Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture Collection
Sharing science with the community since 1917.
Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture
Sharing science with the community since 1917.
The Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture is a free annual community event hosted by Cawthron Institute to commemorate the legacy of Thomas Cawthron and to share science with the public.
Our annual lecture has typically been delivered in a traditional lecture format at local venues in Nelson. Due to Covid, in 2020 we delivered our first ever virtual annual lecture with several thousand viewers tuning in, and since then our lecture has been delivered both in-person and online.
On this page you can view recordings of all our annual lectures from 2013 onwards. Transcripts are available for most of the lectures prior to 2013, these will be added to this page shortly.
2024: Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture No.81
Citizen Science – Empowering Communities.
As we tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change, biodiversity loss and food security – it is now more important than ever that we harness the collective efforts of engaged citizens to achieve more, and faster. Civic Entrepreneur Sam Johnson shares his experiences of engaging communities for social good, followed by Cawthron’s Dr Xavier Pochon who provides a comprehensive overview of how citizen science is contributing to mapping ocean health through the newly launched Citizens of the Sea project. Our speakers’ presentations highlight the synergy between volunteer mobilisation and scientific research, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change.
Please note, we only have permission to share the recording of Dr Xavier Pochon’s keynote address.
2023: Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture No.80
Ice and us. Adapting to rising sea levels.
The 80th Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture took place in June 2023. Guest keynote speakers Professor Richard Levy and Professor Tim Naish showed compelling data showing the impact of sea level rise in Nelson and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. This was followed by supporting presentations from Dr Anna Berthelsen and Jacqui Stuart who discussed their climate change work at Cawthron.
2022: Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture No.79
Our children’s climate and how we can make a difference.
The 79th annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture took place in July 2022 and featured a keynote speech by Professor Bronwyn Hayward, entitled ‘Our children’s climate and how we can make a difference’. A short talk was also given by Cawthron Institute Kaiārahi Rangahau Kaimōana (Māori Seafood Research Champion) Te Rerekohu Tuterangiwhiu. The Q&A session was facilitated by Event MC Damian Christie.
2021: Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture No.78
Revolutionising post-operative pain relief.
Dr Berde’s presentation – Revolutionising post-operative pain relief – examined several recent advances in care of patients after surgery. He was joined by Cawthron scientists Dr Johan Svenson and Andy Selwood who discussed how Cawthron’s research into microalgae and bioactives is contributing to these advances.
2020: Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture No.77
Science Matters.
Their presentations explored the value of scientific research and development to New Zealand’s society, now and in the future. The lecture concluded with a panel discussion, which also featured Cawthron’s Coastal Group Manager Dr Chris Cornelisen.
2019: Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture No.76
Taking it back: Removing CO2 from the Atmosphere to limit climate change.
Opening the lecture was Cawthron’s Dr Susie Wood, who is recognised both nationally and internationally for her expertise in Cyanobacteria and freshwater ecosystems. Dr Wood focused her talk on the significant national research program she co-leads Lakes380: Our lakes’ health: past, present and future, which profiles the history and health of New Zealand’s 3800 lakes.