Expertise and integration key to success of new science challenge
Friday 29 Aug 2014
New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge
Landcare Research Chief Executive, Dr Richard Gordon says the Crown Research Institute is well placed to host the new Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, announced today by Science Minister, Hon Steven Joyce.
“Landcare Research has significant biodiversity and biosecurity science expertise and, importantly, has strong relationships with the partner organisations critical to the success of the challenge,” says Dr Gordon.
“The challenge will require a different style of leadership to traditional research programmes because of its greater number and diversity of participants. Landcare Research is recognised as a science organisation that integrates environmental, social, cultural and economic research and builds strong collaborations.
“The breadth of our own environmental science spans scales from soil microbial research to entire landscape management, and links relevant sectors: government, business, science and Māori.
“As host for this National Science Challenge we carry the accountability for its success and we are up for that,” says Dr Gordon. “It is a bold new step in the New Zealand science system and we are here to make it succeed.”
Dr Gordon says the launch of the Challenge is a credit to the large proposal team, led by Plant and Food Research and Landcare Research. “In the space of just 12 weeks, the team comprising 39 partner organisations developed a compelling science programme to deliver on this very significant challenge for New Zealand.
“That collaboration bodes well for the future of the Challenge as we now work together to design the research initiatives that will help reverse the decline of New Zealand’s biological heritage.”