Science NZ welcomes Sir David Skegg as RSNZ President

Press Statement: For immediate release 12 March 2012

Science New Zealand welcomes Sir David Skegg as RSNZ President

Science New Zealand warmly welcomes the election of Professor Sir David Skegg as President of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He succeeds Dr Garth Carnaby from 1 July 2012.

Chairman of Science New Zealand, Dr Tom Richardson said:

“Sir David has tremendous mana as both a world-class science researcher and academic, and a leader experienced in governance and management. We wish him well in his new position, and commit to continuing our strong partnership with the Royal Society of New Zealand. Our support for the value of science for New Zealand’s future sits well alongside the RSNZ mandate.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Dr Garth Carnaby who will step down in July. Dr Carnaby has led the RSNZ through a period of substantial change, including a new Act of Parliament. The RSNZ has become the home for the humanities as well as the sciences. He has stood firm on the need for the pursuit of excellence, be it in discovery science or strategic science. This reflects his own experience as a researcher, innovator, patent holder and business leader who has brought huge commercial benefit to New Zealand.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor
Science New Zealand promotes the value of science and technology for New Zealand. Its Board comprises the CEOs of the 8 Crown Research Institutes which collectively employ 4,400 staff, with annual revenues of $690 million. Two-thirds of the nation’s publically-funded science researchers, outside health and IT, work at CRIs.

The Crown Research Institutes undertake science research for government and private sector markets in New Zealand and abroad. They also provide the essential underlying capability in people, facilities and knowledge for the long term future of science and innovation in New Zealand.

The Crown Research Institutes are: AgResearch, ESR, GNS Science, IRL, Landcare Research, NIWA, Plant & Food Research, and Scion.

ENDS

© Scoop Media