Medical researcher Peter Gluckman has been named as chief science advisor to the Prime Minister.
John Key says Professor Gluckman is one of the country's leading scientists and will provide him with a direct line to scientific advice.
Mr Key says he campaigned on creating the role because New Zealand's prosperity rests on its ability to make full use of the expertise of scientists.
Professor Gluckman will step down as the director of the Liggins Institute but will remain employed by the University of Auckland.
