the new zealand institute- n z i m a（新西兰理工学院- n z我）.docVIP

ANNUAL REPORT covering the period 1 July 2004 to 31 December 2005 (because of change to reporting cycle) Approved by the NZIMA Governing Board on 21 March 2006 CONTENTS Overview from Chair of the NZIMA Board 3 Report from Directors and Executive Committee 4 Comments from International Scientific Advisory Board 7 Progress with respect to CoRE Fund objectives 9 Thematic programmes: summary 11 Thematic programmes: research progress 13 Maclaurin fellowships Directors’ research 25 Postgraduate student research 28 Conferences and Visitors 30 Awards and Honours 32 International linkages 34 Publications 36 Financial report 47 Contact directory 49 Appendix 1: Aims and structure of the NZIMA 50 Appendix 2: Profiles of Board and Executive 55  OVERVIEW FROM CHAIR OF THE NZIMA BOARD Sir Ian Axford DSc FRS FRSNZ, Chair of the NZIMA’s Governing Board, reports: Once again I am delighted to offer some words for the annual report of the NZIMA, on behalf of its Board. As I’ve written previously, I think it is wonderful to see New Zealand recognising and supporting centres of research excellence, especially in areas of fundamental importance to society and the economy. The NZIMA has built on its early success by pursuing a suite of programmes in a variety of themes led by excellent people, by appointment of some very fine Maclaurin Fellows and postgraduate scholars, and by supporting high quality international visitors and local conferences. The benefits are apparent from the highlights mentioned in this report. The Governing Board will play its role in the ongoing development of the NZIMA, and continue to shape its strategy in the years ahead. We face some positive challenges in helping the NZIMA to build up its resource base, to use its centres of research excellence funding and status as leverage to obtain enhanced support for its activities, and to further its mission. A particular challenge (which was identifie