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The new Prime Minister's chief science advisor Juliet Gerrard. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher
Dr Juliet Gerrard has recently finished up after six years as the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor.
They were years dominated by the Covid pandemic, where she was integral to New Zealand's cautious response and subsequent vaccine rollout.
During those years she also advised the government on some other controversial subjects including fluoride, cannabis law reform and gene editing.
Dr Gerard, who is a biochemist, also saw in that time the rise of disinformation, at times an anti-science backlash and vitriol towards scientists.
She's taking a step back from public life now, but is concerned about the state of the science sector, which has seen job losses and funding cuts, and the end of the National Science Challenges.