Science, innovation roles

Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp. Photo / Supplied

Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp says he has appointed some of the country's top scientists and business leaders to the new science and innovation boards.

Dr Mapp said the boards would fund "high-quality research" to increase productivity and raise New Zealand's standard of living.

Dr William Rolleston will chair the Innovation Board and Otago University Vice-Chancellor Sir David Skegg will chair the Science Board. The boards come under the wing of the new Ministry of Science and Innovation, which becomes fully operational on February 1.