Latest news with #ScienceGallery
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Trans Tasman AI Collaboration Links High School Students With Trailblazer
Press Release – Auckland University of Technology AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says that as New Zealands only university of technology, AUT is proud to collaborate on initiatives that harness the power of technology to shape a better future. AUT has hosted renowned video gamer and designer, Maru Nihoniho, (NZOM, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānui-ā-Apanui), at a livestreamed Future Careers Forum for high school students held in collaboration with the Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne. Also featuring a talented line-up of AUT and University of Melbourne experts, and special guests, the Trans-Tasman panel discussion about the AI Revolution marked the first time the University of Melbourne's hub for innovation – has collaborated with a New Zealand university. In the QS Rankings 2025 the University of Melbourne was ranked number one in Australia and number 13 worldwide. AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says that as New Zealand's only university of technology, AUT is proud to collaborate on initiatives that harness the power of technology to shape a better future. 'This trans-Tasman collaboration with the University of Melbourne is a strong example of how partnerships across science, technology, art, and design can drive opportunities for meaningful impact. 'AUT is committed to ensuring that technologies like AI are developed inclusively and ethically. Working alongside Maru Nihoniho, Science Gallery Melbourne, and our own AUT experts strengthens our ability to have impact for our communities in this space. 'Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire future students to see themselves as innovators and changemakers in a rapidly evolving technological world—reinforcing AUT's reputation as a bold, future focused university making real-world impact,' he says. Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne explores the collision of art and science through an annual program of exhibitions, learning initiatives, public programs and research that showcases interdisciplinary and experimental practice. Part of an international network of galleries linked to universities across the globe, Science Gallery is located in the University of Melbourne's innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect. One of five global nodes, Science Gallery Melbourne aims to involve, inspire and transform young people through art and science. The current exhibition, SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed, offers fresh insights on science fiction, a genre built on envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms in collaboration with ArtScience Museum, Singapore. The lines connecting science fiction with ancient philosophy and mythologies are brought to light through the work of Asian and First Nations women artists and collectives. 'Collaborating with AUT on Science Gallery Melbourne's global classroom initiative has allowed us to boldly inspire 3,500 high school students across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and China. Sharing interdisciplinary and intercultural learning experiences online offers new pathways into the careers of the future, where creativity and collaboration are crucial in an ever-changing world,' says Dr Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne. Named one of the top 50 women in technology by Forbes magazine, Maru Nihoniho is the founder and director of Metia Interactive, an Auckland-based game development company that produces third-party games across multiple platforms. As a game designer and producer, her focus is on indigenous storytelling, and she is committed to delivering meaningful games that feature strong cultural themes and unique stories. Participating high school students had the opportunity to ask questions of the panellists in both countries, with a focus on the use of AI and integration in industry. Note: Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is one of the world's best modern universities. Home to more than 29,000 students across three campuses, AUT leads Australasia in global research impact, with over 60 research centres and institutes delivering leading research – from artificial intelligence to robotics, and ecology to public health. As a contemporary university AUT is connected to an extraordinary range of organisations worldwide; sharing expertise and resources, collaborating on ground-breaking research, and connecting students with industry leaders and employers. Learn more about AUT
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Bengaluru and the story of Great Trigonometrical Survey undertaken across the country
