Royal Society Symposium

Working across boundaries: Science Industry in Society

16 October 2007 

Latest: presentations from Steve Maharey | Judy Motion | Sally Davenport | Shirley Leitch (all in pdf)

The Royal Society aims to promote a critical awareness of science and technology in industry and society. This symposium will support that aim by bringing together participants from science-based industries, research organizations and policy bodies to focus on major issues shared by these groups in relation to the development, commercialisation and subsequent adoption of new technologies.

In New Zealand, science industry gained a high profile due to the advent of modern biotechnology. Fundamental questions about the role of science in society emerged and scientists and science-based industries had to understand the polarised public responses to scientific developments that varied from optimism to caution, enthusiasm to outrage. At the same time, many of New Zealand’s science-based industries have struggled to deliver on the optimistic predictions that surrounded their birth.

The keynote speakers for this symposium are lead researchers on the FRST-funded Sustainable Biotechnology research project that has investigated the perspectives of biotechnology organisations and their stakeholders; societal perspectives along with dialogue and decision-making processes. A series of expert led- panel discussions will provide the foundation for a significant dialogue forum about the implications for science industries of working across the science-society boundary.

Venue: Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington, Bunny St, Wellington (click here for a map)

Audience: Those involved in research, business or policy who have an interest in growing the biotechnology sector in a sustainable way for the benefit of New Zealand society.

 

 

Programme

9 am Setting the scene: Neville Jordan, President of the Royal Society

9.15 Science industry futures: Steve Maharey, Minister of Research, Science and Technology

9.30 Communicating across boundaries: Ideas, values and bodies of knowledge
Keynote address by Professor Judy Motion, University of Wollongong

10.10 Morning tea

10.40 Engaging across boundaries: Consultation, collaboration, and resistance 
Keynote address by Professor Shirley Leitch, University of Wollongong.

11.20 Enterprising across boundaries: Building Biotech Business in NZ
Keynote address by Professor Sally Davenport, Victoria University of Wellington

12.00 Lunch

12.45 Panels:

Strategy: Professors Richard Varey and  Jim Barker, University of Waikato; Dr Kaye-Blake, Lincoln University

Social and cultural impacts: Professor Bill Doolin, AUT; Dr Jarrod Haar, University of Waikato; and Dr Jo Gamble, HortResearch

Dialogue: John Pennington, Bioethics Council; Karen Cronin, Victoria University of Wellington

Policy & Funding: Shane Stuart, FRST;  and George Slim, MRST

New ventures:  Dr Robin Pratt, Endeavour Capital Ltd; Peter Lennox, NZTE; Professor Mark Ahn, Victoria University of Wellington.

1.45 Report back on major boundary issues & facilitated discussion (Chair: Professor Ted Zorn, University of Waikato).

3.00 Afternoon tea

3.20 Plenary & Closing Remarks: Working across boundaries: passion and pitfalls, Dr Richard Furneaux, Industrial Research/GlycoSyn.

4.00 Close. There will be a reception afterwards until 5.30pm.