Details
WHERE: The Maclaurin Chapel, UoA (18 Princes Street, Auckland)
COST: Free!
Being Watched – A Scientist Examines “Science & Technology Studies”
Date: 5 September 2026
Time: 2-5pm
Dr Luke A. Barnes
A theoretical astrophysicist whose research and public communication focus on cosmology, galaxy formation, and the fine-tuning of the universe for life. His scientific work includes supercomputer simulations exploring how galaxies form and evolve, alongside research into the laws, constants, and initial conditions that make complex structures – and life itself – possible.
His wider interests bring physics into conversation with philosophy, theology, probability, and enduring questions about humanity’s place in the cosmos. Luke is the co-author, with Professor Geraint F. Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos and The Cosmic Revolutionary’s Handbook: Or, How to Beat the Big Bang, both published by Cambridge University Press. Written for general audiences, these books explore the origins, structure, and apparent fine-tuning of the universe with clarity, depth, and humour. An engaging public speaker and teacher, Luke is known for making complex scientific ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. His work invites thoughtful conversation about what science can tell us, where its limits may lie, and how scientific discovery connects with philosophy, faith, and some of life’s biggest questions.
Mātauranga Māori in Science Panel
Date: 14 September 2026
Time: 5-9pm
Mātauranga Māori is a living and evolving body of knowledge developed by Māori over generations through observation, experience, whakapapa, tikanga, and relationships with te taiao – the natural world. It includes distinctive ways of knowing, being, doing, and sharing knowledge.
Geremy Hema (Ngāti Paoa, Te Rarawa)
Poutiaki Rangahau Māori in the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland). His work supports Māori research, relationships, and participation across the University.
Prof Paul Kilmartin
A chemist in the University of Auckland’s School of Chemical Sciences. His research spans wine chemistry, electrochemistry, sustainable materials, and finding valuable new uses for waste from the wine industry.
The Rev’d Petra Zaleski
Lead Chaplain at Maclaurin Chaplaincy, an Anglican priest, and practical theologian with a strong interest in spirituality, interfaith dialogue, wellbeing, and our relationships with one another and the natural world.
Evolutionary Biology and Faith: A Retrospective
Date: 5 October 2026
Time: 5-9pm
Dr Graeme Finlay
A cell biologist and retired University of Auckland Senior Lecturer in scientific pathology. During four decades in cancer research, he contributed to around 100 scientific publications. With postgraduate qualifications in both cell biology and theology, Graeme has written extensively about genetics, evolution, and Christian faith. His books include ‘Human Evolution: Genes, Genealogies and Phylogenies’ and ‘Evolution and Eschatology: Genetic Science and the Goodness of God’. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion.
