Science New Zealand welcomes PM’s Science Prizes

 
Science New Zealand

Embargoed until 1.00pm on Friday 23 October 2009

Science New Zealand welcomes PM’s Science Prizes

Science New Zealand warmly welcomes the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes.  The five prizes, worth $1 million, were announced at Plant & Food Research in Mt Albert, Auckland today (Friday) by Prime Minister John Key.

“Two things make them valuable – the money and that they are from the Prime Minister of New Zealand,” says chief executive Anthony Scott.

“The prize money is extremely generous. That alone lifts them above anything else on offer in New Zealand.

“The prizes are well-structured.  They recognise the modern nature of science research, which is as much team-based as individual; the need to encourage interest from an early age; and the need to widely share the challenges, joys and rewards from science.

“To have the Prizes offered from the Prime Minister, on behalf of the nation, adds immeasurably to their value. This very publicly links what we do and who we do it for. 

“The Prizes will undoubtedly lift the profile of New Zealand’s science research and application.  Particularly so for the immense contribution it makes to the nation’s economic, environmental and social well being.  

“The Prizes will unearth stories of achievement, excitement and reward.  They will encourage more people to engage with science, whether they are at school, in media, research, business, or indeed any walk of life.”

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