Latest news with #ScienceandTechnologyAdvisoryCouncil


Newsroom
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsroom
How to grow a deep tech economy, but for real this time
Opinion: As the Government's long-anticipated science system reforms take shape, there are pieces of the puzzle that remain missing. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, in announcing his new science and technology council, said that our system is 'held back by outdated settings' and that we need 'clearer priorities'. It is perplexing therefore, that the Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council comprises so many qualified people, yet we would argue needs the specific scientific expertise in those areas that the Government has previously indicated as priorities, which in the context of our public research organisations, or in the Catalyst fund for international collaboration, are quite clearly stated. This is no criticism of any of the expert individuals involved; there is certainly expertise relating to more established technologies. But a key role for the council must be to advise the Government on the grounds for changing research priorities, and particularly on the opportunities for Aotearoa New Zealand around advanced technologies as they emerge. From the more established focus on bioeconomy, to advanced technologies such as quantum and artificial intelligence, the same topics appear repeatedly in Government documents, and were some of the priorities mentioned at the announcement of the new Advanced Technologies Public Research Organisation (ATPRO) too, which provides a useful reference for what this council will need to consider. We would argue that the council would greatly benefit from expertise in those aforementioned areas to help guide our research system, if the council is expected to do this. No governance or leadership structure has been announced for the ATPRO. Until one is, who will be guiding funding decisions? Perhaps it is useful to think more deeply about what the definition of 'advanced technology' in the ATPRO actually is. We would argue that advanced technologies are synonymous with emerging technologies that are dynamic in nature. This could align with the concept of 'deep tech', a term used in the investment community, but in a research context means technologies that remain deeply connected to the fundamental science on which it is based. If New Zealand really is to maintain its global competitiveness, advanced and quantum technologies must be represented and prioritised at the highest level. Australian, UK and other governments already consider them critical and have acted accordingly, prioritising funding in them. If our system is indeed held back by outdated settings, surely the update to those settings should be aligned with our national ambitions for our science system. The announcement of $71 million for the first piece of the ATPRO puzzle, awarded to Paihau-Robinson Research Institute for their work applying deep expertise in the use of strong magnetic fields to sectors such as cryogenics and aviation, provides some clarity on the pathway to the formation of the new organisation. Much of the expertise in advanced technologies sits, as with the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, within our universities. So does a lot of the expertise in research commercialisation – whether in the tech transfer offices, Kiwinet, or in groups such as the Product Accelerator. But while the individual puzzle pieces might be evident to those of us in the sector, the mechanisms by which they will cooperate within the framework of the new ATPRO remain unknown In our own sectors of deep tech, recent industry commentary on the necessary system settings has been captured in both the 2024 report of the Cleantech Mission and the Photonics and Quantum Technologies Industry report. These voices of industry from both New Zealand and Australia are clear about the need for government investment to make international investment more attractive, through getting our startup companies to the necessary scale and ensuring skilled people are being trained locally. Thus, while Science Minister Shane Reti recently celebrated an increase in business expenditure on research and development, it is not clear that that success story will continue to pay dividends while our science system as a whole remains woefully underfunded. Last year the National Science Challenge research funding was cut from the Budget; this year the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has announced the cancellation of the Endeavour funding round for 2026. While existing contracts may be extended and not all of this funding should be lost, this will impact negatively on researchers in applied science and innovation, the exact type of applied science and innovation this Government has repeatedly stated it wants to encourage. At 1.5 percent of GDP, our investment in science does not compare well to OECD countries of the same population, such as Denmark, Finland, Norway and Ireland, which average 2.4 percent of GDP. It gets worse when you look at actual dollars: we invested NZD$6.4 billion in 2023 whereas they averaged NZD$16.6 billion. This underlines the loss to New Zealand due to continued underinvestment. Yes, we manage to do some excellent science in this country. But we do not have the scale to leverage that investment for economic impact: our GDP remains abysmally low in comparison to those countries that invest more as a result. As Sir Paul Callaghan said: we are poor because we choose to be poor. This Government should be aiming to grow our investment in science in order to fulfil its own stated aim of growing our GDP. Perhaps it would be more honest to set a target in absolute dollar terms, rather than a percentage, to reflect the scale of investment needed to shift our economy in the direction of growth based on advanced technology. But whatever the target is, there is no doubt that we need one. As the Science System Advisory Group report to government stated so clearly: 'Every other country that shows higher productivity growth compared to New Zealand decided some years ago to invest more significantly in R&D'.


