Imagining the role science could play in Aotearoa, New Zealand s Future

Transcription

1 Imagining the role science could play in Aotearoa, New Zealand s Future Professor Juliet Gerrard Prime Minister s Chief Science Advisor Kaitohutohu Mātanga Pūtaiao Matua ki te Pirimia

2 Outline Quick overview of my new role Framing the discussion trust and social license A sample of the story so far four emerging themes and issues that might interest you Your views Continuing the conversation?

3 What does the PMCSA do? Provide independent advice to the Prime Minister on science in its very broadest sense. Specifically: advising on specific matters relating to science for the Prime Minister or other Ministers either informally or in a formally commissioned reports promoting the public understanding of, and engagement with, science, particularly with young people serving as a conduit of alerts that might arise where scientific progress shows either opportunity or threat for New Zealand - where scientists see something emerging that they think policy makers need to be aware of, to assist with communication building international relationships

4 The Departmental Science Advisors There are around 12 independent advisors to various Ministries: Health, Environment, Education, Social Development, Justice, Conservation, Primary Industries, Defence, Transport, Statistics, Business Innovation and Employment My own team is small I m 80%; another 2.5 FTE

5 VISION for the role: a trusted, accessible bridge between scientists, society and government PRINCIPLES* INCLUSIVE RIGOROUS TRANSPARENT ACCESSIBLE CHALLENGE: providing advice on a useful timescale * Nature, June 2018, Four principles to make evidence synthesis more useful for policy

6 Trust? Wendyl Nissan The Project, 7 pm, TV3 July 2, 2018

7 from A society that mistrusts science Advice from the expert Respect commanded in my opinion to A society that is excited by science, confident to embrace its possibilities, and celebrates its successes Advice that is distilled from a diversity of thought and approach Trust earned listening to all views the consensus view on the evidence is... Reactive Formal advice Science policy Opportunities and THREATS Proactive Formal advice plus accessible information Science knowledge and approaches OPPORTUNITIES and threats

8 What is the single most important science topic upon which I should advise the PM? NOT FUNDING!! ONE POST- IT EACH

9 Listening tour - Hot button topics? Important topics?

10 1. sustainable land and water use

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12 and/or?

13 2. data, data, data

14 AI, ML, AR, VR

15 who owns: - the data? - the analysis? - the insights?

16 interface with business?

17 3. diversity and inclusion

18 4. tackling hard questions starting with shared values GE, 1080, glyphosate, vaccination

19 bicultural framing Waharoa ki te Toi Kaitaia

20 bicultural framing

21 citizen science, the PSP

22 citizens assemblies?

23 individual efforts

24 optimism! - collectively support all science - and not or - sing louder from the same song sheet

25 continuing the conversation Give me your post-it note Celebrating science in Aotearoa, NZ: Send me your stunning science images via Twitter Twitter: NZ New website: New office: 1-11 Short Street, Auckland CBD Advisor advisory network? Local contact? Coming soon

26 Thank you

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