Speaking up and speaking out: advancing science in a polarised world

In a world that is increasingly embracing populism and the impacts of a polarised media and hyper partisan political system, the role of independent experts in science has never been more important to safeguard the public interest. 

The New Zealand Society for Oncology is proud to present an open public plenary as part of its annual meeting, bringing together Dr Ashani Weeraratna - a leading science advisor in the Biden administrator, and VC Hon Grant Robertson - former MoF who helped lead NZ’s science-informed COVID response, discussing the role of independent science advice in making decisions that affect the future, health and well-being of our population. 

Hear how these leading voices see the role of science and scientists changing in response to disinformation, misinformation, a 24-hour media cycle, and shifts in the geo-political landscape. What is the role of the scientific expert in this new environment? How can evidence cut through and inform the direction of our governments? What difference can science make in the face of these challenges?

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More about our speakers:

Dr. Ashani Weeraratna is a leading cancer researcher and professor at Johns Hopkins, where she studies how aging affects the spread of melanoma and resistance to cancer treatment. Originally from Sri Lanka and raised in Africa, she moved to the U.S. in 1988 to pursue a career in science, earning a Ph.D. in oncology and building a distinguished research career at top institutions. She was appointed to the National Cancer Advisory Board by President Biden and is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work, including honors from Nature and the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Weeraratna is also a strong advocate for diversity in science, mentoring junior researchers globally and working to improve representation in academia. She shares her insights with the public through her book Is Cancer Inevitable?, community outreach, and calls for sun protection awareness.

Hon Grant Robertson became the Vice Chancellor in July 2024. Grant comes to the University of Otago after fifteen years as a Member of Parliament. He was New Zealand's Minister of Finance from 2017 until 2023 and Deputy Prime Minister from 2020 to 2023. In addition, he has held Ministerial portfolios as Leader of the House, Infrastructure, Sport and Recreation, Racing, Earthquake Commission, Cyclone Recovery and an Associate Ministerial role in Arts, Culture and Heritage. His political experiences will offer listeners a valuable perspective on how science-based public policy decisions are made, shedding light on how evidence, public opinion, funding, and political priorities can interact in real-world settings.