A front row seat: lessons learned at the intersection of science, policy, and politics
18 November 2025 - 18 November 2025
6–8 pm
Region(s): Wellington
Type(s): presentations
Come along to the free Sir Frank Holmes Memorial Lecture in Public Policy with Dame Juliet Ann Gerrard DNZM FRSNZ.
As Chief Science Advisor to three Prime Ministers, Dame Juliet Gerrard provided science advice on a broad range of topics, including plastics, cannabis, AI in healthcare, and food waste. Over a tumultuous six years in this role, she also had a front row seat during three emergencies – the Christchurch mosque shooting, the Whakaari | White Island volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her lecture, Juliet will reflect on lessons learned during this time and how her learnings might support science advice in the challenging times ahead.
Dame Juliet Gerrard
Dame Juliet Gerrard is a biochemist and Professor at the University of Auckland. She began her tenure as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor in 2018 when Jacinda Ardern was Prime Minister. She was reappointed for a second term in 2021 and resigned in 2024. Listen to this RNZ interview about her six years as Prime Minister's Science Advisor.
Where: Lecture Theatre 1 (GBLT1), Government Buildings, 55 Lambton Quay, Wellington
For more information: www.wgtn.ac.nz/business/engage/events/sir-frank-holmes-memorial-lecture-in-public-policy-with-dame-juliet-ann-gerrard-dnzm-frsnz
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