The Big Q
Questions - Ideas - Scholarship - DebatesProject for Public Interest Media
Politics & Society
Will New Zealand’s climate change efforts remain unfinished business?
Without the right financial strategies, New Zealand’s climate change efforts will remain unfinished business.
Armenia: Why do nations deny genocide? đ
Last week, to commemorate the start of the Ottoman genocide against Armenians, US President Joe Biden officially acknowledged the genocide. He was the first US President to do so.
Should COVID vaccines be a public good?
As NGOs, UN agencies and the governments of less affluent states call for the suspension of patents, the stakes could not be higher.
What has Joe Biden achieved so far as President?
In his first 100 days as President Joe Biden has surprised many critics, but he needs to go much further.
The first 100 days: How has Joe Biden done so far? đ
Presidents are often historically judged based on the accomplishments of their first 100 days in office. US President Joe Biden has just passed his 100 day mark. How does his record compare to historical records? How likely are President Bidenâs proposals to be adopted?
How can we create progressive popular platforms?
How can we create a progressive âpopular forceâ in an era of digital media platforms dominated by the innovations of right-wing populism?
Science & Technology
COVID vaccines and blood clots â what is this about?
If the risk is as small, as it currently appears to be, then we need to ask ourselves if it is worth using these vaccines and if so, in whom.
How safe is vaping?
We know the damage smoking causes, but weâre yet to conduct conclusive research about vaping. Thatâs the focus for Dr. Kelly Burrowes for the next three years.
Why is marine life fleeing the equator?
Marine life is fleeing the equator to cooler waters. History tells us this could trigger a mass extinction event.
What is the virtual lung and how can it help COVID patients?
Professor Merryn Tawhai’s work on the virtual lung has led to a vital new tool for medical staff caring for patients hospitalised with serious Covid-related illness.
Where does Social Media â video, gaming and sharing â sit in the landscape of information technology?
Social media has come a long way since its inception. From Facebook to TikTok today, social media has created a separate field of its own in the vast world of information technology.
Synthetic chemistry: How are molecules made? â¶
The synthesis and study of molecules is at the heart of chemical research. One of the most challenging aspects is the development of methods to synthesise molecules for the first time.
Business & Economics
How environmentally friendly is cryptocurrency?
Bitcoin isnât getting greener: four environmental myths about cryptocurrency debunked.
What can we learn from the 2008 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement?
New Zealand was the first developed country to commence FTA negotiations with China. In November 2004, New Zealand and China launched FTA negotiations and in April 2008, New Zealand became the first OECD country to successfully conclude FTA negotiations with China.
Is tax the ticking time bomb of our generation? â¶
Is tax the ticking time bomb of our generation? That is the focus of this lecture hosted by the University of Auckland Law School.Â
What can people in wealthy nations do to fix COVID vaccine âapartheidâ?
Charitable donations from rich countries and individuals are welcome â but they wonât ensure fair vaccine distribution unless the drug-patenting system is reformed, too.
Is the bright-line test extension really just a capital gains tax by another name?
“If we want a fair and prosperous future, we need a tax system that helps to redress market inequalities.”
Is it time for a wealth tax on billionaires?
The USâs billionaires have amassed democracy-distorting concentrations of wealth and power as millions have been thrown into poverty says Chuck Collins.Â
Arts & Culture
Was Phar Lap killed by gangsters? New research shows which conspiracies people believe in and why
Research suggests avoiding ridicule, showing empathy, affirming critical thinking and appealing to trusted message sources can help when talking to someone who believes in conspiracy theories.
What does acknowledgement and commemoration mean for genocide awareness and justice? đ
After a genocide event, there are voices of remembrance by generations of past survivors. The victims live with the trauma of the experience which is passed on to following generations of survivors.
Armenia: Why do nations deny genocide? đ
Last week, to commemorate the start of the Ottoman genocide against Armenians, US President Joe Biden officially acknowledged the genocide. He was the first US President to do so.
How can a Matauranga MÄori lens help keep our rivers healthy?
Researchers have articulated a way to look at and look after our fresh waterways founded on Matauranga MÄori.
How can we create progressive popular platforms?
How can we create a progressive âpopular forceâ in an era of digital media platforms dominated by the innovations of right-wing populism?
How does art happen in the pressures of the COVID pandemic?
“Pressure tends to bring us to attention, so itâs no surprise that the COVID pandemic motivates art.”