Perspectives on Policy

Alternative ways of doing things are bound to arise in any field of endeavour which is populated by highly intelligent people. Science and technology are no different, and are perhaps the riskiest of all endeavours which journey into the unknown. That makes for energetic, healthy debate - a debate which should help to highlight options and increase mutual understanding.

Other countries and jurisdictions do things differently and we can learn from other perspectives. In February 2004, the Royal Society kicked off a year-long series of perspectives on S&T:

On June 10, the Society is planning a workshop/symposium to bring in alternate views on setting directions for S&T: How is it done in other countries? How might it be done here? As background to these events, we'll be publishing discussion papers on our web site for all to see. So even if you are not able to attend the events, you will be able to see the arguments raised.

You can find out more and register here.

On April 16, the Social Sciences Committee of the Royal Society begins a review of the Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF), newly introduced to allocate research funds to tertiary institutions based on research track record.

In March 2004, the Society continues its series of speakers to parliamentarians with presentations by Society President Dr Jim Watson, and Academy President Dr Carolyn Burns. The Society also participates in the APEC R&D conference, slated for Christchurch in March, and makes a presentation to the Growth and Innovation Advisory Board.on just how important it is to start young people off right, and what more we can do to achieve that.

26 February 2004: Dr David Strangway, who heads the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, spoke on “Canadian Research Funding” in Science House in Wellington.  You can download a pdf copy (330kB) of his presentation and notes from his talk will be summarised soon here.

23 February 2004: Prof Wolfgang Frühwald, head of Germany's Humboldt Foundation, spoke on German science opportunities, in Science House at the Royal Society of New Zealand in Wellington. His visit was aimed at establishing, promoting and sustaining scientific cooperation with Germany worldwide. In the 50 years since its establishment, the AvH has developed a global “Humboldt-Network” of about 23000 Humboldt Fellows in 130 countries and in all fields of research, including up to now, 35 Nobel Prize winners.

20 February 2004: Dr Magda Lola, who is Secretary General of the Marie Curie Fellowship Association, spoke on “International Research Networks” at the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (hosted by RSNZ). A pdf copy of her presentation is here (size is 660kB), and further information about her talk is also available. Dr Lola visited New Zealand on her way to the Australasian Research Management Society's workshop "Beyond the Brain Drain - Mobility, Competitiveness and Scientific Excellence" held in Brisbane.