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Cawthron Trust Announces 2009 Winner of $25k Science Leader AwardThe Cawthron Institute Trust Board is proud to announce that the winner of this year's Cawthron Science Leader Award is Dr Richard Gordon, Science General Manager (Environment & Society) at Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua. The Award, valued at almost $25,000, provides an all-expenses-paid place for Dr Gordon on the prestigious 18-month Hillary Leadership Programme, run by the New Zealand Leadership Institute, a highly regarded leadership development and research institute based at the University of Auckland Business School. Internationally recognised for his work in implementing the values and goals of sustainable development, Dr Gordon is very grateful to the Cawthron Trust Board, that has been "far-sighted in using the Cawthron Science Leader Award to support the integration of science and business in New Zealand". Dr Gordon believes the rapid developments we are seeing in technology and the challenges presented by global change, mean that businesses must have ready access to leading science and recognise the opportunities that it offers. These opportunities, he suggests, are not limited to new products and innovative services. Science can also help to protect access to markets, for example, where good environmental performance by business is rewarded in local and global markets. "The integration of science and business can be greatly improved in New Zealand; both sides recognise that" says Gordon. "We need to work on the translation between these two groups and identify what is involved in creating effective, sustainable collaboration. I intend to use my time in the Hillary Leadership Programme to stimulate progress within this integration." Joline Francoeur, Director of Leadership Development at the New Zealand Leadership Institute, reinforced the unique opportunity that this programme presents. "The Hillary Leadership Programme brings together senior executives to work on the leadership required for challenges that don't have an easy fix" says Ms Francoeur. "Challenges, such as the one that the Cawthron Trust Board and Dr Gordon have highlighted, require a leadership approach which disrupts entrenched mindsets and boundaries in order to stimulate new forms of collaboration." Bob Dickinson, Chair of the Cawthron Institute Trust Board, which supports scientific research that benefits New Zealand and is the owner of Cawthron Institute, says the Board is very proud to be offering this award to Dr Gordon, who had faced formidable competition from applicants of a very high standard. "Dr Gordon impressed us with his insight into the link between sustainability and economic prosperity and the work he has done in this field to date. We are delighted to present him with this Award and believe he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the programme and to the sector." The Hillary Leadership Programme begins next week with a four day workshop being held in Auckland. The Cawthron Institute Trust Board supports scientific research that benefits New Zealand. It is the owner of Cawthron Institute. Cawthron Institute provides high quality research, technologies and testing. They specialise in supporting the aquaculture industry and in the management and sustainable use of coastal and freshwater systems. Operating since 1919, Cawthron is a private, independent, not-for-profit research centre. Situated in Nelson, they employ over 180 scientific and technical staff. Cawthron generates revenue from research and consulting contracts with government and non government agencies and commercial enterprise. www.cawthron.org.nz For more information please contact: Bob Dickinson Dr Peter Blyde Dr Richard Gordon
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