The Science System Advisory Group members have been appointed and have begun discussing their work programme.
A total of nine members, including the Chair Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will form the Advisory Group. The group will be providing advice on how to improve the effectiveness and impact of the science sector in New Zealand.
The members come from a variety of backgrounds and are highly respected within their fields. They have a deep understanding of the research and science system, both in New Zealand and overseas.
The members and their fields of experience are:
- Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, Chair of the Advisory Group, Former Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, New Zealand; Health research.
- Mr Michael Ahie, Director of Zespri Group Limited Chair of Spring Sheep Milk Co. and Chair of the Plant Market Access Council (PMAC); Business.
- Professor Mark Ferguson, Board chair SoilSteam International and Member of the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on Horizon Europe. Science and research systems; Molecular cell and developmental biology.
- Dr Hermann Hauser, Entrepreneur and venture capitalist. Innovation and technology systems; Physics.
- Dr Barb Hayden, Science advisor, NIWA; Marine biology.
- Ms Nadia Levin, CEO and Managing Director of Research Australia, non-executive board Director Northern Sydney Local Health District, non-executive board Director New Zealanders for Health Research; Health research.
- Professor Tracey McIntosh, Professor of Indigenous Studies, University of Auckland, Chief Science Advisor for the Ministry of Social Development. Te Ao Māori expertise; sociology.
- Dr William Rolleston, Co-founder of biotechnology company South Pacific Sera Limited; Biotechnology.
- Professor Hamish Spencer, Sesquicentennial Distinguished Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Otago; Evolutionary genetics.
The group will be meeting regularly to develop their advice and recommendations.