3 May 2013
Lincoln University welcomes the new National Science Challenges
New Zealand’s specialist land-based university welcomes and supports the Government’s new National Science Challenges.
The National Science Challenges are clearly identified social, environmental and economic opportunities and difficulties
that face New Zealand. The Challenges framework announced by the Government describes these opportunities and
difficulties using lucid, intelligible terms accessible by the general public rather than describing them using obtuse,
somewhat unintelligible scientific disciplines accessible only to specialist audiences. The choice to do this makes the
National Science Challenges inclusive at all levels of society and this is of real benefit to scientists. Scientific
research funding will be available within the Challenge framework.
“The last time scientific priorities were set this clearly and concisely was in 1995. I applaud the Government for its
gumption and its foresight in doing this, and I applaud its determination to back research and development in these
austere economic times” says Dr Andrew West, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University.
“The framework of National Science Challenges is grounded in the practical reality of opportunity and difficulty. This
is refreshing because the National Science Challenges balance social, environmental and economic imperatives. University
academics and Crown Research Institute scientists can – and will - now demonstrate their initiative and creativity by
populating these National Science Challenges with high-quality, relevant and exciting scientific programmes” says Dr
West.
Lincoln University is up for the challenge and will be a leading participant in helping populate those Challenges
relevant to its three main themes of:
• Feeding the world
• Protecting the future
• Living well
ENDS