The Science Communicator’s Association of New Zealand (SCANZ) is holding the upcoming 2026 conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The SCANZ conference is Aotearoa’s only dedicated event for science communications professionals, students, researchers, journalists, creatives and anyone passionate about connecting communities with science.
The conference theme is “Regeneration: building a science-informed future”, and will explore how science communication can adapt and thrive through change—from shifts across the science sector and new technologies to climate and societal challenges—while celebrating the creativity and innovation happening in Aotearoa. Ōtautahi Christchurch, with its powerful story of rebuilding and renewal, is the perfect setting for these conversations.
The conference will be held at Haere-roa at the University of Canterbury, with the afternoon of 24 June dedicated to a pre-conference activity and welcome event, followed by two full conference days on 25-26 June.
Register now to attend! Early bird registrations are open until 30 April, and you have until 14 June to register for in-person attendance. We have discounted members’ rates and
concession rates, and you are welcome to contact us if you wish to purchase a membership and attendance bundle.
Submissions are also open for proposals for talks, workshops, panels and lightening talks.
The call for submissions is open until:
- Workshops and panels: 31 March
- Talks (15-20 mins, 5 min lightening talks): 14 April
Whether you’re an experienced presenter or completely new to speaking, we encourage you to apply: https://www.scanz.co.nz/call-for-proposals-2026.
If you have questions or want help shaping an idea, please get in touch – hello@scanz.co.nz
