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The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology has agreed to work with a Whanganui trust to run community-based science programmes and develop learning opportunities for young Maori in the region.
Nga Hononga Marae (Charitable) Trust manager Nihi Houia says the organisations will also identify and support science and innovation opportunities for businesses in the Whanganui region.
She says the organisations want to engender a passion for science and innovation across society, and create an environment where scientists seek Maori participation.
They also want to see more Maori students entering and successfully completing tertiary level science degrees.
The institute, which is one of the government-funded centres of research excellence, was set up by the late Professor Sir Paul Callaghan, who was born in Whanganui.
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