Top of the South ready to take on science challenges

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 May 2013

Top of the South ready to take on science challenges

Cawthron Institute has welcomed the National Science Challenges announced by Government this week.

“There’s been quite a lot of debate in the last few days following this announcement. Clearly there is a desire to make things happen and people want to see improvements,” Cawthron Institute Chief Executive Charles Eason says.

“Cawthron Institute is outcome and action focused and we are ready to further collaborate to address these challenges.”

Of the 10 science challenges announced, Cawthron Institute and its industry and research partners have established programmes in place for at least four. They are:

• High value nutrition

• New Zealand’s biological heritage

• Our land and water

• Life in a changing ocean

“Together we are leading research and delivering outcomes in four of the 10 target areas. It is good that the significance of what is being done already in the areas of seafood safety, aquaculture research and development, high value nutrition, and marine and freshwater monitoring and biosecurity has been reinforced at a national level,” Professor Eason says.

“The good news for our region and research organisations like us already working in the areas highlighted in the challenges is that this announcement can only boost what we are already doing.”

Professor Eason says it is not clear at this stage how the national challenges will unfurl, but Cawthron Institute is ready to respond.

“We’re already collaborating with a number of agencies and industries in this region and nationally in at least four of these challenge areas,” he says.

“We see great opportunities for bringing our existing initiatives into line with others so together we can deliver faster and better solutions leading to export growth whilst protecting our natural heritage.”

For further information on the National Science Challenges go to:

http://www.msi.govt.nz/update-me/major-projects/national-science-challenges/

ENDS

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