Royal Society Te Apārangi: Difference between revisions

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Modelled after the Royal_Society in London, the Royal Society of New Zealand was founded in 1851 and is the premier learned society in New Zealand. Currently constituted under the Royal Society of New Zealand Act 1997 the RSNZ exists to:

1. To foster in the New Zealand community a culture that supports science and technology, including (without limitation) (i) The promotion of public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of science and technology; and (ii) The advancement of science and technology education:
2. To encourage, promote, and recognise excellence in science and technology:
3. To provide an infrastructure and other support for the professional needs and development of scientists and technologists:
4. To provide expert advice on important public issues to the Government and the community:
5. To do all other lawful things which the Council considers conducive to the advancement and promotion of science and technology in New Zealand.

It is a federation of 49 constituent scientific and technological organisations, and also several affiliate organisations, and it has individual members.

The RSNZ's activities encompass:

1. Science Funding As a non-political funding distribution agency for government funding, particularly in science research and science education
2. Publishing The RSNZ publishes such peer-reviewed journals as NZ Journal of Botany and NZ Journal of Zoology
3. Meetings and Seminars Most local branches and constituent scientific and technological organisations run seminar series of some descriptions, and the RSNZ promotes these and coordinates touring international lecturers.
4. Awards and Medals The RSNZ awards the Rutherford Medal (formerly the Gold Medal) and the Pickering Medal annually to recognise people who have made outstanding contributions to New Zealand society and culture in science, mathematics, social science, and technology. Silver and Bronze medals are also awarded.
5. Science Education The RSNZ promotes quality science education and plays a role in setting the national science curriculum.

Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand

The Academy Council of the society from time to time elects as a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand any person who in its opinion "has achieved distinction in research or the advancement of science or technology". The number of Fellows is limited to such number as is agreed from time to time between the Academy Council and the Council of the society. A Fellow is entitled to use, in connection with his or her name, either the letters FRSNZ, which stand for Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, or such other letters or title as is agreed from time to time between the Academy Council and the Council.

Statement on Global Warming

On July 10, 2008, the Royal Society of New Zealand released a statement, which said in summary:

The globe is warming because of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Measurements show that greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are well above levels seen for many thousands of years. Further global climate changes are predicted, with impacts expected to become more costly as time progresses. Reducing future impacts of climate change will require substantial reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

External links

• Home page
• Royal Society of New Zealand Act 1997