Science New Zealand Chairman elected

Science New Zealand has elected Dr Tom Richardson, Chief Executive of AgResearch, as Chairman for the next two years. He succeeds John Morgan, CEO of NIWA, who becomes deputy chairman. Peter Landon-Lane, CEO of Plant & Food Research becomes deputy chairman elect.

Tom Richardson says it is an exciting time as Crown research institutes and their associated sectors get to grips with the opportunities and challenges arising from the CRI Taskforce chaired by Neville Jordan.

"The changes mean that CRI's and our partners can work together in a much more joined-up fashion. The new flexibility means we can be faster and smarter in committing to areas of work, and building strategic and trusted partnerships.

"Officially, the change commenced on 1 July. In practice, we have been working with our sectors for quite some time to develop our five year programmes. We wanted to hit the ground running from day one.

"The new environment gives CRIs greater flexibility, accountability and responsibility. It is a new way of working, both for CRIs and our partners. There will be refinement and improvement as we all work on how to best use our scarce resources for maximum benefit to New Zealand.

"New Zealand has always been a science intensive nation. Excellent, relevant science has underpinned our export income from primary industry through to manufacturing.

"Science-based innovation is the source of our future wealth also. It generates ideas that lead to new and desirable products and services, powers productivity gains across all sectors of the economy, and ensures that we maintain our social and environmental wealth.

"Science New Zealand is dedicated to ensuring that science and technology is making the best contribution possible to New Zealand's future."

Dr Richardson thanked John Morgan for chairing Science New Zealand during the biggest changes for CRIs and the science system in 20 years. "That experience will be invaluable as deputy chair for this initial 12 months," he said.

Science New Zealand
Science New Zealand promotes the value of science and technology for New Zealand. Its Board comprises the CEOs of the 8 Crown Research Institutes, which collectively employ 4,200 staff, with annual revenues of $700 million. Two-thirds of the nation's publically-funded science researchers (outside health and IT) work at CRIs.

Tom Richardson

Tom Richardson became CEO of AgResearch in September 2010 following five years as CEO of Scion. Originally from the United States, Dr Richardson has worked in New Zealand science for 20 years. He spent 18 years with Scion, 13 as a practising scientist and science manager, and five as CEO. He has had frequent assignments on advisory boards, external review panels and international science and trade delegations.

He is on the Board of Waiariki Institute of Technology and of the Riddet Institute Governance Board at Massey University, and was on the Board of the Foundation for Research Science & Technology (FRST, now merged with the Ministry of Science & Innovation).

ENDS

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