8 September, 7pm | Annesbrook Event Centre
Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture
83rd Annual
8 September, 7pm | Annesbrook Event Centre
Truth in a noisy world: Science, disinformation and decisions for our future
Keynote address by Natalie Kyriacou OAM
At a time when our biggest environmental challenges demand informed action, the ability to distinguish evidence from opinion has never been more important.
From social media algorithms to artificial intelligence, the way information is created, shared and consumed is changing rapidly. These technologies have transformed how we understand the world around us, but they have also made it easier for misinformation and disinformation to spread, shaping public debate and influencing decisions that affect our communities, our environment and our future.
In this year's Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture, award-winning environmentalist and author Natalie Kyriacou OAM will explore how disinformation has evolved from a tool used to influence consumer behaviour into sophisticated systems capable of influencing beliefs, identities and public understanding. Drawing on examples from environmental and social issues, Natalie will examine why these challenges matter, and what individuals and institutions can do to strengthen critical thinking, rebuild trust and create healthier information ecosystems.
Supporting discussion
Professor Trisia Farrelly ONZM, FRGS.
Following the keynote address, Professor Trisia Farrelly ONZM, FRGS, Senior Research Scientist and General Manager Donor Relations at Cawthron Institute, will reflect on the vital role of independent science in addressing complex environmental challenges. Drawing on her international work at the science-policy interface, she will explore why robust evidence, transparency and public trust are essential for effective decision-making in an increasingly uncertain world.
Together, the speakers will consider one of the defining questions of our time: how do we ensure good decisions are guided by evidence when trust is under pressure and information is increasingly contested?
Join us for an evening of insight, challenge and optimism as we explore how science, informed public dialogue and critical thinking can help shape a more sustainable future.
Presenter bios
Dr Chris Cornelisen, Cawthron Institute
MC
Chris leads Cawthron’s Blue Technology group, which incorporates R&D engineering, field operations and data science capability. Chris has over 20 years of research experience in physical biology, coastal processes, and land-sea interactions.
Professor Trisia Farrelly, ONZ, FRGS, Cawthron Institute
Supporting speaker
Trisia is highly decorated for her groundbreaking environmental advocacy. Trisia is Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Scientists’ Coalition – a body of over 450 voluntary plastics experts from more than 70 countries.
The independent science she has made accessible to member state delegations throughout the United Nations global plastics treaty negotiations in this role has been recognised. In 2021, Trisia was named a finalist in the Environmental category of the NZ Women of Influence Awards. In 2023, she won the WasteMINZ Award for Excellence in Product Stewardship in recognition of "her longstanding and ongoing work to end plastic pollution" and in 2025, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding services to ecology. Trisia has also been recognised academically. She is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and a Sasakawa Ryoichi fellow, and she was awarded Massey University medals for Exceptional Research Citizenship, and Excellence in Teaching.
Her edited book Plastic Legacies: Pollution Persistence and Politics has been described as “a significant contribution to the radical shift in understanding and responding to the human-induced plastic waste crisis’.
Trisia is a Senior Scientist and General Manager, Donor Relations at Cawthron Institute and an Honorary Fellow of Massey University.
Natalie Kyriacou, OAM
Keynote speaker
Environmentalist, presenter, charity director, and author of Nature’s Last Dance: Tales of Wonder in an Age of Extinction.
Natalie is an award-winning environmentalist, presenter, and charity director on a mission to spark curiosity about the natural world. She is the author of Nature’s Last Dance: Tales of Wonder in an Age of Extinction.
Natalie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and the Forbes 30 Under 30 Honour for her services to wildlife and environmental conservation in 2018. She was a United Nations Environment Programme Young Champion of the Earth Finalist. She is one of LinkedIn’s 2022 ‘Top Green Voices’ and named as one of The Australian’s 2022 ‘Top Innovators’. In 2025, she was named as a Marie Claire “Women of the Year” nominee.
Natalie is the Founder and Chair of My Green World, a Board Director at Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, a former Board Director at CARE Australia, a W20 Delegate (official G20 engagement group), a UNESCO Green Citizens Pathfinder. She sits on the XPRIZE Global Brain Trust for Biodiversity and Conservation. She is a National Ambassador for the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Previous lectures
Science and Society
82nd Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture (2025)
The 82nd Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture on Monday 9 June 2025 explored how science can better inform and influence decision-making at both national and global levels — and what must change for that to happen. Keynote speaker Sir Peter Gluckman discussed how science can be a trusted partner in building a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable world. Supporting Cawthron speaker Dr Kate Hutson followed with an exploration of how her groundbreaking work on emerging aquatic disease threats connects communities and decision makers.
Citizen Science - Empowering Communities
81st Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture (2024)
The 81st Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture explored the role that communities can play in changing the world. The keynote address was delivered by Sam Johnson, a prominent social entrepreneur from Christchurch, New Zealand, known for his innovative approach to community resilience through volunteering. He founded the Student Volunteer Army (SVA), which mobilized 11,000 students to assist in the cleanup following the Christchurch earthquakes and has since evolved into a nationwide volunteering movement. This was followed by an address by Cawthron’s Dr Xavier Pochon, who spoke about Citizens of the Sea - a New Zealand-based charitable initiative empowering sailors to collect ocean biodiversity data using cutting-edge technology.