New Chair of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology Board

  • Pete Hodgson
Research, Science and Technology

Bryan Gould will succeed Dame Margaret Bazley as the new Chair of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology Board, Pete Hodgson, Minister for Research, Science and Technology announced today.

Mr Gould brings a record of significant governance experience, strong and relevant connections to the research sector and an excellent understanding of government processes to the Foundation.

Mr Gould served as member of the UK parliament for 14 years before returning to New Zealand to become Vice Chancellor of Waikato University, a post which he held for 10 years until his retirement in 2004. Under his leadership, the University of Waikato undertook several significant initiatives, including the construction of the WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, the establishment of the School of Maori and Pacific Development, and the creation of the Waikato Innovation Park.

Mr Gould has been appointed for a three year term and will succeed Dame Margaret Bazley in May 2008. This will complete six years of service on the Board for Dame Bazley. Mr Gould will be involved in the appointment process for the other three members whose terms will end on 30 April 2008.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Dame Margaret Bazley for her hard work; during her time on the board she has made a considerable impact and has implemented some significant changes around government investment in Research, Science and Technology. I wish her well in all her future endeavours.” said Pete Hodgson.

The Foundation was established by the Research, Science and Technology Act 1990 to invest in science and technology research for the benefit of New Zealand. It invests approximately $450 million of public money per annum through a number of funds and schemes to help support:

•'public good' related science and technology, undertaken by Crown Research Institutes, universities, private researchers and industry led-consortia
•private sector business research and development, and
•New Zealand's top achieving students and researchers.