The Anti Brain Drain

Yesterday I met with several other young scientists for a discussion about our futures in New Zealand, still involved in science, but outside the lab.

We decided we would take the initiative ourselves and begin regular meetings to throw around ideas, network and raise our profile to employers, leverage our collective knowledge, and hopefully learn a few things and have a bit of fun along the way. We’re also hoping to get a few interesting people in to talk to us, and maybe to even do a bit of free consulting to build up a track record amongst ourselves. So if you know any interesting folk who might be keen to pass on some knowledge, or whose company could benefit from a bit of a scientific brainstorm with some nimble young minds, do leave a comment! We don’t know how this will evolve, or even what our identity is just yet, but watch this space!

We had a range of academic backgrounds and career aspirations, but what blew me away the most was how committed these people are to building a knowledge economy in New Zealand through research, startup companies, investment, and a number of other activities, sort of like an anti brain drain - which I think is pretty exciting...

Hello!

Last year I graduated with a PhD in chemistry after 8 years at Victoria University. Since then, I’ve been working to form a start up company out of some of our University research, and working as an analyst at one of New Zealand’s leading Venture Capital firms, Endeavour Capital.

What gets me excited are the amazing ideas I come across everyday - whether they are those I only hear about, or whether they come from the people I’m lucky enough to interact with. People don’t often think of scientists as being creative people, but indeed we are, and with the economy in decline and the future of our planet hanging in the balance, creativity in science is needed now more than ever.

I hope this small blog does justice to these ideas, opens your eyes to some of the amazing things Kiwi’s are doing, as well as highlighting things from around the world that I think are just plain awesome. I’ll try to shed some light on any relevant issues where I can, but this is also grounds for you to offer your opinions or advice, as I will never profess to know it all. Then we can all learn something…enjoy.