Nā Te Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive update

Tēnā koutou,

We have recently had the privilege to partner in a number of events that have stimulated considerable reflection:

Two weeks ago we had the pleasure of working alongside several partner organisations to enable an audience of around 80 guests to listen to and meet Dr Jane Goodall during her Reasons for Hope 2024 Tour in New Zealand.  Dr Jane, as she is known, is in her 91st year and is seemingly as energetic as ever, spending around 300 days each year travelling the globe as she seeks to influence the planet’s future, drawing on her immense experience, research, insight and wisdom, presenting messages of hope and a clear call-to-action.  More information about Jane’s work can be found on the Jane Goodall Institute website.

Last week, in partnership with the Antarctic Research Centre at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, we hosted Professor Detlef Stammer, Chair of the World Climate Research Programme for a half-day workshop entitled Actionable Climate Science for Aotearoa, New Zealand. Professor Stammer presented an overview of the WCRP and how it facilitates international climate research that contributes to societal wellbeing. Following his presentation, there were sessions on key climate challenges for Aotearoa New Zealand, the country’s climate science research landscape, and how our climate research enterprise can better contribute to diverse stakeholder needs. These sessions were followed by a public talk by Detlef – a video of this talk will be available soon. 

The Society has an ongoing and strong relationship with the Antarctic Heritage Trust (AHT), with our President serving ex-officio on the AHT Board. In 2023 the Society supported AHT’s ‘Inspiring Explorers’ programme, including support for Dr Kaitlyn Martin to join an expedition of young explorers to South Georgia. Read Kaitlyn’s blog of the expedition.  In the last week, a photo essay from one of the other expedition participants, Siobhan O’Connor, has been published in The Spinoff.  Please do have a look at the beautiful images alongside the compelling narrative and reflections of Siobhan’s experience.

Whilst on the topic of reflections, in this issue of THE LINK our outgoing President, Dr Brent Clothier, offers some reflections of his time as President.  On a personal note, I would like to thank Brent for all he has done for the Society over the past 3 years.  It has been a pleasure to work with Brent during a time of considerable change in our operating environment.

As you will be aware, Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding will take over as President of the Society on 1 July.  Jane and I are taking the opportunity to visit our counterpart societies and academies in the UK in early July to discuss how they are planning for the future and where we might partner to mutual benefit. These international connections are extremely important and in the last few months alone have led to joint activities including participation in an international child health workshop convened by the Academy of Medical Sciences in February 2024 in London. We are also part of a trilateral partnership with the Royal Society of Canada and the Australian Academy of Science supporting greater engagement of indigenous researchers across all three academies.  An inaugural meeting will take place in Vancouver in November, hosted by the Royal Society of Canada.  We will share more about this event nearer the time.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Paul Atkins
Chief Executive