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Further development of research in New Zealand is also important. One prominent New Zealand scientist informed the Committee that he was depressed by the tendency of many New Zealanders to think that no significant contributions to science can be made in New Zealand, and he regarded this erroneous viewpoint as being an important factor in the " export" of scientists. He considered that the ultimate remedy was to build up departments of research which would rank at world level and which would serve to fertilize and foster research at a high level throughout New Zealand. With this view the Committee would fully agree, emphasizing that this research should, in the main, centre round our basic industries with their many problems peculiar to this country and of paramount importance to our national economy. Recommendations—1. That there be further facilities in Government Departments for visits of scientists abroad and interchange of scientists. 2. That for employed scientists there be provision for post-graduate bursaries for overseas study. 3. That there be adequate provision for post-graduate scholarships tenable only in New Zealand, and open both to New Zealand and overseas applicants. 4. That young scientists who may be proceeding on overseas scholarships should be encouraged to seek employment in Government scientific departments and other institutions before their departure. 5. That research in matters affecting our basic industries be developed to the fullest possible extent. (iii) INCREASE IN THE PROPORTION OF EXPERIENCED SCIENTISTS Much of the evidence submitted indicated clearly that the shortage of experienced ; scientists was more pronounced than shortages at a lower level, and the recommendations made are directed towards securing an increase in the proportion of experienced men. Of these steps those recommended under subsection (iv) below are regarded by the •Committee as the most important. (iv) MORE EFFECTIVE USE OF EXISTING PERSONNEL The following are the steps which we consider necessary to make a more effective use of existing personnel: — (a) Adequate Clerical Assistance for Scientific Personnel The Committee has reason to believe that a good deal of valuable time is in some cases being wasted because scientific personnel are not provided with adequate clerical assistance. We consider that the provision of such adequate assistance is an important factor in making the most effective use of existing personnel, particularly when in administrative positions. In such cases it is important that the administrator should still have a close personal interest in the practical problems of research, and this is impossible if an administrator is preoccupied with clerical work. Recommendation— That scientific personnel be provided with adequate clerical assistance in order that their time may be used to the best advantage. ■(b) Correlation of University Research Work with That of Other Research Institutions We regard this as important and suggest that in this connection a Council of Scientific Education recommended in subsection (v), paragraph (d) below, might be helpful. Recommendation — That there should be correlation of University research work with that of other research institutions.
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