The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor (PMCSA) provides independent scientific advice to the Prime Minister and the Government, and comments on and contributes to scientific issues and debates of public importance.
This page contains a selection of archived material from the previous terms of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisors, Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard (in the role July 2018 - June 2024) and her predecessor, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman (in the role 2009 - 2018).
Who is the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor?
Dr John Roche was appointed in May 2025 as the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor.
Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard from the University of Auckland was appointed in 2018 and concluded a second term on 30 June 2024.
Professor Sir Peter Gluckman was the inaugural PMCSA, appointed in 2009 and reappointed for four terms, until 2018.
What does the current PMCSA do?
Following a review of the science system in 2024, the Government established the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council (PMSITAC) supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The PMCSA is currently a public servant based in DPMC, who supports robust decision making by providing high quality, scientific advice to the Prime Minister and the Government. They are also the Deputy Chair of PMSITAC.
What is the PMCSA archive?
The page Archive 2009 - 2024 contains links to the curated archived publications of Professor Gluckman and Professor Gerrard. It contains key reports and documents which were published during their respective appointments as PMCSA.