Feed Your Mind: Controlled Environment Lab

Informative and relaxed lunchtime talks inspired by "Controlled Environment Laboratory", the exhibition by Melissa Laing now on display in the Art Gallery

A part of Palmerston North's scientific history for 43 years, the Controlled Environment Lab (originally the National Climate Lab) researched plant responses to changes to their environment. It featured automated watering and nutrient systems, electronic control of equipment enabling environmental variation over a 24-hour period, and continuous monitoring. At least 569 papers and theses were published from research conducted in the facility.

Join us each month as we explore the CEL, from its history to its influence on modern science, climate change, and how scientists at Plant & Food are taking the world of plant science beyond the lab's initial findings.

August 15, 12:30pm: Ian Warrington, former lead scientist at NZCEL, gives an overview of the lab and its work.

September 12, 12:30pm: Brent Clothier, principal scientist at Plant & Food, speaks about the relevance of the lab's work in studying climate change today.

October 17, 12:30pm: young scientists from Plant & Food talk about their modern research and the links it has to NZCEL's work.

Gallery 5, Te Manawa Art Gallery. Bring your lunch and feed your mind!