Our People
Murray Thompson
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Murray Thompson, and I have been a proud member of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC) since 1982, joining immediately after completing my BSc.
I have been a teacher for more than forty years, working in both rural and city schools, with a year also spent teaching in the south of England. In 1990, I completed my MSc while undertaking some university lecturing. I also had 6 months off to write up my PhD.
Currently, I serve as Head of Science and a Dean at Logan Park High School in Dunedin, where I am particularly proud that more than 80% of our Year 12 students (Sixth Form) study a science subject, and over half of those choose Chemistry. Alongside my school role, I also lecture trainee teachers through UOCE.
My early involvement with NZIC was largely through reading Chemistry in New Zealand to ensure I remained current and could share the latest insights with my students. Over time, my engagement deepened, and I am now Co-Chair of SCENZ (the Secondary Educators’ Branch). I have organised three ChemEd conferences for secondary chemistry teachers, all supported by NZIC, and have presented at the national conference when hosted in Dunedin. I also contribute as a member of the regional committee.
I believe the work of NZIC is exceptionally important. We need a professional body that represents us — nationally in discussions with government, and locally in our communities. The collective strength of NZIC provides both advocacy and credibility at a time when science is too often questioned or dismissed simply because it challenges prevailing narratives.