Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser Professor Juliet Gerrard appointed to Te Papa board
The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Juliet Gerrard, has been appointed to the Board of Te Papa.
Dame Fran Wilde, the Chair of the Te Papa board, says she and the board are delighted with the appointment and looking forward to working with Professor Gerrard, who is also Professor in biological and earth sciences at the University of Auckland.
“Te Papa has a major science focus and strong science leadership, so the Government’s appointment of Professor Gerrard is very appropriate,” Ms Wilde said.
Te Papa’s science collections comprise of the largest, most comprehensive collection of New Zealand fauna and flora, with all major taxonomic groups of plants and animals in New Zealand represented.
Professor Gerrard has a broad research background, and has held an Industry and Outreach Fellowship with Callaghan Innovation, founded a start-up company, chaired the Marsden Council, and served on the Board of Plant and Food Research. She is experienced in governance and is passionate about teaching and multi-disciplinary research. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Aparangi and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (London). Professor Gerrard has produced over 175 publications, as well as three books.
Since her appointment as Chief Science Advisor, she has supported the science and science advisor community to provide advice to the Prime Minister, ministers, and the public on a wide range of topics, including advice on the Christchurch mosque shootings, the response to the Whakaari | White Island eruption, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dame Fran also paid tribute to outgoing board member Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, who has completed a six-year term.
“We thank Sir Peter for his remarkable contribution,” Dame Fran said. “His in-depth scientific knowledge has strengthened the management and use of Te Papa’s science collections and research.
Professor Gerrard’s appointment on the Te Papa board is until 30 April 2023.
ENDS
Professor Juliet Gerrard, 2018. Photo by Simon Young / simonyoungphotographer.com
Professor Juliet Gerrard FRSNZ, FHonFRSC
Professor Juliet Gerrard trained at Oxford University and moved to Aotearoa in 1993 where her career has included roles in both Crown Research Institutes and universities.
Professor Gerrard’s research background is broad and interdisciplinary, with particular interests in fundamental and applied protein science.
She has held an Industry and Outreach Fellowship with Callaghan Innovation, founded a start-up company, chaired the Marsden Council, and served on the Board of Directors of Plant and Food Research.
Experienced in governance, having previously been director of Plant and Food Research and chair of the Marsden Fund Council, Professor Gerrard also has extensive experience working across the science sector, including as a research scientist for Crop & Food Research.
Professor Gerrard is passionate about teaching and multi-disciplinary research. From 2012-2016 she held a Callaghan Innovation Industry and Outreach Fellowship focused on creating an integrated research programme across Callaghan Innovation and the Universities of Canterbury and Auckland. During this time, she also founded a start-up company, Hi-Aspect Ltd.
The winner of a national teaching award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching, Professor Gerrard has served on numerous government panels and domain reviews. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Aparangi and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (London) she has produced over 175 publications, as well as three books.
In 2019, the Office released a major report, Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand, which created a vision for a new relationship with plastic.
Te Papa’s Board
Te Papa’s board is accountable to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. The Minister appoints the Board, which currently has eight members.
Contact
Ellie Campbell, Senior Communications Adviser
Ellie.Campbell@tepapa.govt.nz
029 601 0120