The government is unable to fill the crucial role of Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister until a critical report is completed. File photo. Photo: 123RF
- Scientists are worried about delays to a critical report into science infrastructure and funding.
- The delays mean the government is unable to fill the critical role of Chief Science Advisor
- Concern is growing about the future of science in New Zealand amid continued job cuts
Scientists are becoming increasingly worried about delays to a critical report that could see an overhaul of the country's science infrastructure and funding.
Until the report is completed, the government is unable to fill the crucial role of Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, and fears are growing about the consequences if New Zealand faces another Covid-19-like crisis.
RNZ understands the delays in the report could see the top role - vacant since Dame Juliet Gerrard stepped down in July - remain undecided into next year.
Her tenure was dominated by the Covid pandemic, and she was integral to New Zealand's cautious response and subsequent vaccine rollout.
She also advised the government on some other controversial subjects including fluoride, cannabis law reform and gene editing.
An update to its website on Friday confirmed no staff remained in the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor office, and the past 15 years of work had been archived.
The NZ Herald reported last month that an appointment to the Chief Science Advisor role had been made, but subsequently abandoned.
Questions regarding the role have been met with the same response from the Prime Minister's Office.
"The Science System Advisory Group is undertaking a review to advise government on strengthening the science, innovation and technology system and the appointment of the PM's Chief Science Advisor will be made after this work. Any appointment will be made public after the review is completed."
The Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) was commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to review the science sector.
Led by Sir Peter Gluckman - New Zealand's first Chief Science Advisor - the review has been split into two phases, both of which are now behind schedule.
Phase one - due in June - was focused on defining principles for the science sector and looked to provide preliminary advice and recommendations.
Phase two - due last month - would deliver final recommendations and give advice on longer-term changes for the sector.
RNZ understands phase one is with the government and its release is imminent, but phase two is unlikely to get to cabinet until next year.
The office for the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology did not respond directly to questions about the delay, and its potential consequences, but said: "Ministers will have more to say once they have fully considered the report's recommendations."
New Zealand Association of Scientists co-president Troy Baisden said a review into the sector was long overdue.
"I think there's a tremendous role for reports like this.
"Governments don't by default know how to structure a research system the way researchers do."
He said Gluckman was a good person for the job - as president of the International Council of Science he had "a high level of exposure to how functional research systems work".
"Our research system has been underperforming and failing the nation for about 30 years."
Baisden maintained it was difficult for any one minister to see all the moving parts and understand how they needed to fit together to fix it.
He said a well-performing research system would improve economic and productivity results and improve innovation.
Concerns raised about the delay
Baisden said the review was better late than never, but the knock-on effect for the Chief Science Advisor role - as confirmed by the PM's office - was alarming.
"I fear for what happens if we hit another crisis that demands good science advice."
He said the role went beyond just advising the Prime Minister, but managing information flow from ministry science advisors - a shrinking cohort - some of whom have spoken out about a dislike for certain recommendations.
"(It's not) just with the Prime Minister, it's how advice flows between all the different parties who are advising the Prime Minister in a matter.
"It could simply be an urgent policy development, which is common in government, or an actual crisis like Covid."
Opposition MP and spokesperson for science Deborah Russell said the situation felt indicative of science's standing in New Zealand.
"We're still waiting on the science review and at the same time, the role of the Chief Science Advisor has not been filled.
"It feels as though science in this country is being downgraded. It's not getting the support it needs."
Baisden said the delay was also contributing to scientists' increasing anxiety and uncertainty about their futures in Aotearoa as public science roles, such as at GNS, and most recently at Environmental Science and Research continued to be slashed.
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