The Government is investing $2 million to encourage youngsters to take up science and maths subjects.
Megan Woods, Minister for Research, Science and Innovation, announced the funding today for the 34 projects that make up the Curious Minds initiative.
The initiative, aimed at encouraging kids, teens and communities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects offers grants of up to $150,000 for a region-wide or national project, and up to $30,000 for a local or community project.
"Curious Minds is all about inspiring our kids, teens, rangatahi and communities from all backgrounds to get excited about science, which will ultimately help us improve diversity and increase overall number of people studying and working in STEM fields," said Ms Woods.
"This is one of the ways that we will move towards a highly skilled, innovative workforce fit for the 21 st century," she says.
Among the 34 projects lined up for 2019, are an "air science" circus by NIWA – a touring and interactive "circus" of air-themed experiments and experiences for school children and a Landcare research project called, Possums and Pythagoras: How mathematics helps solve New Zealand’s pest mammal problem.
The Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund is jointly run by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry of Education, and the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.
Proposals for funding were assessed by an independent panel.
The list of the 34 projects receiving funding can be viewed here
Details of the Curious Minds programme can be viewed here
SHARE ME