Science Media Centre

In the latest of its Media Tracker series, the SMC looks at some of the events which caused news spikes during March. (Click on the picture to enlarge it) As always the weekly news cycle is clearly in evidence, with coverage of science-related issues dropping off over the weekend. Science-based news in March was dominated [...]

An editorial in the Dominion Post examines Government’s focus on science and innovation, and in particular the actions it has been taking recently to make its innovation aims happen. It also examines some of the difficulties faced by local organisations trying to innovate. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Other science-related decisions this year seem [...]

An editorial in The Press discusses the recently-released report from the CRI taskforce, which has said that major reforms to the CRIS are necessary if they are to live up to their potential. It also makes clear, however, that the final decision will be the government’s, and calls on government to accept the taskforce’s recommendations. [...]

The science behind the catch As we head into Sea Week and New Zealanders digest the message of the hard-hitting documentary The End of the Line which suggests we may be heading towards a “world without fish”, the SMC is gathering fisheries experts to look at New Zealand’s fisheries and their sustainability. Every year, the [...]

The CRI Taskforce released its report to Government today, finding that CRIs were overly burdened by bureaucracy, a short-term focus and funding problems. The report said that no changes needed to be made to the number of CRIs, but instead to their service delivery. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Research, Science and Techonology Minister [...]

The CRI Taskforce has today released a report detailing recommendations for changes in the structure, funding and governance of the Crown research institutes. The report is available here. Reaction from the science sector follows… Science New Zealand: Chairman John Morgan comments: “The CRI Taskforce has presented the most comprehensive review of the value of CRIs [...]

Leading scientists examine GM issue As part of a Science Media Centre briefing for journalists to be held on Tuesday, Agresearch chief scientist Steven Goldson will lead a panel of experts looking at the potential benefits and risks of introducing genetically modified pasture crops in New Zealand. The Royal Society has prepared a paper on [...]

An editorial in the Nelson Mail talks about the importance of science to New Zealand, the challenges being faced by scientists working in the system, and the imminent results of the CRI taskforce review. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Yet the scientific community is frustrated and demoralised by the existing framework, set up in [...]