Aimee Lew | Orbit World Travel Auckland Kupe Leadership Scholar

Master of Mathematical Modelling

Misinformation has emerged as a pressing challenge to Aotearoa New Zealand. Misinformation abounds about pandemics, elections, marginalised communities, the environment, and more. These narratives contribute to adverse health outcomes, discrimination, and growing political violence. Addressing this issue requires a mix of social and technical solutions.

I am passionate about science outreach and political communication. I believe in teaching media literacy to our rangatahi and encouraging engagement with science. To combat such a widespread and complex problem, inventive leadership is essential. We need individuals operating across disciplines—such as science communicators, business leaders and political officials—to promote dialogue and critical thinking to the public. At the state, organisation, and individual level, leadership has the ability to foster compassion and bridge social divisions.

Sponsor: Orbit World Travel Auckland

Mentor: Dame Juliet Gerrard DNZM FRSNZ

Juliet is a Professor at the University of Auckland. She has chaired the Marsden Council, served on the Board of Directors of Plant and Food Research, and is currently on the Board of Te Papa. During her six years as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, she supported the science community to provide advice to the Prime Minister, ministers, and the public on a wide range of topics, including the response to the Whakaari | White Island eruption and the Covid-19 pandemic. Juliet had a keen interest in strengthening connectivity between natural hazards researchers and emergency management, and was delighted when NEMA supported this kaupapa with the appointment of their first Chief Science Advisor.