Source: University of Otago
The University of Otago’s much-loved Winter Symposium Series is back this year, tackling hard-hitting topics from Aotearoa’s new health system to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The annual series is an opportunity for Otago’s leading academic thinkers to connect with the community and discuss the big issues that matter to New Zealanders.
Its return is welcomed after an unexpected two-year hiatus due to COVID‑19.
For the first time this year, the Winter Symposium will be held online as a four-part series over four consecutive weeks, so audiences can tune in wherever they are to these informative, engaging events.
Deputy-Vice-Chancellor External Engagement Professor Tony Ballantyne says he is delighted to see the return of such a prestigious event.
“Our researchers look forward to this opportunity to engage with the public each year, and I’m thrilled that bringing this event online means we can share the vital expertise Otago has to offer with a wide-ranging audience.”
The series will commence on July 20, 2022 at 7pm with a critical examination of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and its consequences.
Led by one of Otago’s Inaugural Sesquicentennial Distinguished Chairs and a specialist in international relations Professor Robert Patman, this panel will examine the invasion of a sovereign state, mass human rights violations, war crime allegations, and the impact on international trade and relations.
Professor Patman will be joined by Otago’s Russian foreign policy expert Associate Professor James Headley, and our special guest panellist from the University of Canterbury, Professor Natalia Chaban, President of Ukrainian Studies Association of Australia and New Zealand.
On July 27, Otago’s Professor of Public Health Peter Crampton, who was a member of the panel that undertook the government review of New Zealand’s health and disability system, will lead a panel of Otago experts sharing their views on Aotearoa’s new health system as it undergoes its biggest overhaul in 20 years.
Following this on August 3, Otago’s sustainability experts led by Professor Hugh Campbell will delve into the nitty gritty of what COVID has taught us about sustainability, from transport through to food security and energy use.
Rounding off the series on August 10, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Humanities Professor Jessica Palmer will lead a panel of acclaimed Otago researchers sharing their insights into the many different forms of inequality in Aotearoa and what needs to change.
Event details and registration
For details including event times and a full list of speakers, and to register to attend, visit the event webpage:
Winter Symposium Series 2022
Each event will be recorded and available to watch at a later date.
