Academics join new peak science, technology and innovation body

Distinguished Professor Sir Peter Gluckman and Professor Merryn Tawhai of the University of Auckland have been appointed to the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council.

Prime Minister the Rt Honourable Chris Luxon said, “The Council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation. They will help identify areas of focus that will have the greatest benefit for Kiwis and our economy.”

The Council is one of the key recommendations of the Science Sector Advisory Group’s (SSAG) review of the country’s science, innovation and technology system.

Sir Peter Gluckman was delighted the Government had acted on the SSAG advice. “The committee is an important step in developing a strategic and whole of government approach to using science and innovation to advance the country.”

Professor Tawhai, the Director of the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), said, “It is a privilege to have this important opportunity to contribute to the future of New Zealand’s science, technology and innovation sector.”

Her roles brought experience in the need to balance applied research outcomes with discovery science to generate deep-tech innovation. She said the Medtech-IQ, the national medtech network led by ABI, was a template for collaboration across universities, industry and the healthcare system that could be replicated for other sectors.

Dr John Roche, the Ministry of Primary Industries Chief Science Adviser has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser. Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, will chair the Council. Members of the Council are:

• Sir Peter Gluckman, Distinguished Professor, University of Auckland and chair of the Science System Advisory Group
• Malcolm Johns, Chief Executive, Genesis Energy
• Craig Piggott, founder of Halter, an agritech company.
• Professor Merryn Tawhai, Director, Auckland Bioengineering Institute
• Komal Mistry-Mehta, Chief Innovation and Brand Officer, Fonterra
• Dr John Roche, Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser