Sir Peter Gluckman welcomes opportunity for public feedback

Sir Peter Gluckman welcomes opportunity for public feedback on Government’s draft National Statement of Science Investment

The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Sir Peter Gluckman, welcomes the Government’s announcement today of the release of the draft National Statement of Science Investment for broad public consultation.

“For the first time, we have a comprehensive account of the state of the science system in New Zealand that not only describes the features and intent of existing resources, but also suggests a strategic path for the next several years,” said Sir Peter. “The detailed consultation plan in the document is recognition that we all have a stake in this strategic path; it is a unique opportunity particularly for the science community to give input,” he said.

“I applaud the Government’s focus on scientific excellence and on ensuring its value and relevance to New Zealanders. From the social sciences to the natural and engineering sciences, the quality of the research and a view towards its impact must be foremost in our thinking. It is timely to critically consider the strengths and weaknesses of our science system, its role in our future and how it connects us to the world. However the document is also frank about the large and long-standing divergence in R&D investment, by both government and the private sector, when compared to other similar countries. This limits
our potential, and while we have started to see the gap close, it is still significant,” said Sir Peter.

“I strongly encourage members of New Zealand’s research community, across all our public research and tertiary institutions, along with the business community and the general public to engage actively in this consultation process. The increasingly prominent role of science to enhance our wellbeing cannot be underestimated; this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a science system that works best for New Zealand and that can establish New Zealand’s place in the world.”

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