Maps are something we now take for granted. While driving from one corner of Bengaluru to another, the accuracy of applications such as Google Maps or other GPS devices is not something the average traveller questions. But centuries ago, in the early years of the British Raj, the making of accurate maps was the business of empires–in the case of India, it was an immense endeavour that would take a lifetime to complete. It also pays to consider the background against which the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India was undertaken. Even in death, the spectre of Tipu Sultan would have loomed over the British. Barely 20 years earlier, Hyder Ali and Tipu had trapped and destroyed a British force at Pollilur, with over 2,000 fatalities. A thorough mapping of the country they aimed to rule would therefore be imperative. To simplify a rather complex process, the Great Trigonometrical Survey involved measuring a series of immense triangles across the country to enable the proper mapping of the land and the verification of latitudes and longitudes of specific places. In these calculations, the baseline of the triangle would be crucial in maintaining the accuracy of the overall measurements. As recorded by British civil servant F C Danvers, the original intent was to 'throw a series of triangles across from Madras to the opposite coast, for the purpose of determining the breadth of the peninsula in that latitude, and of fixing the latitudes and longitudes of a great many important places'. The mind behind this project was then Captain ( and later Lt Col) William Lambton, who had previous survey experience in America and had joined the 33rd Regiment in 1797. While he formally began what would become the Great Survey in 1802 in Madras, it seems that a trial run of sorts was carried out by measuring a baseline near Bengaluru in 1800. The measurement for this baseline was a chain of blistered steel measuring 100 ft exactly at 62 degrees Fahrenheit. The chain had an interesting history–it was originally rejected as a gift by the emperor of China. Some of the survey instruments that were used are on display at the Science Gallery in Hebbal. The official survey in the Bengaluru area was done in 1804. The Great Trigonometrical Survey across the country would take seventy years to complete–outliving Lambton. The precision measurements made by the survey proved well worth the effort and unearthed several problems with the old measurements. As Danvers put it, 'The distance from Madras to the opposite coast, in the same parallel, was ascertained to be very nearly 360 miles; whereas, until then, the best maps made it exceed 400 miles. All the principal places on the old maps, which had been fixed astronomically, were also found considerably out of position: for example, Arcot was out 10 miles.' Engineer P L Udaya Kumar, who heads the Mythic Society's 3D digitisation efforts for ancient inscriptions, has also researched the history of the Great Trigonometrical Survey in Bengaluru. Speaking to he said, 'The original line was between Krishnarajapuram and Agara…wherever he measured in Bengaluru, he left marks. There are such marks from Kolar, Magadi, Hosur and other places.' He explained, 'Sometimes there would be a cross marked on stones. If there was no boulder, they would place a mound there.' Udaya Kumar noted that as far as Bengaluru is concerned, the original structures from Lambton's time have not survived. 'Those points were measured multiple times and if the marker was crumbling, they would have been rebuilt,' he said. Within Bengaluru itself, two of the structures that remained in Bengaluru were a structure on the Hennur-Bagalur road in Kannuru and a tower in Sampigehalli. Regrettably, the former, dating back to 1865, was largely demolished in June last year overnight. The revenue authorities had also filed a case against unknown people in the matter. Lalbagh also has an interesting, if indirect, connection to the project. At some point in the 1800s, it had come into the private possession of one Gilbert Waugh for several years. His son Andrew would go on to head the Great Trigonometrical Survey project after Sir George Everest and may have indeed named the mountain after him.
Hans India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Indian youth set to shape the country's future: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the youth are playing a pivotal role in changing the world's perception of India as Indian talent is being praised globally. In his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, PM Modi said that the future of any country depends on the interests and thinking of its youth. "Today, India's youth is advancing in science, technology, and innovation. These young people have changed the way the world views India," he added. PM Modi also mentioned that regions previously known for their backwardness and other issues are now witnessing youth who have set examples that inspire new hope. PM Modi gave the example of the science centre in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, which was once known only for violence and unrest. "Today, it has become a new beacon of hope for children and their parents," he said. The Prime Minister added that young people there are learning about new technologies and creating products related to them. "This centre promotes curiosity and creativity and helps students learn about robotics, 3D printing, and engineering," PM Modi noted. In the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, PM Modi also recalled his earlier visit to Gujarat Science City, where he inaugurated the Science Gallery. Once synonymous with unrest, the Prime Minister said, the region now boasts a 'Science Centre' that has become a "ray of hope" for children and parents alike. "The centre fosters curiosity and creativity; offering opportunities to explore robotics, 3D printing, and engineering innovations," PM Modi added. The Prime Minister said, "These galleries provide a glimpse of the power of science and show what science can do for us. I have been informed that the children there are very excited about this centre. This growing interest in science and innovation will undoubtedly take India to new heights."
