Science Group
The Science Group enables government, business and community decision-making to access and use scientific and technical knowledge.
The members of this group identify and monitor current and emerging science issues, both domestically and internationally, and advise on implications of these issues for the whole of government policy. This includes:
- leading the work on implementing the Government's Biotechnology Strategy to ensure the benefits from biotechnology while protecting important environmental, ethical and cultural values
- setting directions for managing publicly-funded environmental research to maximise re-use of (and thereby return on) these investments.
General Manager, Science Group - Lesley is responsible for advising the Minister on a broad range of science issues such as biotechnology, sustainable development and biosecurity.
Director, Emerging Technologies - George focuses on implementing the Government’s Biotechnology Strategy and ensuring that Government policy encourages the responsible growth of New Zealand’s biotechnology sector.
Director, Environmental and Social Development - Eric leads the Environmental and Social Development team which works to ensure that environmental and social science makes an effective contribution to a more sustainable New Zealand.