The Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor (PMCSA) plays a vital role in ensuring science, innovation, and technology are at the forefront of government decision-making. The PMCSA provides independent, evidence-based advice to the Prime Minister and government, helping to address complex challenges and identify opportunities to improve the lives of all New Zealanders.
Meet Dr John Roche, Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor
Mission: The PMCSA works to:
- Provide timely, accurate, and high-quality scientific advice to the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and government agencies.
- Strengthen the connection between science, policy, and society to support future-focused outcomes for New Zealand.
- Ensure that science issues are well understood, explained, and integrated into relevant decision-making processes.
Key Responsibilities: The PMCSA has a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Acting as Deputy Chair of the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation, and Technology Advisory Council (PMSITAC), working with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to deliver the Council’s agenda.
- Advising on ways to leverage science, innovation, and technology to drive economic growth and improve quality of life for New Zealanders. This includes identifying priorities, opportunities for commercialisation, and areas for increased or decreased investment.
- Meeting quarterly with the Prime Minister to provide advice on science portfolios and ensure alignment with government priorities.
- Supporting the coordination of departmental and interdepartmental efforts, including contributing to high-impact initiatives and supporting the ODESC system and NEMA during national emergency activations.
- Undertaking research at the Prime Minister’s request, including redefining the role of Departmental Chief Science Advisors.
Key Areas of Focus: The PMCSA leads and contributes to projects that address critical issues, such as:
- Climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
- Emerging technologies and their societal impacts.
- Public health challenges, including pandemic preparedness and response.
- Science education and workforce development.
What does the current PMCSA do?
The part-time PMCSA is a public servant based in DPMC, who supports robust decision making by providing high quality, scientific advice to the Prime Minister and the Government.
As part of the science system reforms announced in January 2025, the Government established the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council (PMSITAC) supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This Council was established to advise Government on ways to leverage science, innovation, and technology to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for New Zealanders now and in the future. The PMCSA is the Deputy Chair of the PMSITAC.
Contact us
The PMCSA welcomes engagement with researchers, organisations, and members of the public. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please get in touch: Contact us
