Distinction for Landcare Research Chief Scientist
Published: 18 October 2012 - by Andrew Trevelyan
David Whitehead (left) and Andy Midwood (Macauley Institute, Scotland) monitoring GHG emissions at Cass.
Dr David Whitehead, Landcare Research’s Chief Scientist, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Dr David Whitehead, Landcare Research’s Chief Scientist, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Landcare Research Chief Executive Dr Richard Gordon says the honour is a very worthy recognition of David’s long career and major contributions to science, through his own research and his development of younger scientists.
“David’s research and leadership on the interactions between plant and soil processes, land management and climate change is acknowledged internationally and in New Zealand,” says Richard.
“Early in his career, David pioneered models of forest water use. He was also one of the first to measure physiological properties of indigenous forest species, building the foundation for estimating ecosystem carbon exchange.
“Currently, David’s national leadership of soil carbon research within the NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre is timely. His strong research publications, journal editorship and work at the science-policy interface are all testament to his international recognition.
“Through his university links, David has mentored many post-graduate students and emerging post-doctoral scientists with his rigorous but kindly manner,” says Richard.
David was appointed Chief Scientist at Landcare Research last year, after leading our successful greenhouse gas research group.
Read more: Royal Society of New Zealand website
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