Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Science Leader Joins Ministry for Primary Industries

20 August 2012

Dr Ian Ferguson (MNZM) has been appointed to the newly created position of Departmental Science Adviser for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Deputy Director General of Policy Paul Stocks announced today.

“This is an exceptionally important role for the Ministry,” Mr Stocks said. “I am confident that Dr Ferguson will provide strong science leadership to ensure that MPI is well connected across government and with the science community, and will continue to produce high quality scientific advice.”

The role focuses on the key areas of quality assurance of science inputs into regulatory decision making; strategic direction for science investment; and ensuring that MPI is able to effectively deal with emerging risks and opportunities.

Dr Ferguson is well known in the science community both nationally and internationally. He has been the Chief Scientist of the Crown Research Institute Plant and Food Research (and formerly HortResearch) since 2003. He has a science background in plant and fruit physiology, postharvest and horticultural science, biochemistry and biotechnology.

Dr Ferguson has also been a member of New Zealand Government funding and review panels and bodies, including being on the Marsden Council and the Rutherford Discovery Fellowship panel.

“I am excited about the challenge of the new role and looking forward to understanding the breadth of what MPI deals with,” Dr Ferguson said.

“I am determined to ensure science is adding the greatest benefit possible to the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s primary industries. I see this as a wonderful opportunity both personally and for the relationship between the science system, the Ministry and primary industries generally.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“I’m delighted with the appointment of Ian to this position,” Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser, said. “This role is critical for government if New Zealand is to maximise the benefits of evidence-based policy. Ian is exactly the sort of person we need in this critical role for the primary industries and I look forward to working with him.”

The role is for a three year fixed term and is part-time. Dr Ferguson will continue in a science role with Plant and Food Research. He will be taking up the role with the Ministry in mid September 2012.

**Bio for Dr Ian Ferguson

Departmental Science Adviser for the Ministry for Primary Industries**

Dr Ian Ferguson has been Chief Scientist of Plant & Food Research, formerly HortResearch, since 2003. Prior to that, he was leader of the HortResearch Postharvest Group and a leading New Zealand and international researcher in plant science, horticulture and postharvest science.

He was awarded a PhD from the University of Auckland in 1972. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a Life Member of the NZ Society of Plant Physiologists. He has been a member of New Zealand Government funding and review panels and bodies, including two appointments to the Marsden Council (one current) and is also on the Rutherford Discovery Fellowship panel. He has science review experience within his own organisation and through involvement in reviewing for other Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), universities and overseas organisations.

Dr Ferguson has had a long research career, specialising in plant and fruit physiology, postharvest and horticultural science, biochemistry and biotechnology. He has extensive experience both in fundamental plant research and in applied research and development for the New Zealand horticultural industry, particularly with the fruit industry sector. He is Joint Editor-in-Chief of the leading international journal /Postharvest Biology & Technology/.

Dr Ferguson is also involved in a number of international collaborations, including Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand, and a 10 year collaboration with Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, where he has been Guang Biao Visiting Professor. He has extensive experience as an international speaker on postharvest, horticulture, food production and plant science.

Dr Ferguson was awarded a membership of the NZ Order of Merit in the 2010 New Year’s Honours list for contributions to horticultural science.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.