Scoop
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PM's Science Council To Set Direction For Science
Press Release – New Zealand Government This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Prime Minister Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has today announced the new Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, and the members of the Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council. 'We have world-class scientists in our universities and research institutes, but they're working in a system held back by outdated settings. To unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home,' Mr Luxon says. 'This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders. '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. 'I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren't delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders.' Members of the Council bring a strong mix of scientific, commercial and strategic expertise. They include: Sir Peter Gluckman Craig Piggott Professor Merryn Tawhai Komal Mistry-Mehta Malcolm Johns Dr John Roche 'I am also pleased to announce that Dr John Roche has been appointed as the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor. In this role, John will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice. John, in his capacity as my science advisor, will also be a member of the council.' Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, will chair the Council, with Dr John Roche as deputy chair. 'These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives. They are prepared to make the bold calls needed to ensure the system is future-focused, outcome-driven and aligned with our economic goals,' Mr Luxon says. 'A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy.' The Council will provide its first formal advice to the Prime Minister and Minister Reti later this year. Biographies of Council members: Sir Peter Gluckman Professor Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM FRSNZ FMedSci FRS trained as a paediatrician and biomedical scientist. He is Director of Koi Tu- Centre for Informed Futures and holds a Distinguished University Professorship at the University of Auckland. He is currently the chair of the Science System Advisory Group. Sir Peter is President of the International Science Council (ISC, 2021-2026). From 2014-2021 he was the inaugural Chair of the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), and from 2009-2018 he was the first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. He was also Science Envoy for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated the secretariat of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. He has written and spoken extensively on science-policy and science-diplomacy and science-society interactions. He has received the highest scientific and civilian honours in New Zealand and numerous international scientific awards. Craig Piggott Craig Piggott is the founder of Halter. The company's solar-powered collar for dairy and beef cows, pairs with an app for farmers and allows cows to respond to guidance cues, enabling virtual herding and fencing while monitoring health 24/7. This innovation helps farmers increase milk and protein production propelling the company to become one of New Zealand's fastest-growing businesses with a thriving international customer base. Craig brings experience in innovation, agriculture and business. Merryn Tawhai Merryn Tawhai graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Engineering Science in 2001. She leads a research programme at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) in applied computational physiology of the respiratory system. Merryn is the Director of the ABI and sits on the Board of Directors for Cure Kids Ventures and the Virtual Physiological Human Institute. She was ABI's Deputy Director for 10 years, Director of the Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), and an independent Director for Izon Science. Merryn was awarded the 2016 MacDiarmid Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) Te Apārangi, is a Fellow of the RSNZ, a Fellow of IAMBE and AIMBE, and an elected member of the Fleischner Society. Komal Mistry-Mehta Komal is Chief Innovation & Brand Officer at Fonterra and Managing Director of the Ki Tua Fund, Fonterra's corporate venture capital arm. She leads global innovation, research and development, digital, brand and marketing functions for New Zealand's largest company. Prior to joining the Fonterra Executive Team, Komal led Fonterra's global health and nutrition business based in Singapore. With experience across Asia, the America's and Europe, she has led major transformations in sales, innovation, digital enablement and technology. Komal was named New Zealand's Young Executive of the Year in 2017 and serves on several international boards. Komal has completed the Executive Program at Stanford University School of Business and holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Management degrees from the University of Waikato. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand as well as a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Malcolm Johns Malcolm is the Chief Executive of Genesis Energy. Previously he was the Chief Executive of InterCity Group and held several governance roles within New Zealand's transport, infrastructure and tourism sectors. He is Convenor of the Climate Leaders Coalition and served as Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council leading the regional trade policy task force for climate change. Malcolm has extensive business acumen and understanding of Government systems John Roche John was appointed MPI's Chief Science Adviser in June 2018 to provide an independent science perspective. He leads MPI's Science Forum, chairs the Science Governance Group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Adviser's forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences. John was previously DairyNZ's Principal Scientist for Animal Science. He has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd. Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.

RNZ News
06-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
John Roche named as PM's new chief science advisor
Chief science advisor Dr John Roche Photo: Supplied The prime minister finally has a new chief science advisor, almost a year after his former advisor stepped down. Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) chief science advisor Dr John Roche has been appointed to the top job, which has been vacant since Dame Juliet Gerrard left in June 2024 . Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Roche would also serve as deputy chair of the Prime Minister's new Science and Technology Advisory Council, which included Sir Peter Gluckman - New Zealand's first-ever chief scientist. Science Minister Shane Reti would chair the council, which was announced as part of the government's major science reforms. In a statement, the prime minister said the council would provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation, and help identify areas that would benefit the economy. "I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren't delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. "It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders." He said his new chief scientist, who was the principal scientist for animal science at DairyNZ and currently leads MPI's Mycoplasma bovis advisory group, would support robust decision-making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice. The prime minister's office has consistently said that an appointment to the chief science advisor role hinged on the Science System Advisory Group's review into the sector, led by Gluckman. RNZ recently reported that the final report was imminent and understands it was handed to the science minister at the end of April. Other members of the Science and Technology Advisory Council include Craig Piggott, the founder of a company that developed a collar to monitor beef and dairy cows; Dr Merryn Tawhai, who leads a research programme into the respiratory system at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute; Komal Mistry-Mehta, who heads up Fonterra's corporate venture capital arm; and Genesis Energy chief executive Malcolm Johns. The council will provide its first formal advice later this year. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.


