Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2024 Dec 18;55(6):2546-2563.
doi: 10.1080/03036758.2024.2438138. eCollection 2025.

Leading with courage and integrity in the National Science Challenges

Andrea E Byrom  1   2 , Andrea T Airey  3 , James G Buwalda  1   4 , Bruce D Clarkson  5 , Aaron T McGlinchy  1   6 , Maureen O'Callaghan  7 , Glenice Paine  1 , Duane A Peltzer  2 , Rob Phillips  1 , Kevin Prime  1 , Nick W Waipara  8 , Melanie Mark-Shadbolt  9
Affiliations

Leading with courage and integrity in the National Science Challenges

Andrea E Byrom et al. J R Soc N Z. .

Abstract

National Science Challenges (NSCs) were a decade-long science policy experiment for Aotearoa New Zealand. The leadership skills required to uphold the mission-led intent, build trust with stakeholders, support transdisciplinary research and invest in Māori knowledge have not previously been explored. We identify 15 elements of leadership common to NSCs, with a focus on New Zealand's Biological Heritage Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho (BioHeritage). We draw parallels with global efforts to modernise contemporary science policy instruments to derive value from public investment in research, science and innovation and to value Indigenous knowledge as a critical contributor to addressing complex environmental crises. We conclude with 10 recommendations for the future of the Research, Science & Innovation (RS&I) sector in Aotearoa. Implementing the recommendations would ensure that leadership capability and capacity built by NSCs endures for the benefit of future generations of researchers, Indigenous knowledge holders, society and the environment.

Keywords: Aotearoa New Zealand; Indigenous knowledge; Tiriti-led; doing science differently; environmental research; mission-led; rehumanising leadership; science leadership; science policy.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

References

    1. Aitken J, Shadbolt M, Doherty J, Mark-Shadbolt M, Marzano M, Ataria J.. 2021. Empowering the Indigenous voice in a graphical representation of Aotearoa’s biocultural heritage (flora and fauna). Pacific Conservation Biology 27: 481–492. doi: 10.1071/PC20027. - DOI
    1. Apiti A, Tassell-Matamua N, Moriarty T.. 2023. He Taonga Kē Ngā Kaumātua: Kaumātua Perspectives of te Taiao, Ngahere and Taonga Species. Knowledge Cultures. 11(1):19–33. ISSN 2327-5731, eISSN 2375-6527. doi: 10.22381/kc11120232. - DOI
    1. Bammer G, O’Rourke M, O’Connell D, Neuhauser L, Midgley G, Klein JT, Grigg NJ, Gadlin H, Elsum IR, Bursztyn M, Fulton EA.. 2020. Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened? Palgrave Communications. 6:5. doi: 10.1057/s41599-019-0380-0. - DOI
    1. Bargh M, Tapsell E.. 2021. For a tika transition: strengthen rangatiratanga. Policy Quarterly. 17(3):13–22.
    1. Bioethics Panel . 2019. Predator free New Zealand: social, cultural, and ethical challenges. BioHeritage Challenge. 26. doi: 10.34721/PQ1H-9C96. - DOI

LinkOut - more resources