2002 Annual Report Of The Royal Society of New Zealand

Incorporating the 2002 Academy Council Yearbook

Introduction

The Royal Society of New Zealand was firing on all cylinders in 2002. Council committees, branches, societies and staff were all highly active in providing support to scientists and technologists, inspiring young people, developing sound policies for science and promoting critical thinking about science and technology (S&T). Our members do this work because we all share a passion for knowledge and want to support the development of others. We understand how vitally important the work we do is for New Zealand's future.

It can be a long struggle. Once, when asked how he would gauge the impact of his work, Bertrand Russell replied, "I don't know, I can't tell!" Similarly, in the work we do, we have no easy way of telling whether we are successful. We do have some indicators. Clippings surveys show that the Royal Society generates about one third of New Zealand press coverage on science and technology. Overall, this coverage has increased. We have authored several advice papers to the Government this year. We have run several successful "communications" courses for scientists, and we are revising our code of ethics. We know that more science teachers are joining their professional association.

We don't know the final impact, but we do know that we cannot afford to pause or flag in our efforts. We look back with satisfaction at some of the Royal Society's major events last year.

The visit of Robert Lord May, President of the Royal Society of London, was a high water mark for all who heard him speak, whether they were seventh formers in Christchurch, public servants in Wellington, industrialists in Auckland, or Kim Hill's listeners nationwide.

The Society made major inputs to the development of legislation and programmes on genetic modification and "hazardous substances", Centres of Research Excellence, and scientists' career paths.

The seven journals published by the Royal Society have re-established editorial boards. The journals are now available electronically, and a strong case has been made to the Government to restore funding to former levels.

We have worked with Industry New Zealand to administer their new Enterprise Culture and Skills Activities Fund. Industry New Zealand is also supporting a Royal Society initiated project to examine leadership qualities in New Zealand.

On behalf of the Government we administered the Centres of Research Excellence selection and monitoring process.

We have 650 young people in our Young Achievers database, all of whom receive regular updates about science, technology, and careers.

As you read through this annual report, which covers both the Royal Society at large and the body of Fellows who make up the Society's Academy, you may pause to consider the sheer scope and volume of the work done by staff and by the large number of scientists who willingly contribute their time as judges, committee and panel members, organisers, and advisers. Not least among them are the many organisations which partner with us or sponsor the events we undertake, notably BP, Genesis Energy, MoRST, UNESCO, MAF, Crown Research Institutes, universities, societies and individuals. We need and value their support in all of our activities.

In a membership survey, three-quarters of our members were satisfied with the directions we are taking. Others wanted to see the Royal Society more active in engaging with government, providing more schools programmes, taking a higher public profile, giving more advice on scientific matters, and encouraging member interaction. In formulating our plans to 2007, the Council of the Royal Society has placed particular emphasis on:

our leadership in promoting awareness of S&T and dialogue with all communities and age groups in New Zealand
strengthening our advice to government and others on S&T matters
communication among, and enhancing our value to, all our members, and the wider S&T community in New Zealand
working with Maori to build a partnership in S&T
strengthening the services to, and contribution of, social sciences to the Royal Society
building a viable and independent organisational base

The challenge we place before you is to contribute your own talent and effort to all of this. We invite you to join with us as we put excellence to work as a beacon and inspiration for all New Zealanders. You can find more about us on our web site: www.rsnz.org, and through our weekly email newsletter, ALERT.

Sir Gil Simpson KNZM QSM DSc honoris causa
President
Royal Society of New Zealand

Dr Steve Thompson
Chief Executive
Royal Society of New Zealand