Prof Jean Fleming after being awarded life membership of
the New Zealand International Science Festival. In the
background is festival chairman Mike Harte. Photo by Linda
Robertson.
Professor Jean Fleming has become the second person to be
awarded a life membership of the New Zealand International
Science Festival.
She was awarded the honour at the festival's annual meeting
in Dunedin on Thursday.
"This is really great, a real surprise," she said when
receiving flowers and a certificate.
"The International Science Festival is one of my loves ... it
has taught me that a bit of enthusiasm can get the average
person without a science background up there hands-on doing
it."
Prof Fleming was nominated for the award in recognition of
her outstanding services to the New Zealand International
Science Festival since its inception as an incorporated
society in 1997.
She followed in the footsteps of Dame Elizabeth Hanan, who
was awarded the festival's first life membership in 2010.
Prof Fleming is a professor of science communication at the
University of Otago's new Centre for Science Communication,
where she convenes the Popularising Science MSciComm.
Science Festival president Mike Harte said Prof Fleming's
drive and determination to see the festival succeed were key
factors in the society's award to her.
"Jean's energy, her constant stream of fresh ideas for
speakers, outstanding international contacts and her own
reputation as a scientist and science communicator has made a
huge contribution to the success of the New Zealand
International Science Festival."
This year's festival, to be held from June 30 to July 8, will
take a different approach from previous years, with numerous
hands-on events based around the theme "What makes us tick?".
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