The museum is providing the community with insights about science and humanities in a holistic way, rather than simply promoting a scientific viewpoint, he says.
The museum was also a ''really good'' connecting place, bringing researchers, including at the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies at the University of Otago, together with the community, Dr Grant said.
The museum could not only inspire young people about science and technology, but also help raise wider community awareness about issues such as biodiversity and climate change, he said.
Dr Grant (45) was born in Dunedin, attended Otago Boys' High School, and has a PhD in plant biochemistry from Otago University.
Before taking up his museum job this month, he was an enterprise manager and fund specialist at the university's research and enterprise office. There he worked with research teams and external partners to develop and fund research projects and outreach activities.
In his museum role, he is responsible for a team working on various forms of science engagement, including the museum's Discovery World Tropical Forest, Search Centre and the planned new planetarium, the latter due to open later this year.
Dr Grant will also play a leading role in the Otago Participatory Science Platform.
This is a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funded project, which aims to encourage and connect community-based organisations with science professionals, and highlight the positive role of science in society.
The project is a collaborative venture involving the museum, the university, Otago Polytechnic, Ngai Tahu, the Dunedin City Council and the New Zealand International Science Festival.
Dr Grant has also worked for several research, funding and industry organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
