The Science working for New Zealand: 100 years and counting campaign marks 100 years since the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) was formed, the first government department established specifically to co-ordinate and invest in science.
Run in partnership with Science New Zealand, the campaign brings together stories from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, Earth Sciences New Zealand and PHF Science that demonstrate how scientific research has delivered lasting benefits, and why it remains critical for the future.
The stories also highlight work from other organisations linked to the legacy created by the DSIR, including Antarctica NZ and the new NZ Institute for Advanced Technology.
These stories showcase how science has helped protect New Zealand and New Zealanders, delivered new technologies to help business and industry thrive and enhance export value, and enabled rapid response to human, plant and animal disease outbreaks. They highlight how science has created and enhanced products and production systems; improved the way the world understands forensic evidence; monitored climate, water and land changes, helped people better manage and connect with the environment, and much more.
Bioeconomy Science Institute transition chief executive Mark Piper says the centenary is an opportunity to recognise the long-term value of science and the people and partnerships behind it.
“For 100 years, New Zealand’s publicly funded science has helped growers and foresters lift productivity, supported healthier homes and communities, protected our unique ecosystems, strengthened biosecurity and created new industries and technologies.
“This campaign brings those impacts together and points to the next generation of challenges and opportunities where science will be essential,” he says.
All stories can be read online at scienceworkingfornz.co.nz