Prof Harlene Hayne, a leading psychologist and University of Otago deputy vice-chancellor, research and enterprise, has been appointed to chair a committee of experts seeking to improve the health and wellbeing of adolescents.
Young New Zealanders, aged between about 15 and 20, have some of the worst health-related outcomes in their age group, among OECD countries.
Prof Sir Peter Gluckman, the chief science adviser to the Prime Minister, discussed Prof Hayne's appointment during an open lecture on science and the country's future, which he gave at the University of Otago yesterday.
The committee is part of a pilot project, and has resulted from moves, supported by Prime Minister John Key, to strengthen the role of evidence-based scientific research in policy development.
The committee's membership includes specialists in education, biomedical research, family functioning, psychology, adolescent psychiatry, and cultural factors.
The project focuses on "improving the transition" between childhood and adulthood, in order to reduce "social and psychological morbidity during adolescence".
Prof Hayne later said she was "thrilled" to be involved, and the committee's work was the culmination of everything she had been working for since she had been at Otago University.
The committee aimed to evaluate the biomedical and social science literature and suggest strategies to improve the transition through adolescence, she said.
The final report would be completed by next September and would identify areas where recommendations for evidence-based policy were possible, and where further research might be required.
The Government wanted to increase New Zealand's economic productivity.
If the physical and psychological health of young people could be improved, this would also add significantly to their wider productivity, she said in an interview.
