Plant & Food Research welcomes Prime Minister John Key

Launch of new Prizes for Science will encourage science and benefit New Zealand.

Prime Minister John Key today visited Plant & Food Research’s Auckland headquarters to learn about the Institute’s contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth.

On his first visit to the Plant & Food Research site, Mr Key was given a tour of the facilities which included presentations by Dr Roger Harker on the Institute’s sensory science capabilities and Dr Andy Allan describing the use of genomics techniques in accelerating traditional fruit breeding programmes.

Whilst visiting Plant & Food, Mr Key launched the inaugural Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science to an audience of the science community, including senior representatives from universities, commercial organisations with a strong research focus, and other Crown Research Institutes. He emphasised that research is vital to the success of New Zealand and scientific accomplishment should be recognised.

“Our scientists are doing high-quality research in many areas but too often their achievements receive little public acclaim. We are committed to raising the profile and prestige of science in New Zealand,” said Mr Key.

“New Zealand’s prosperity rests on our ability to make full use of our scientific expertise. These prizes, by combining recognition and financial reward, will be important in attracting young people into science careers.”

There will be five categories of prizes, with the inaugural winners to be announced in February 2010.