In Favour of Pure Science, a collaboration between the 14 international Aspen Partners, is the final report detailing pure science's global challenges and opportunities. The accompanying symposium was an engaging and thought-provoking discussion among the Partner representatives, including New Zealand's Professor Richard Blaikie.

A far reaching conversation with a group of experts discussed the state of pure (basic) research in New Zealand co-chaired by Aaron Mertz, Director of Aspen Institute’s Science & Society Program and Christine Maiden Sharp, CEO of Aspen Institute New Zealand.

“Overall, New Zealand underspends and undervalues science & research. Pure science is vital to remain economically competitive and needs to be more inclusive and relevant, to increase trust and impact”.