June 30, 2020
Rangi Matamua wins PM’s science communication prize
Tūhoe astronomer Rangi Matamua has been the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science Communications for his work, including raising awareness about the significance of Matariki.
The Waikato University Māori studies lecturer’s interest in astronomy was sparked by receiving a manuscript held by his grandfather that included lists of Māori names and whakapapa for stars.
His research has included identifying nine stars associated with what Māori know as Matariki, rather than the seven recognized in the Pleiades cluster.
Professor Matamua has drawn a large following on social media with podcasts and videos in English and te reo Māori.
His web series reached 1 million views in four months and more than 20,000 people follow his Living by the Stars Facebook posts.
The prize, worth $100,000, is awarded to a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to someone who has developed expertise in public engagement or can communicate complex scientific information.
The premier award this year went to the Melting Ice and Rising Seas team, a group of more than 20 geologists, glaciologists, climate and social scientists from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, GNS Science and NIWA, who are making breakthrough discoveries about Antarctica’s ice sheets and their likely impact on the global sea-level rise over the next 80 years.
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