibbles provided.

Please note: anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

For further information, please contact scienceinsociety@vuw.ac.nz.