Message from Academy Chair
Professor Charlotte Macdonald FRSNZ shares her foreword as Chair of the Academy Executive Committee.
Tēnā koutou katoa.
Over three weeks in November Whiringa-ā-rangi celebrations were held across the country at Research Honours events. Twenty seven medals and awards were presented in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on 9 November, Ōtepoti Dunedin on 16 November and Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on 22 November. The achievements of all winners offered a sparkling picture of research across all fields of knowledge. A particular highlight was the standing ovation given to Rutherford Medal winners Professor Richie Poulton, Professor Murray Thomson and all who worked on ‘The Dunedin Study’.
Recognition and celebration are important. For all the days and years spent labouring and testing, going through critique and review, taking the time to pause and celebrate is extremely valuable. In the era of the anti expert we are also signalling where reliable conclusions and advice might be found.
Warmest congratulations to all winners from the three events (Kirikiriroa Hamilton; Ōtepoti Dunedin; Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington).
The White Paper, Te Ara Paerangi: Future Pathways, has been released by the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation. This follows the Green Paper published late in 2021 considering priorities and planning across Aotearoa New Zealand science, research and innovation sectors. I would urge you to read it over the summer.
Nominations for Medals and Awards, Companions and Fellows for 2023 will open early in the new year (Medals and Awards – 16 January; Companions – 1 February; Fellowship – 1 April). Can I especially invite you all to consider potential candidates. Starting early with putting together materials for a nomination is always better than a sudden rush as the closing date approaches.
To discuss possible nominations, don’t hesitate to contact your domain convenor:
- Susy Frankel (Convenor – Humanities)
- Jane Harding (Convenor – Medical and Health Sciences)
- Shaun Hendy (Convenor – Physical, Earth and Mathematical Sciences)
- Robyn Longhurst (Convenor – Social and Behavioural Sciences)
- Angus Macfarlane (Co-convenor – Māori Knowledge and Development)
- David Schiel (Convenor – Biological and Environmental Sciences)
- Cather Simpson (Convenor – Technology, Applied Sciences, Engineering)
- Denise Wilton (Co-convenor – Māori Knowledge and Development)
Many of you will have noted the sad passing of Eddie Robertson (1919-2022), geophysicist, Director General DSIR 1971-80, FRSNZ (1963). Dr Robertson was guest of honour at the Society’s Academy Centenary celebrations in 2019, at age 100, one year after his last paper was published (see his obituary).
Wishing you the best for the summer season.
Charlotte
Professor Charlotte Macdonald FRSNZ
Chair, Academy Executive Committee