28 August 2007 Climate change pioneer honoured

Dr Kelliher has worked at Landcare Research since it began 15 years ago and for the past 13 years as a contracted lecturer at Lincoln University.

Recently, Dr Kelliher has applied his science to the refinement of agricultural greenhouse gas emission inventories in work funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry for the Environment. This has included ground-breaking determinations of the uncertainties of these inventories, challenging work directed at better understanding New Zealand's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. FoRST recently agreed to award long-term funding to Landcare Research for continued greenhouse gas emission research.

Dr Kelliher said he was taken aback when informed of the position, but thrilled at the honour.

“I think it is an acknowledgement of the many connections between Landcare Research and Lincoln University. Greenhouse Gas research has been a longstanding and valuable focus for us.

“It’s also a very pleasing recognition of the value of collaboration. I think this encouragement can stimulate new and important alliances.”

Landcare Research chief executive Dr Warren Parker said the professorship had benefits for both organisations and for the wider community. The new role had developed from the shared interest of Landcare Research and Lincoln University in environmental science research and education, and a mutual desire to apply their science to make New Zealand a healthier, economically successful country with a truly sustainable environment

“Frank has been based over at the university for a number of years and been involved in teaching and postgraduate supervision and this is a way to strengthen that collaboration,” Dr Parker said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to build linkages between two very strong and internationally recognised groups for the benefit of both parties.”

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University, Dr Chris Kirk, said the University was delighted to be lifting its existing cooperation with Landcare Research to a further level.

“The title ‘Professorial Fellow’ recognises Dr Kelliher’s high standing within soil and environmental sciences,” said Dr Kirk.

“The appointment also ensures that our students are interacting with an expanding group of international experts in climate change and environmental science.” 

Dr Kelliher takes up his new position on September 1.

Dr Frank Kelliher, Landcare Research, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand

Tom Fraser, Media Communications Manager, Landcare Research, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand

Ian Collins, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand