Hon Dr Wayne Mapp
Minister of Research, Science and Technology

30 November 2009
Media Statement

New members for Marsden Fund Council

Two distinguished researchers have been appointed to the Marsden Fund Council They are Victoria University Professors James Belich and Timothy Naish.

In addition to the new appointments, Professor Roger Morris of Massey University has been reappointed. All three appointments are for three years.

“These highly-regarded researchers will make significant contributions to the work of the Marsden Fund Council,” said Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp. “I have every confidence that they will provide first-class guidance for the Marsden Fund.”

The new members replace Professor Lydia Wevers of Victoria University and Dr Rupert Sutherland of GNS Science, who were not available for reappointment.

The Council comprises 10 eminent researchers – a Chair and nine convenors. Each convenor heads a panel in their own academic field, assessing research funding applications.

The Marsden Fund was established in 1994 to fund high-quality fundamental research. It is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand and receives $47 million a year in funding.

The new appointees

Professor James Belich is Research Professor of History at the Stout Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington. His research focus is New Zealand and Imperial and Commonwealth history. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006 for services to historical research.

Professor Timothy Naish is director of the Antarctic Research Centre and the Joint Antarctic Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington and a principal scientist with GNS Science. His research areas are the past Antarctic climate and what it can tell us about the future. He is the Chair of the International ANDRILL science planning committee and leads the ANDRILL programme.

ENDS

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