Prime Minister's Christopher Luxon's office says an appointment to the chief science advisor role would be timed with the Science System Advisory Group's (SSAG) review into the science sector. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The prime minister may soon be a step closer to appointing a new chief science advisor, with a critical report into the science sector expected to be delivered in the next couple of weeks.
The role has been vacant since Dame Juliet Gerrard stepped down in June last year, and the official website for the advisor's office has been archived since late October.
Prime Minister's Christopher Luxon's office has said an appointment to the role would be timed with the Science System Advisory Group's (SSAG) review into the science sector.
The SSAG - led by Sir Peter Gluckman - was tasked with advising the government on how to strengthen the science, innovation and technology system, and deliver a two-phase report.
The first phase of the report was made public in January and recommended sweeping changes such as merging the Crown Research Institutes.
The second phase of the report, which would make final recommendations, was due to be delivered at the end of October last year.
RNZ understands that report would now be handed to the Science Minister in early May.
In January, the Science Minister Shane Reti said the chief science advisor's role would be filled "shortly".
Former Science Minister Judith Collins has said Luxon made it clear that he would be making the appointment.
Submissions on the second phase of the SSAG report, which included questions about science funding, closed on 4 April and the final report is expected to be delivered in a couple of weeks' time.
In a statement to RNZ, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office said the SSAG was continuing to advise the government on strengthening the science sector and "the appointment of the Prime Minister's chief science advisor will be made after this work".
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