Ngā Karaitiana Kimi Matū I New Zealand Christians in Science
Description
Description
Welcome to NZCIS
We are scientists of faith who want to integrate Christian faith into our understanding of the world.
We are theologians and church leaders wanting to integrate science into our papers and sermons.
We are students of all types, people in churches and the public who find these integrating dialogues meaningful and life-giving.
At NZCIS we integrate the two great articulate systems of our time, science and religion, those based on empirical research and those founded in Scripture, and these discussions have an impact on our understanding of climate change, AI, evolution, the status of human beings, the nature of the cosmos and so on. We have broad multi-disciplinary lectures and more focused seminars.
We support and promote a holistic, evolutionary understanding of cosmic and biological history, in dialogue with and informed by Christian faith.
Within those parameters we seek lively dialogue and wide-ranging investigation of the sciences and theology.
We invite open dialogue and partnership with Mātauranga Māori and those of other faiths. And we seek to partner with all those working to heal the earth and to live more lightly on it.
We welcome all who want to be inspired by the most interesting topics in the world today.
Lineup
Luke A. Barnes is a senior lecturer in physics at Western Sydney University, with a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Cambridge.
Dr Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist whose research and public communication focus on cosmology, galaxy formation, and the fine-tuning of the universe for life. His scientific work includes supercomputer simulations exploring how galaxies form and evolve, alongside research into the laws, constants, and initial conditions that make complex structures—and life itself—possible. His wider interests bring physics into conversation with philosophy, theology, probability, and enduring questions about humanity’s place in the cosmos. Luke is the co-author, with Professor Geraint F. Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos and The Cosmic Revolutionary’s Handbook: Or, How to Beat the Big Bang, both published by Cambridge University Press. Written for general audiences, these books explore the origins, structure, and apparent fine-tuning of the universe with clarity, depth, and humour. An engaging public speaker and teacher, Luke is known for making complex scientific ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. His work invites thoughtful conversation about what science can tell us, where its limits may lie, and how scientific discovery connects with philosophy, faith, and some of life’s biggest questions.
Mātauranga Māori in Science Panel with Geremy Hema, Prof. Paul Kilmartin, The Rev’d Petra Zaleski
Mātauranga Māori in Science Panel Mātauranga Māori is a living and evolving body of knowledge developed by Māori over generations through observation, experience, whakapapa, tikanga, and relationships with te taiao—the natural world. It includes distinctive ways of knowing, being, doing, and sharing knowledge. Geremy Hema (Ngāti Paoa, Te Rarawa) is Poutiaki Rangahau Māori in the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at Waipapa Taumata Rau. His work supports Māori research, relationships, and participation across the University. Professor Paul Kilmartin is a chemist in the University’s School of Chemical Sciences. His research spans wine chemistry, electrochemistry, sustainable materials, and finding valuable new uses for waste from the wine industry. The Rev’d Petra Zaleski is Lead Chaplain at Maclaurin Chaplaincy, an Anglican priest and practical theologian with a strong interest in spirituality, interfaith dialogue, wellbeing, and our relationships with one another and the natural world. Together, they will explore how mātauranga Māori and science can enrich, challenge, and deepen one another in Aotearoa.
Dr Graeme Finlay - Evolutionary Biology & Faith: A Retrospective
Dr Graeme Finlay is a cell biologist, retired University of Auckland Senior Lecturer in scientific pathology, and Co-Director of New Zealand Christians in Science. During four decades in cancer research, he contributed to around 100 scientific publications. With postgraduate qualifications in both cell biology and theology, Graeme has written extensively about genetics, evolution, and Christian faith. His books include Human Evolution: Genes, Genealogies and Phylogenies and Evolution and Eschatology: Genetic Science and the Goodness of God. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion.
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