Appointment of Chief Science Advisor

20 May 2009

AgResearch welcomes the appointment of Professor Peter Gluckman as Chief Science Advisor

AgResearch's Chief Executive, Dr Andrew West, today celebrated the appointment of Professor Peter Gluckman as the Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister. "This is an important step in the reinvigoration of science within New Zealand's culture from being nice-to-have to being essential. The Prime Minister's message in this appointment is that scientific contribution must once again be a significant component of New Zealand's well-being and prosperity."

Dr West and many in the scientific community have long been adamant that recognition of the importance of science to this country has declined in the face of scepticism about the contribution it can make. Such sentiment has been reflected in the stubbornly low priority placed on investment in science and technology when compared to the much greater commitment to S&T in other OECD economies, expressed as a percentage of GDP. This erosion of trust has resulted in short-term focus and excessive compliance expectations. Coinciding with the appointment of Professor Gluckman, there finally seems to be proper attention being paid to recovering trust in scientists and scientific institutions through a recent start to simplifying funding systems.

"I believe the appointment of Professor Gluckman is inspirational given his unwavering commitment to New Zealand and his reputation as one of the best scientists in the world. He has a lot of challenging work ahead of him to rehabilitate science within New Zealand and I, and many others, will do all we can to assist. The appointment of the Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister is partly in reflection of a ground-up scientific movement expressed in the formation of the National Science Panel. That Panel should take great credit for, and heart from, this success. The Panel has been wonderful for New Zealand science." said Dr West.

ENDS

© Scoop Media