2011 closes on an optimistic note for science and scientists.  Science featured prominently in the Speech from Throne in Parliament on Wednesday.  This government clearly intends to proceed with its transformation of Industrial Research Ltd into a significantly larger Advanced Technology Institute.  The speech also signalled the funding a series of scientific grand challenges to tackle issues of national importance.  Good news for our sector, yet there is no sign that moves will be made to alleviate the 8% success rate for the flagship Marsden Fund.  This government has clearly signalled it will target its new science spending rather investing long-term in blue skies research.

On the other side of the House there was cause for further optimism.  David Shearer, the new Labour leader of the Opposition, has retained his role as Science and Technology spokesperson.  This will keep science at the forefront of the national debate and is a strong endorsement of the case that Sir Paul Callaghan and others having been making that economic growth is driven by science and innovation.  Shearer's response to the Speech from the Throne is also worth reading.

2012 is likely to see the science system under scrutiny as the government invests in narrowly but significantly in areas it sees as priorities.  The challenge for our sector is to respond collectively and collaboratively to such opportunities and to continue to make the case for a diverse, robust science system that facilitates seredipty and safeguards our environment and our society.

You will no doubt be hearing more from me on these issues in the coming year.  I took over from James Renwick as President of the Assocation on November 23rd and my thanks go to James for his hard work over the last few years in what has been a difficult time for New Zealand.  

I have a foot in both the University and the CRI system, with appointments at Industrial Research Ltd and Victoria University of Wellington.  It is no surprise that I favour increased cooperation and collaboration rather than competition as the way forward for our science system.  The science that matters most to society is increasingly carried out by large multi-disciplinary teams. None of our institutions are big enough that they can take on the scientific challenges that New Zealand faces alone.    

And on that note I will wish you all happy holidays!