Professor Gary Wilson

Director, New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute.

Dr Gary Wilson developed an international reputation for his research early on in his career. He held a Fulbright Award whilst at Victoria University, followed by the Admiral Byrd Fellowship at The Ohio State University. He was also a New Zealand Foundation for Research Fellow, before taking up a lectureship at the University of Oxford.

Gary is Chair of the multi-national ANDRILL (Antarctic Drilling) project, raising $40 million to cover the required science and logistics efforts. The project involves over 100 scientists from four countries and Gary’s ability to build and maintain successful teams to achieve common goals has been an important element.

He has also developed skills in outdoor leadership in order to lead seven expeditions to Antarctica. He is an educator and has contributed to the wider understanding of science through public lectures and radio and television appearances, and is a continuous promoter of the importance of science to underpin global environmental stewardship at government level. Above all, in developing multinational ventures in science, Gary has demonstrated leadership as an international negotiator.

In 2012, Gary was appointed as the Director of the newly formed New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute and is the Head Scientist for Antarctica NZ. Gary is also a Trustee of the Sir Peter Blake Trust.