Prestigious BioFutures Conference in Australia

ACG Parnell student Gabriella Templer, was over-the-moon when she heard that she had been accepted by the Royal Society of New Zealand to attend the prestigious week long BioFutures Conference in Australia in July. With over 350 applications and only 50 places available to New Zealanders, Gabriella is thrilled to be part of the kiwi contingent.

BioFutures allows students to explore cutting edge technologies and apply these technologies to national and global challenges. With “hands on” lab visits and face-to-face contact with some of the biotechnology industry’s leading research and commercial organisations, BioFutures paves the way for the next generation of excellence in biotechnology, bio-engineering and biomedicine.

Held in Queensland, the conference is supported by the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, major Brisbane hospitals and industry locations. Through key events such as a mock UN summit and interactive forums which focus on bioethics and the role of technology in our economy, students are stimulated to think about biotechnology and its impact on the environment.

“As soon as I heard about the conference I knew it was something I really wanted to do. I'm hoping to see what biotechnology would be actually like as a career. I love the sciences, particularly biology and physics and think this will give me some inspiring choices for the future.”

Having the opportunity to meet like-minded students from Australia and New Zealand is also a great motivator for Gabriella, she says somewhat philosophically, “I like sharing knowledge and gaining knowledge.”

Her outlook is beyond her years; her mind is wide open to possibilities. Her bright mind dances from subject to subject as she reflects on her extra circular activities. As a prefect in year 12, she is heavily involved in school life. She is involved in peer tutoring, study encouragement and taking tutorials. In her own time she also tutors a younger student three times a week after school.

Her enquiring mind is well suited to debating, and she is part of the ACG Parnell team which competes at the Auckland premier debating level.

ACG Parnell Principal Larne Edmeades says, “This conference is a fabulous learning opportunity for Gabriella, and a chance to develop international mentors in her chosen field which could provide invaluable advice as she goes onto finish secondary school next year.”

When Gabriella finishes schoolshe is hoping, at this stage, to get into the ethics of science and genetics.