Message from Academy Chair
Professor Charlotte Macdonald shares her foreword as Chair of the Academy Executive Committee.
Tēnā koutou katoa – warm winter greetings to all Fellows
As I write, there are exactly two weeks left before nominations for this year’s Fellowship round will close (30 June). I hope you have been considering those researchers in your areas who might be nominated in the 2022 year, or in the coming years.
What it means to be a Fellow, the responsibilities of Fellows and the role of the Academy have been to the fore in recent discussions amongst us. The Royal Society Te Apārangi website announces us under the ‘Our People’ header with the following words:
‘Our Fellows and Honorary Fellows are researchers and scholars who are elected as leaders in their fields to our Academy.’
The role of the Academy Executive Committee is specified under section 37 of the Royal Society of New Zealand Act. Among the sub sections are the following: (2) The object of the Academy Executive Committee is to contribute to the achievement of the objects of the Society, and (3a) to recognise and encourage excellence and outstanding achievements in each of the areas of science, technology, and the humanities; and (3b) contribute to the intellectual leadership role of the Society.
Royal Society of New Zealand Act, 1997
In gifting the name ‘Te Apārangi’ to the Society in 2007, the distinguished Tuhoe scholar James Wharehuia Milroy, gave us a phrase which carries the meaning of ‘a group of experts’.
These are substantial mantles to carry, and their weight presses more heavily in times of stress and contest such as those we are living through in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. We are a group of scholars, of people, who are diverse as well as distinguished. In the main we are able to discuss our differences with the usual professional respect with which we conduct our research exchanges. I was heartened by the turnout and large quotient of constructive discussion at the Special Meeting of Fellows on 13 April. We are looking to find further ways in which such meetings and interactions between Fellows might be arranged.
Summaries of the deliberations and steps which follow from the April discussions have been circulated to Fellows by Chief Executive Paul Atkins and President Brent Clothier.
Within the Academy Executive Committee (AEC) we are looking to the future: specifically, the shape, character and vigour of the research community in the years to come. At our 26 May meeting we spent some time imagining the research community of Aotearoa New Zealand and Fellowship as they might be at 2040.
- Will we still be a Royal Society?
- What form will the landscape of enquiry be that early career researchers are entering into?
- What paths of opportunity and recognition lie ahead for them and how do we assist to ensure that the ambition and talent that exists is able to flourish?
- What lines of connection will researchers in Aotearoa have to research partners across the globe and how will such research partnerships be fostered and sustained in a world facing the urgencies of climate change?
- How might we work best to nurture Aotearoa New Zealand as a place of research excellence and distinctiveness?
We would be keen to hear from Fellows on these questions.
Some changes in membership of AEC will take place on 30 June. Dr Tony Conner’s long and hardworking term as Deputy Convenor will come to an end at 30 June. Tony has given invaluable service to the Academy. Our thanks and best wishes go with him. Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase (Engineering with biomedical focus, University of Canterbury) has been elected as Tony Conner’s successor as Deputy (the electoral college is the AEC plus Council members who are Fellows). Professor Cather Simpson (Physics/Chemistry, University of Auckland) was elected to the vacant convenor of the Technology, Applied Sciences and Engineering domain (the electoral college being Fellows in the domain). Professor Robyn Longhurst (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Human Geography, University of Waikato) became the elected domain convenor for Social and Behavioural Sciences after six months in which she was acting convenor following the early completion of term of Professor Stephen May. At the 26 May meeting, the AEC decided to co-opt a further Māori Fellow to the committee. At present Professor Angus MacFarlane represents both Māori Knowledge and Development and the sole Māori voice at the table.
Winter can be a season of hibernation but in a temperate climate such as New Zealand’s, and with grant and nomination deadlines looming, that is less likely to be the case. The appeal of a lively laboratory, a warm library or a fresh seminar discussion (in person or online) will mean we will all be enjoying an active few months as the light shortens but the stars shine brighter.
With best wishes for the season of Matariki.
Charlotte Macdonald
Chair, Academy Executive Committee