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”.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, young and old, joined international experts from Singularity University, Google NZ and Massey University for MISINFORMATION CHALLENGES, Aspen’s fifth seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems thinking and Values based Leadership series, a two-day online event exploring misinformation issues in a year that has been dominated by pandemic induced fake news.

Graeme Acton, Asia Media Centre Manager said:

The level of debate was an extremely good combination of real world dynamics, academic thought leadership and insightful points of view from a varied group of people.

In the face of bad news, bad information compounds the damage. As we are overcome by uncertainty and very real unknowns regarding the pandemic, politics, war and natural disasters we encourage you to fully understand the scope of the disinformation challenge, but here are some steps you can take to prevent transmission.

Photo: On a footpath in Queenstown Aug 2021

Watch Rt. Hon Helen Clark discuss the findings and recommendations of the Independent Panel for Preparedness with Aspen partners, from six of the G7 countries responsible for funding the WHO, 'We have not even reached the zenith of this pandemic, not by a long way.'

On Thursday 10th December, we hosted a roundtable discussion with Nicholas Snyder, Political and Economic Counsellor, from the U.S. Embassy in Wellington on:

The future of United States relations with New Zealand, Asia and its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The US Ambassador to New Zealand, Scott Brown and his wife Gail-Huff Brown visited Queenstown on Friday 26th June and spent time with supporters of Aspen NZ.

This format lends itself magnificently to allowing us to learn from the unfettered opinions of others … which have challenged my perspectives, Student.

A nice balance of listening and speaking … touching on a wide range of thought-provoking aspects without getting bogged down. The calibre of participants was also key … from student to CEO, Managing Director.

Welcome to ‘A Moment of Clarity’ - our curation of views on the challenges posed by COVID-19 from global subject matter experts and the Aspen Institute’s International Network.

See the latest posts:

• Aspen Fellows: Changing geo-politics of energy post COVID world.

• Wired: Open source can play a pivotal role in fighting Covid-19.

A message from Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield, Washington DC.

Dear Friends,

One of the great lessons of history is that in moments of crisis, our communities sustain us. And since our founding, the Aspen Institute has been committed to not only the creation of a free, just, and equitable society, but to fostering strong communities among our many partners and friends. Indeed, the ways in which we connect with each other are at the heart of our work and our impact.