‘Hands-On Science’ is designed to support and show interested students what research scientists do, why they do these things and to encourage talented young New Zealanders to consider science as a career. We do this by bringing them to Otago, New Zealand’s oldest and most attractive university. Otago University has an international reputation for excellence in scientific research and teaching.

Each morning of Hands-On Science the students participate in a research project based in one University department. Allocation to these projects is based on a first-in, first-served principle. However, for each project we also try to achieve a good balance of skills and backgrounds, while accommodating the specific requirements of individual projects and supervisors. Every attempt is made to satisfy student preferences.

The Science Snack programme allows students to have a small taste of a variety of other science activities, both on and off campus, during the afternoon programme. These Science Snacks provide an excellent opportunity for students to see scientists in action in real-life situations. We hope that these snacks will introduce participants to the exciting diversity of scientific research and its countless practical applications.

Hands-On Science is held at the University of Otago, Dunedin, during the secondary schools summer vacation. For 2012 the opening session will be on the evening of Sunday January 15, and the programme continues daily from Monday through to Friday. It closes with a report-back plenary session on the Friday morning, finishing with lunch.