Royal Society of New Zealand elects Dr Andrew West as a Companion

The Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand has elected former AgResearch chief executive Dr Andrew West as a Companion. Dr West had the honour bestowed on him at a function in Hamilton on Tuesday night.

The title of Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand recognises outstanding leadership in science, and contributions to the promotion and advancement of science and technology in New Zealand.

The President of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Dr Garth Carnaby, said the election of Andrew West as a Companion was formal acknowledgement of the significant impact he has had on science and technology in New Zealand over a long period of time.

“Andy has worked with extraordinary intensity for the last 20 years for the benefit of New Zealand science, taking on a series of demanding roles.

“His exceptional strategic intellect has been successfully applied to some very challenging issues in government and industry, particularly in science and tertiary education. He has an impressive understanding of science and its application to industry and the environment. We are very pleased to recognise his many contributions,” said Dr Carnaby.

Andrew West was chief executive of AgResearch Limited for six years until 2010. He led the establishment of the Crown Research Institutes in 1992 as convenor of the implementation steering committee. He has also been chief executive of GNS Science and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, and executive chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission. He has also held directorships with several biotechnology companies. Dr West started his career as a research scientist specialising in microbial ecology. In 2008 he was awarded the Thompson Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand for outstanding leadership in science in New Zealand.

The Award of the Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand was introduced in 1999 and there are now 33 Companions.

ENDS

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