University of Otago evolutionary biologist Distinguished Professor Hamish Spencer is delighted with the honour, awarded for his outstanding contributions to promoting science as a global public good.
Based in the university’s department of zoology, he is just one of three New Zealanders to be recognised as an ISC fellow to date — the others being Sir Peter Gluckman and Sir Collin Tukuitonga.
He said the fellowship was both "a great honour" and "an important responsibility".
"I am looking forward to assisting the ISC in bringing scientific evidence to bear on matters of major importance to science and society."
Prof Spencer said the ISC was facilitating greater scientific expertise in, and advice on, issues of major global concern to science and society, including environmental, social issues and those such as artificial intelligence.
"Having scientific input and getting the facts right when exploring these matters will mean better decisions," he said.
He was one of 100 new fellows appointed from around the world, including eminent social and natural scientists, engineers and thought leaders.
"The ISC is very global in its outlook and mission and therefore includes fellows from around the world who represent a large diversity of backgrounds, expertise and opinions.
"As a fellow, I will have the opportunity to interact with people with new ideas who I never would have otherwise.
"As an academic, hearing new serious ideas is really stimulating, so I’m really looking forward to that."
Prof Spencer has been based in the zoology department for more than 30 years and has engaged extensively with communities and the public on the communication and articulation of scientific information.
He said he had been particularly fortunate to engage with communities and government agencies through his previous roles, including as director of the Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution (2012-15) and as an independent science adviser for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (2016-21).
Prof Spencer said the rise and breadth of contemporary global scientific challenges meant the role of fellows was becoming even more important to help the ISC advance its vision of science as a global public good.
