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Inaugural Cawthron Science Award Leader Taking Science to the Community.The head of an independent trust that facilitates land management and biodiversity initiatives in rural communities has won the inaugural Cawthron Science Leader Award. The Award, valued at almost $25,000, provides an all expenses paid place on the prestigious 18-month Hillary Leadership Programme, run by Excelerator: New Zealand Leadership Institute which is part of the Auckland Business School. Dr Nicholas Edgar, who was appointed CEO of the New Zealand Landcare Trust last August, is excited at the prospect of being the ‘first’ to take advantage of the unique scholarship. “Having a career in science, it’s easy to test your expertise, to know where you sit, because science is such a rigorous process of peer review you know how good your research is and whether you are at the cutting edge or not. Moving into management and leadership is a totally different arena with its own set of challenges”. He sees the Award as an opportunity for him to test his ability and build on his leadership, something he is aware is not readily on offer to others in his position, with what he describes as “a distinct lack of mentoring peer programmes for CEOs, not only in the Waikato, but generally. The idea of meeting with like minded senior leaders, sharing thoughts, fears and ideas about leadership, reflecting on what is your style and what you want to get out of being a leader is truly exciting. The fact it’s not just a one off event, but an 18-month programme where you can build networks is also important. The challenge is to get others on board about the science agenda, to be a voice for science in that grouping”. Dr Edgar, who was born and bred in the Waikato, worked in lake research and applied catchment management and restoration projects in New Zealand and Australia, before returning home to Hamilton and his current role. While it was no surprise the 42 year old, who was “always interested in insects as a young boy” later qualified as a freshwater ecologist, his move into senior management was more of an evolution than any long held ambition. “One of the big questions for me was – would the move mean losing my roots – could I retain my credibility as a scientist, finding the time to be up to date with the latest research and continue to publish, while also leading an organisation?” What the Cawthron Science Leader Award highlights to him is “it is not only possible, but something the industry also considers desirable.Because the focus for so many years has been on simply getting enough funding to continue a career, there really hasn’t been any promotion of the importance of merging science and leadership. This Award reinforces the need for that connection and for all of us to maintain our interest in research and science from the highest levels.” While in his new role for just short of a year, Dr Edgar is already trying to walk the talk – completing a strategic review of the Landcare Trust to ensure the integration of science into the Trust’s work programme for the next five years. Seven applicants were shortlisted for the inaugural award from a variety of backgrounds including environmental agencies, laboratories, regional councils and CRIs. Cawthron Institute Trust Board Member, Rochelle Selby-Neal, says Dr Edgar not only has an impressive science research record, but an ability to take that knowledge and apply it on the ground and a desire to continue to promote science while mentoring and empowering colleagues across a wide range of sectors, including the community, iwi, government and commercial organisations. Rochelle Selby-Neal says Dr Edgar impresses as someone who, through his own actions, will quietly and confidently inspire others and she is under no doubt “he will leave a legacy of lasting change in New Zealand. He understands the links between sustainability and economic security, and how science will fit into that, and is clearly committed to applying that knowledge and understanding towards a better future.” Hillary Programme Lead Facilitator, Dr Peter Blyde, says Dr Edgar is looking to bring an inclusive and empowering leadership to the organisation he has grown up in over the past five years. “Philosophically and practically, Dr Edgar is demonstrating a strong commitment to the new forms of leadership we will be stimulating throughout the programme.” For more information: Rochelle Selby-Neal Dr Peter Blyde, lead facilitator for the Hillary Programme. Dr Nicholas Edgar Dr Edgar has a D.Phil. in freshwater ecology from the University of Waikato, has been employed as an Environmental Scientist with Environment Waikato, as a Natural Resource Specialist with Central Queensland University and spent five years as a Research Manager with the NZ Landcare Trust, before taking up his current role as CEO.
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