AUT hosts FAST! Symposium
Strengthening science and technology ties between France, Aotearoa and the Pacific was the theme of the recent FAST! Symposium, hosted at AUT and organised by AUT senior lecturer Dr Amandine Sabadel.
The organisation - France-Aotearoa Sciences, Technologies and Innovations or FAST! – also launched its Auckland hub, led by Dr Sabadel and Massey senior lecturer Dr Mikael Boulic.
The two-day international event brought together researchers, innovation and technology experts, policymakers, and community leaders to share knowledge, explore solutions, and foster partnerships that respond to the unique challenges and opportunities across the Pacific.
“The symposium was an opportunity to showcase the existing strong ties between France and Aotearoa New Zealand within the Pacific region — celebrating the work and initiatives already under way and discussing the way forward for future partnerships across science, technology, and innovation ,” says Amandine.
Topics covered included climate adaptation, replenishing lagoon fisheries, high-value marine bioproduct opportunities, tsunami warnings, and disaster risk financing in the Pacific.
The symposium was opened by AUT Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Associate Professor Jacoba Matapo, and guests included the French Ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Samoa, Her Excellency Laurence Beau, and FAST! President Dr Philippe Gerbeaux.
The ambassador also presented a special award at the symposium. The John Dunmore Medal (in collaboration with Federation of Alliances Françaises) was given to Auckland councillor Mike Lee for his work on the contributions of 18th and 19th century French explorers to New Zealand’s natural history.