Ngā kupu whakataki | Opening reflections
Tēnā koutou katoa,
It was sobering to read the 2026 Global Risk Report released recently at the World Economic Forum. Misinformation and disinformation are now assessed as the second greatest risk to world prosperity and wellbeing in the short term.
Consequently, the voice of education, research, science, and technology has never been more important in our society. As the world faces complex and growing challenges, the application of trusted, evidence-based knowledge will be critical. That does not diminish the importance of engaging communities in understanding the challenges ahead of us, and involving them in decision-making about the future.
In response, you will notice the Society more systematically inviting expert input from our Members, Fellows, and Companions as well as lifting our own voice in the system. This will mean some changes in future in how we communicate with you, how we present ourselves to the wider world, and how we invite your assistance. In the meantime, I encourage you to share your expertise with your community and join in conversations where the evidence-base matters (see our new Have a Voice section below). Increasingly, the Society will highlight these and other opportunities for the expert voice to be heard.
Coming up 3 months into my tenure, I would like to acknowledge the very warm welcome and support many of you have offered me. I look forward to meeting with more of you in the Branches, at Society events, at Forum meetings and through sector dialogue. Your views are important to me as the Society implements its strategy and truly leans into our purpose and vision.
Nāku noa, nā,
Justine Daw
Te Tumu Whakarae ǀ Chief Executive
Royal Society Te Apārangi