Science New Zealand welcomes Rutherford Foundation

MEDIA STATEMENT                                                            Tuesday 15 April 2008

Science New Zealand welcomes Rutherford Foundation for science teachers and scholars

Attract, Grow and Retain must be the policy

“Nations around the world are engaged in a global war for talent in the sciences because they see science as critically linked to national wealth and well-being,” says Dr Alex Malahoff, chair of Science New Zealand.

“So the launch of the Rutherford Foundation provides vitally needed additional resource to attract, grow and retain students from school through to post-doctoral activity for our country.”

“More than a century ago, Ernest Rutherford had to leave for Cambridge in England, to become world-class.  Today, in some vital areas, the world looks to New Zealand as the benchmark for science excellence.

“The collaborative relationships between Crown Research Institutes and tertiary institutes are a major part of our national strength.  Their differences of focus, approach and linkages enable a rich diversity of experience for up-and-coming leaders in science research, application and commercialisation. 

“Doctoral and post-doctoral researchers benefit from that close relationship of institutions. Several hundred students are in joint supervision at present.

“Science New Zealand also welcomes the inclusion of science teachers in the Rutherford programme.  Teachers can spark a life-long regard for the value of science, whatever route the child takes in life.”    

The Rutherford Foundation, a charitable trust, has been established by the Royal Society of New Zealand, with annual funding of $1 million from the Government.  A Freemasons New Zealand Postdoctoral Fellowship will also be established under the auspices of the Foundation.  Further private sector contributions will be sought. 

Ends

© Scoop Media