Speakers

Danette Olsen
General Manager, Science System Investment and Performance, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Danette Olsen is General Manager, Science System Investment and Performance Branch of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

She currently has responsibility for making, managing and reviewing scientific investments aimed at meeting New Zealand’s economic, social and environmental goals. This includes oversight of the Endeavour Fund, the Strategic Science Investment Fund and other research funds.

Danette has over 20 years’ experience working in senior leadership roles in the research sector.  She has previously worked in research organisations Plant & Food Research and the Cawthron Institute, Victoria University of Wellington as well as government agencies such as Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Foundation for Research Science and Technology, the Ministry of Research Science and Technology and MAF Fisheries. 

She has also been a member of the Bragato Research Institute Board, NZ Rivers Trust and the Cawthron Institute Trust Board.  

In her previous role at MBIE she was Manager, Strategic Investments. 

Danette has a MSc in marine science, and a post graduate diploma in Psychology.