The Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, was at the University of Auckland today to announce that the new Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor will be Professor Juliet Gerrard. Professor Gerrard was educated at Oxford University in England. She came to New Zealand 21 years ago to work as a scientist at Crop and Field Research, then became a professor of Biochemistry at Canterbury University before moving to Auckland University.
She will take over from Sir Peter Gluckman, our first Chief Science Advisor, who has held the position for nearly 10 years. The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor is an independent scientist who will work with whatever party is in government to advise on scientific matters.
Professor Gerrard is only the second person in this role and the first female. The Prime Minister said she felt that Professor Gerrard would provide a role model for young women who often don’t consider becoming scientists. Professor Gerrard said it is possible for women to have babies and to become scientists or politicians. Perhaps she was looking at the Prime Minister when she said that. As all New Zealanders know the Prime Minister’s baby is due in a few days.
Professor Gerrard plans to travel round New Zealand talking to scientists to see what scientific matters are important for our country. She hopes also to use social media to inspire young people to become interested in Science.