New Zealand Science Teacher

New director for National Science Challenge 11 appointed

21/06/2016

Ruth Berry, who was previously interim Challenge Director, has been appointed to the role of Director of the National Science Challenge: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities Cities: Ko ngā wā kāinga hei whakamahorahora.

The 11 National Science Challenges are a vehicle announced by the government - through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - in 2013, intended to channel significant science investment funding toward the country’s development priorities, like biological heritage, healthy food, and issues around our senior citizens.

The National Science Challenges are designed to encourage collaboration between researchers, in the targeted fields. The idea is to encourage New Zealand’s ‘best team’ to get together and present joint proposals.  

The 11th and final National Science Challenge is Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities Cities: Ko ngā wā kāinga hei whakamahorahora, and, as the name suggests, it’s about looking at improving the quality of housing and rationalising the design of urban areas.

“The Challenge Director is a critical leadership role responsible for the coordination and operation of the Challenge. Ruth’s background in research strategy and management makes her an ideal choice to advance the drivers for this important work in the Science Challenge,” Professor Professor Richard Bedford, Chair of the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities Cities: Ko ngā wā kāinga hei whakamahorahora National Science Challenge Governance Group said.

“I am excited and privileged to have the opportunity to lead the Challenge as we transition from establishment to implementation. It is a chance to capitalise on some new and creative ways to think about how we can make a better place to live for all here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities Challenge will identify new ways of living that reflect Aotearoa’s unique identity and respond to our changing lifestyle needs and aspirations. I am keen to see the research community work with industry, councils and communities to devise and deliver ideas that have not been thought of before,” Ruth said.