Members appointed to Science System Advisory Group

A total of 9 members including the Chair, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will form the Advisory Group.  The Group will be providing advice on how to improve the effectiveness and impact of the science sector in New Zealand. 

The members come from a variety of backgrounds and are highly respected within their fields.  They have a deep understanding of the research and science system, both in New Zealand and overseas.

The members and their fields of experience are:

• Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, Chair of the Advisory Group, Former Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, New Zealand; Health research.
• Professor Tracey McIntosh, Professor of Indigenous Studies, University of Auckland, Chief Science Advisor for the Ministry of Social Development. Te Ao Māori expertise; sociology
• Dr Barb Hayden, Science advisor, NIWA; Marine biology.
• Dr William Rolleston, Co-founder of biotechnology company South Pacific Sera Limited; Biotechnology.
• Dr Hermann Hauser, Entrepreneur and venture capitalist.  Innovation and technology systems; Physics.
• Professor Mark Ferguson, Board chair SoilSteam International and Member of the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on Horizon Europe. Science and research systems; Molecular cell and developmental biology.
• Mr Michael Ahie. Director of Zespri Group Limited Chair of Spring Sheep Milk Co. and Chair of the Plant Market Access Council (PMAC); Business.
• Professor Hamish Spencer, Sesquicentennial Distinguished Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Otago; Evolutionary genetics.
• Ms Nadia Levin, CEO and Managing Director of Research Australia, non-executive board Director Northern Sydney Local Health District, non-execuctive board Director New Zealanders for Health Research; Health research.

The group will be meeting regularly to develop their advice and recommendations.

More information, including full bios of each member is available on the Science System Advisory Group members page on our website:

Science System Advisory Group members