Scoop
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PM's Science Council To Set Direction For Science
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon Prime Minister Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has today announced the new Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, and the members of the Prime Minister's Science and Technology Advisory Council. 'We have world-class scientists in our universities and research institutes, but they're working in a system held back by outdated settings. To unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home,' Mr Luxon says. 'This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders. '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. 'I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren't delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders.' Members of the Council bring a strong mix of scientific, commercial and strategic expertise. They include: Sir Peter Gluckman Craig Piggott Professor Merryn Tawhai Komal Mistry-Mehta Malcolm Johns Dr John Roche 'I am also pleased to announce that Dr John Roche has been appointed as the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor. In this role, John will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice. John, in his capacity as my science advisor, will also be a member of the council.' Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, will chair the Council, with Dr John Roche as deputy chair. 'These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives. They are prepared to make the bold calls needed to ensure the system is future-focused, outcome-driven and aligned with our economic goals,' Mr Luxon says. 'A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy.' The Council will provide its first formal advice to the Prime Minister and Minister Reti later this year. Biographies of Council members: Sir Peter Gluckman Professor Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM FRSNZ FMedSci FRS trained as a paediatrician and biomedical scientist. He is Director of Koi Tu- Centre for Informed Futures and holds a Distinguished University Professorship at the University of Auckland. He is currently the chair of the Science System Advisory Group. Sir Peter is President of the International Science Council (ISC, 2021-2026). From 2014-2021 he was the inaugural Chair of the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), and from 2009-2018 he was the first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. He was also Science Envoy for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated the secretariat of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. He has written and spoken extensively on science-policy and science-diplomacy and science-society interactions. He has received the highest scientific and civilian honours in New Zealand and numerous international scientific awards. Craig Piggott Craig Piggott is the founder of Halter. The company's solar-powered collar for dairy and beef cows, pairs with an app for farmers and allows cows to respond to guidance cues, enabling virtual herding and fencing while monitoring health 24/7. This innovation helps farmers increase milk and protein production propelling the company to become one of New Zealand's fastest-growing businesses with a thriving international customer base. Craig brings experience in innovation, agriculture and business. Merryn Tawhai Merryn Tawhai graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Engineering Science in 2001. She leads a research programme at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) in applied computational physiology of the respiratory system. Merryn is the Director of the ABI and sits on the Board of Directors for Cure Kids Ventures and the Virtual Physiological Human Institute. She was ABI's Deputy Director for 10 years, Director of the Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), and an independent Director for Izon Science. Merryn was awarded the 2016 MacDiarmid Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) Te Apārangi, is a Fellow of the RSNZ, a Fellow of IAMBE and AIMBE, and an elected member of the Fleischner Society. Komal Mistry-Mehta Komal is Chief Innovation & Brand Officer at Fonterra and Managing Director of the Ki Tua Fund, Fonterra's corporate venture capital arm. She leads global innovation, research and development, digital, brand and marketing functions for New Zealand's largest company. Prior to joining the Fonterra Executive Team, Komal led Fonterra's global health and nutrition business based in Singapore. With experience across Asia, the America's and Europe, she has led major transformations in sales, innovation, digital enablement and technology. Komal was named New Zealand's Young Executive of the Year in 2017 and serves on several international boards. Komal has completed the Executive Program at Stanford University School of Business and holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Management degrees from the University of Waikato. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand as well as a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Malcolm Johns Malcolm is the Chief Executive of Genesis Energy. Previously he was the Chief Executive of InterCity Group and held several governance roles within New Zealand's transport, infrastructure and tourism sectors. He is Convenor of the Climate Leaders Coalition and served as Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council leading the regional trade policy task force for climate change. Malcolm has extensive business acumen and understanding of Government systems John Roche John was appointed MPI's Chief Science Adviser in June 2018 to provide an independent science perspective. He leads MPI's Science Forum, chairs the Science Governance Group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Adviser's forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences. John was previously DairyNZ's Principal Scientist for Animal Science. He has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd. Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.