Description
For 20 years New Zealand has been at the forefront of broadening concepts of science and innovation to include Māori knowledge, people and places. This has been more than rhetoric, with Te Whai Ao, Dodd Walls Centre of Research Excellence for photonic and quantum technologies contributing to this direction.
In this presentation, we report on a novel project that brings together quantum physicists, students and Ngāi Tahu weavers to explore connections between theoretical quantum physics and Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) as expressed through traditional weaving patterns. The physics motivation involves the theoretical modelling of self-patterning quantum fluids. This is complemented by investigation into the effect of Māori knowledge, place and practice on the building, reinforcement, embodiment and practice of Māori and physics knowledge.
The utility of Indigenous knowledge as a valuable component into science and technology has been characterised in the literature. For example, Māori kowhaiwhai patterns have been incorporated into commercial packaging that use auxetic structures that have unique internal nano scale geometric configurations. Within computing, experimenting with Indigenous design can enable software developers to model aspects previously considered irrelevant. Likewise, we will investigate such aspects.
Here we report on the project’s first phases and the opportunities and challenges of creating meaningful engagement around theoretical physics and Māori knowledge:
Phase 1: Initiation - project background, motivations, establishment, resourcing.
Phase 2: Engagement – place, people, expertise, narratives, material culture, practice, reflections.
Phase 3: Investigation - reformed practice, relationality, materiality, reflections.
Our overall aims are to foster genuine dialogue and provide a useful exemplar for how other highly technical scientific disciplines can build reciprocal engagement and knowledge exchange with diverse communities to advance knowledge for mutual and broader society benefit.
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