He Waka Tāngata Terms of Reference

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1. Goal

The Social Science Oxygen Group will tap into the voices and experience of the emerging group of social science leaders in order to generate new momentum for how social science creates value and advantage for New Zealand.    

2. Role

The role of the Group is to advise MoRST on:

  • the thriving areas and issues in social science research and how these new trends might be woven into broader science and innovation policy; and
  • how younger social scientists can be nurtured to play a larger role in active ownership and leadership of future social science directions; and.
  • how social science can jointly contribute across a range of government policy interests.

This advice will:

  • supplement the work started by BRCCS on building a sense of community among institutionally isolated emergent researchers.
  • connect directly with the Minister of RS&T in identifying and profiling the value of the social sciences.
  • draw on the creative connections that the Group will develop across a diversity of research networks, both within New Zealand and internationally.  This could include connections with the broader Oxygen Group.

3. Membership

The Group will comprise of 8-10 emerging social science leaders who bring commitment, curiosity and credibility to the role.

This group will include members who have international and national networks and a passion for working across boundaries.  Ideally they will have an open and positive mindset and early signs of leadership potential.

A mix of both established and emerging disciplines and membership from a wide variety of institutions and across academia and practice will be sought.  The Group may from time to time also bring in others who have specific expertise in a particular area that is of interest to them. 

4. Process

Members will be appointed for up to three years, although in order to ensure continuity it will be appropriate to stagger the term of appointments. Fees and allowances will be paid in accordance with Government guidelines.

The group is invited to be creative in managing its meetings and delivering advice – advice  need not be in the form of reports per se but will need to  be credible, forward looking and constructive.

MoRST will ensure that adequate support and resources are made available to the group through the provision of a secretariat and associated administrative services.  MoRST will also provide regular updates and contextual briefings to the group and work with the members in initially framing its priorities and agenda.

MoRST expects the Group to run for three years and be subject to a review of its effectiveness at the end of this period.

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Page updated 15 Apr 2008