Dr Julie Hall appointed as Challenge Director

Rob Fenwick, Chair of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge, announced that Dr Julie Hall has been appointed as Challenge Director. 

Kia ora koutou,

I’m delighted to advise that the Governance Board of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge has appointed Dr Julie Hall as the Challenge Director. 

The Challenge Director is a critical leadership role responsible for the coordination and operation of the Challenge. Dr Hall’s outstanding science achievements, both nationally and internationally, provide her with the experience and skills required to advance the Sustainable Seas Challenge effectively.

Dr Hall has had an impressive career to date in aquatic science, both freshwater and marine.  She has undertaken research and applied science throughout New Zealand, and also the Antarctic and wider Pacific, and has experience in science education and outreach. Her research expertise covers microbial foodwebs and ecology, aquatic primary production and marine pollution, and she has led a number of oceanographic research voyages. 

Of particular significance to her role as Challenge Director is her experience in science management.   She has been a member of over 25 international science committees, most notably as Chair of the Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research Scientific Steering Committee, Co-Chair of the IGBP/SCOR Committee for Future Ocean Research, and a member of the Coastal Ocean Observation Panel of the Global Ocean Observing System initiative.   

Dr Hall is currently a Regional Manager at NIWA Wellington and responsible for over 90 staff associated with fisheries and marine science, but will take on her new responsibilities of Challenge Director as of today. 

I trust you will all join with me in congratulating Dr Hall on this appointment, and will support her in this new role.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank on behalf of the Board Dr Barb Hayden for the outstanding job she has achieved in advancing the Sustainable Seas Challenge to date.

Yours sincerely,

Rob Fenwick

Chair Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge