AUT hosts Lord Robert Winston on the South Campus
Thanks to a new relationship with Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development, AUT University hosted a round-table discussion at the AUT South Campus with Lord Robert Winston last week.
Lord Winston's visit
Lord Winston was in the country for four days as international patron of Gravida, and spent time discussing ‘Life-Course Health’ with a range of health professionals, AUT researchers and academics and educators from the Counties Manukau area at AUT’s South Campus.
AUT’s Professor Elaine Rush, who is also a principal investigator with Gravida, says having Lord Winston at AUT, and the opportunity to benefit from his expertise and wisdom was important for the University and the community the University serves.
“Lord Winston was able to share his wisdom in a round-table format at AUT’s South Campus. The focus was how we could work together to improve the future for children in Counties Manukau and NZ.”
What was discussed?
Discussions centred on the need for teachers, scientists and health care workers to listen to and talk with children, families and the wider community as without about health, of parents, families and of the wider community. He also described evidence of the importance of the nurturing and nutrition environment in which children develop for their own future health and well-being and that of their offspring.
“Education from a very young age is important,” says Professor Rush. “We need literacy, real understanding of the public in matters of science, health and food to name a few areas. Lord Winston emphasised the importance of listening to each other before real engagement and learning can take place. The context of understanding in learning is important as is, practical and real experiences.”
Lord Winston listened to nutritionists, midwives and nurses from the Counties Manukau area, gave advice and told of the difficulties he had faced as a healthcare professional and the work he is currently doing to help educate children about science and health.
A community perspective
Deputy Principal of Manurewa High School, science teacher and AUT graduate Manaia Laulu was one of the guests at the event, and said hearing from Lord Winston “in the flesh” was great, as she has used a lot of his work in her time as a science teacher.
“This has also provided us with the opportunity to make links with others in the community too.”
AUT South Campus’ relationship with Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development, centres around the sharing of space, ideas, resources and expertise.
More about the AUT South Campus
More about Gravida
More about Professor Elaine Rush and her research