New Zealand Science Talk

Now Someone’s Talking Properly about what Ails NZ Science

Kevin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:15:15 +0000

Finally someone – Professor Sir Peter Gluckman – is saying the right things about science in New Zealand. Even the skeptics are impressed! Basically he’s saying only what the RSNZ should have been saying loud and clear for the last 30 years – science in New Zealand is run by bureaucrats and therefore is doomed to failure. Another point he makes is our lack of support for young upcoming scientists chases them away in their droves. It is certainly worth listening to and I hope he will keep saying it.

Sir Peter Gluckman is founding director of the world-renowned Liggins Institute and one of New Zealand’s best known scientists. Professor Gluckman is the Government’s science adviser, first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. Enjoy……

Ooops I should have said start listening 10 minutes in – his comments on P and folate in my opinion are somewhat less than useful.

Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3

Finally the Truth about the so called “Unfortunate Experiment”

Kevin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:12:51 +0000

Everyone should listen to this Book Review with Rae McGregor of “A History of the ‘Unfortunate Experiment’ at National Women’s Hospital” by Linda Bryder. Published by Auckland University Press. Finally a comprehensive book outlining the truth about the biggest miscarriage of justice in the history of 20th century New Zealand, where two great New Zealand doctors and research scientists were hung out to dry for ideological and political reasons. Scientists, the University, and NZ Health and Legal systems and the government should hang their heads in shame that this event wasn’t dealt with honestly at the time, and was left to a historian to bring out what the Listener article describes as “finally the truth”. The families and Professional colleagues of Herb Green and Dennis Bonham have had to suffer this injustice for 20 years.

I hope that people will realize the truth is out and some closure can come to the families and colleagues, including my father in law, Dr Graeme Overton, who worked so hard all his life, like they all did, to improve women’s health in this country. Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3

Welcome to New Zealand Science!

Kevin — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 08:50:24 +0000

You can contact me at k.o.hicks@xtra.co.nz