Course organiser:Gus Gale
Presenter:Various
3 Mar:
Dr. Maxine Bryant on 'An overview of R & I at UC'.Dr. Bryant is Director of Research Process at UC. She will discuss how Research at the University is selected and managed, the infrastructure that is available, and information on the UC’s Research Strengths.
10 Mar:
Dr. Andy Buchanan on 'Modern timber buildings'.Dr. Buchanan is Professor Emeritus in Civil and Natural Resources Engineering. He will describe the major contribution of Canterbury researchers to international developments in the modern use of wood as an engineering material. Wood is being proposed for an increasing number of tall buildings around the world, including some in the rebuild of Christchurch, where the main concern is on future earthquakes. Other issues for modern timber buildings concern fire safety, buildability, durability and cost. All of which have been addressed in recent research at the University.
17 Mar:
Dr. Tim David on 'What if computers could save lives'.This is a very delicate question. What do we mean by computers and what do we mean by saving lives? During the first half of this century the main issue has been with the generation and growth of Data. Notably, the data to do with people’s health and well-being. To whom does that data belong? Is it really ours and if not, whose? What happens to that data and in associating it with computers which analyses and provide results, does it really save lives? All these questions will be up for debate. Audience participation will be welcome!!
24 Mar:
Dr. Jennifer Dickson on 'Saving the lives of premature babies'.Dr Dickson is currently a Researcher in Professor Chase’s Mechanical Engineering Department. She is currently engaged in Post-Doctoral Research using Mathematics and Engineering principles to improve the Intensive Care of premature infants in the Neo-natal unit of the Christchurch Hospital.
31 Mar:
Prof. Jennifer Brown on 'Environmental & statistics to save the planet'.Many think of Statistics as being a pretty dry subject, involving collecting and analysing data. For me, statistics has opened up a field of research few have ever heard about, but many would love to work in. My research is on environmental monitoring and how to use statistics to measure the demise (or increase) of endangered species. Or, the spread (or control) of invasive weeds and pests. If we can catch changes in species numbers early enough, we can put in place management options that will work.