August 2026: Cawthron Institute will host the 83rd Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture on Tuesday 8 September in Nelson, featuring award-winning environmentalist and author Natalie Kyriacou OAM as keynote speaker.

At a time when environmental, social, and technological challenges are becoming increasingly complex, the ability to make informed decisions has never been more important. Whether responding to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, or emerging technologies, communities and decision-makers rely on trusted information and robust evidence to navigate uncertainty and plan for the future.

Yet in an increasingly crowded information landscape, distinguishing evidence from opinion is becoming more difficult. The rapid growth of digital media, social platforms and artificial intelligence is transforming how information is created, shared and consumed, creating new challenges for public trust, scientific understanding and informed decision-making.

This year's lecture, "Truth in a Noisy World: Science, Disinformation and Decisions for Our Future", will explore how disinformation is influencing public understanding and public debate, and what this means for society's ability to respond effectively to complex challenges.

2026 Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture keynote speaker Natalie Kyriacou OAM. Photo: Cawthron.

July 2026: The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research's research into Helicobacter pylori - a bacterium that is the leading cause of stomach cancer - has led to a global collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization.

The Memorandum of Understanding will support research into stomach cancer prevention and control by addressing H. pylori infection - including tackling antibiotic resistance, developing screen-and-treat strategies and sharing scientific findings and methods.

Dr Tom Mules says the MOU is recognition that the Malaghan's H. pylori research and expertise has relevance well beyond New Zealand.

"Working with the IARC gives us the chance to contribute directly to the evidence base and toolkit that could shape stomach cancer prevention and control internationally."

The Malaghan Institute's H. pylori clinical research programme has been running since 2024, initially focused on developing new methods to test for antibiotic resistance, and expanding into a number of projects aimed at improving how H. pylori infection is diagnosed and treated.

Globally, stomach cancer ranks fifth in both cancer incidence and cancer-related deaths.

Photo: Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.