Mike grew up in Ōtautahi and studied genetics at Lincoln University, followed by a PhD in virology in Australia. He then took his DNA skills and decided to apply them within the field of ancient and environmental DNA, where he then spent the next 20 years (at Universities in Oxford, Canada and Australia) extracting DNA from a wide variety of biological material – from fossils to sea water. Mike has published over 220 papers. In 2019, he left academia to take up the position of Chief Scientist at the EPA but in 2020 was seconded into Aotearoa’s COVID-19 response, where he wrote science advice and policy on the pandemic for the PMCSA, MoH and ESR. In November 2023, Mike was appointed as Chief Science Advisor at DOC. He lives in Wellington with his wife, two kids and golden retriever.
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25 March 2024 Measuring and valuing the environment - Natural capital, biocredits and emerging technologies
Timings:
3:00pm: Guests arrive for afternoon tea and networking
3:15pm: Presentation from Chief Science Advisor detailing megatrends addressed by the research strategy
4:15pm: Speaking finishes, networking continues
4:30pm: Event finishes
Our Speakers
Professor Mike Bunce
Chief Science Advisor | Department of Conservation (DOC) - Te Papa Atawhai
Mike grew up in Ōtautahi and studied genetics at Lincoln University, followed by a PhD in virology in Australia. He then took his DNA skills and decided to apply them within the field of ancient and environmental DNA, where he then spent the next 20 years (at Universities in Oxford, Canada and Australia) extracting DNA from a wide variety of biological material – from fossils to sea water. Mike has published over 220 papers. In 2019, he left academia to take up the position of Chief Scientist at the EPA but in 2020 was seconded into Aotearoa’s COVID-19 response, where he wrote science advice and policy on the pandemic for the PMCSA, MoH and ESR. In November 2023, Mike was appointed as Chief Science Advisor at DOC. He lives in Wellington with his wife, two kids and golden retriever.