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chiasma.org.nz Auckland, Issue 2, May 2013 Industry Newsletter

chiasma.org.nz Auckland, Issue 2, May 2013

Chiasma WGTN Launch 2013

The Chiasma WGTN launch was held on April 17th at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. The launch was a great success attracting over 140 guests from industry and academia. The atmosphere was filled with dynamism and energy. A great emphasis was placed on building strong industry engagements for budding scientists and engineers across the Wellington region.

We had two fantastic speakers: Dr Blair Kesp, Owner and Director of Kainic Medical Communications Limited and Vikki Smithem, General Manager of Callaghan Innovation.

Dr Kesp spoke about his journey as he transitioned from a PhD student and now as the director of his own firm and a successful entrepreneur, the key characteristics he looks for when hiring employees and how the time-zone and geograph-ical position of New Zealand affects his business.

Dr Kesp mentioned that since most of his clients are based in Europe compared to his firm is based in New Zealand which is which has a different time-zone, he achieves a faster turn-over rate which would have otherwise not been possible if he was restricted to their time-zone.

Vikki is the General Manager of Neu Zealand’s neulv established Crown Research Institute, Callaghan Innovation. She manages the Integrated Bioactives Technologies, Carbohydrate Chemistry and the GlycoSyn laboratory groups. She has extensive experience in securing new business deals in New Zealand and overseas. Vikki has also been instrumen-tal in establishing the Australia and New Zealand Biotechnolo-gy Partnership Fund managed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Vikki spoke abott Callaghan Innovation’s role as provider of innovative goods and services. They are mandated by the Government to enable New Zealand firms to obtain a competitive market advantage through collaboration, application and investment in science, technology, engineering and design, thus ensuring success in the global market.

Vikki envisions the New Zealand Science and Technology Sector to have an increased emphasis on furthering manufac-turing and development in biological and chemical technolo-gies.

The astounding response from the local industry made this a memorable night. We extend our thanks to everyone who attended and made this event successful.

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chiasma.org.nz Auckland, Issue 2, May 2013

Science Communication

Workshop

20 April 2013

This was the first workshop in the Career Catalyst series and our keynote speakers were Roseann Gedve from Roseann’s Principles and John Kerr from the Science Media Centre. Roseann facilitated an enlight-ening session on the

“Mechanics of Commtnication’’. She advised attendees to tse a combination of visual learning methods such as graphs and pictures. Stimulate auditory learners by facilitating group discussions and allowing the audience to ask questions dur-ing the presentation. Provide notes and writing instruments for individuals of the read-write cohort. Present soft-objects for the kinaesthetic learners. Roseann also urged the use of a strong attention-grabber and insisted that a presentation is a conversation with the audience and should not be memo-rised. John stated that the usefulness and the credibility of science is dependent on effective communication. He also discour-aged the use of the passive voice when communicating sci-ence: a common occurrence in scientific literature as this re-duces readability of the text. Science, drives government, social policy and the economy hence we all have a role to play in ensuring science is effec-tively communicated succinctly.

Science Innovation Workshop

5 May 2013

Nearly 40 attendees came to this workshop to learn new skills and gain an insight into the extensive processes entailed in generating innovative scientific ideas

We had two fantastic speakers: Dr Kerry Loomes from The University of Auckland and Francis Hunter from Spark.

Dr Loomes is Director of the Biotechnology programme and also Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences.

He tsed three case sttdies to illtstrate the “chain of thotght” and other factors involved in translating a scientific idea Into a successful, commercially viable product. Dr Kerry Loomes was involved in two biotechnology start-ups, Nerian, which he co-founded, focusses on nutraceuticals and biopharma-ceuticals which was the Runner-Up in the prestigious Spark 100K Challenge and Protemix Corporation where he elucidated the structure of a molecule inhibiting an inositol depleting enzyme in the kidney.

His first case study focussed on extracting the benefits of red wine skins and its associ-ated extracts as these were shown to prevent cardiovascu-lar and metabolic disease. The idea was to extract these ben-efits without the alcoholic af--effects.

The second case study explored the commercial potential of a molecule called ecdysone– a plant steroid with insecticidal properties.

The third case study delved into commercial potential of a manuka-enriched compotnd fotnd in Comvita’s Mantka Honey which had proven antibacterial properties. These were subsequently discussed in our groups of eight.

All three case studies demonstrated that a potential entre-preneur needs to mindful of supply, intellectual property is-sues, preservation of the product and above all, identifying the appropriate niche market for the product (s).

Francis conducted the Spark ideation game. Large sheets of paper with an economic issue was shared in our groups and we were asked to identify key problems and these sheets were passed onto several groups who had to identify solu-tions and present a 1-minute elevator pitch to the audience towards the end. Overall, both workshops were immensely enjoyed and we are grateful to our speakers and those who attended. Our next Science Innovation Workshop will discuss aspects involved setting up a biotechnology enterprise. This will be held in July.

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chiasma.org.nz Auckland, Issue 2, May 2013

Mentorship Programme | 23 April 2013

As one of the most fulfilling Chiasma initiatives from 2012, the Mentorship Programme commenced with the mentors evening which was held at Albert Park Café.

The mentors were giv-en an introductory briefing followed by discussions chaired by Edna Novak from Teach NZ First fol-lowed by a Tapas Din-ner and introduction to their respective

mentees.

Discussions focussed around the attributes needed to be an effective mentor. Key points raised included the need to specify expectations, being able to communicate succinctly, take into account the various ethnic and cultural differences, how to effectively manage change and ways to resolve con-flicts amicably.

The mentees had several discussions chaired by Elin Morris from Teach First NZ as well and these focussed on making the most out of their relationship with their mentor. This was held in Owen G Glenn Building, University of Auckland after dinner, they were then introduced to their mentors later that evening at Albert Park Café.

With over 80 talented applicants and with only 18 mentors, the selection process was extremely competitive. Mentees were individually hand-picked after careful consideration of their skills, interests and career aspirations.

Mentors get an opportunity to contribute to the local scientific ecosystem and help mould the next generation of scientists.

Synapse 2013 | 8 August 2013

Chiasma is proud to organise its flagship event Synapse 2013. This will be held at the University of Auckland Business School.

Svnapse is Chiasma’s anntal science careers exposition uith a superb showcase of leading science and technology enter-prises & has attracted over 800 guests from government, in-dustry and academia in 2012.

Synapse invites distinguished speakers to discuss topics that are relevant to science and the economy.

Synapse speakers from 2012 include Dr Sean Simpson, (CSO and Founder, Lanzatech, Professor Bob Elliott (Founder, Living Cell Technologies), Brent Robinson (CEO Rakon). This gives you the opportunity to interact with current leaders and the crème-de-la-crème of Neu Zealand’s scientific ecosvstem.

Synapse is a premier networking event and firms are invited to ex-hibit. Last year, 25 companies including Rakon, Living Cell Tech-nologies, Plant and Food Research, Doug-las Pharmaceuticals, Baldwins, Comvita, Ori-

on Health, Alltech, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, ViaLactia Biosciences, John Morris Scientific Limited among many have others exhibited at this event.

If you would like to exhibit at Synapse 2013 and get to know the diversitv of Neu Zealand’s grouing science sector please contact Sanketh Gupta on sanketh.gupta@chiasma.org.nz

Key Events