We’re excited to be giving away two copies of Front Row Seat by Juliet A. Gerrard to our GrownUps members!
To be in the draw, simply make sure you’re a GrownUps member, signed up to our newsletter, and fill in your details at the bottom of the page.
A scientist and three prime ministers – the inside story.
Responding to the terrorist attack on a Christchurch mosque and a global pandemic, the volcanic eruption at Whakaari/White Island and the occupation of Parliament grounds, for six years Dame Juliet Gerrard stood next to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her successors to provide the insights that science might bring to decisions on issues of public importance.
Sometimes these were emergencies: How fast will Covid spread? How many people are likely to die under different policies? Will the mosque terrorist produce copycats? And sometimes they were longer-term issues: What does the science say about cannabis? Should we worry about 5G or genetic engineering? Will it be easy or hard to get rid of plastic bags? Through case studies like these, Gerrard reflects on the realities of providing evidence to inform policy in the political arena – unpacking the tensions and drawing out general principles.
For anyone interested in evidence and public policy, Front Row Seat is a readable insider account of how science can (and can’t) help us solve big public issues.
ENDORSEMENTS
‘This vast collection of case studies and first-hand experience shows that the power of science and evidence is not only found in a lab, or behind a university lectern, but has a central role to play in politics, business, community work, or any other field that calls for problem solving. It also brings you inside the mind of one of New Zealand’s most intelligent, committed, and thoughtful scientists.’ — Jacinda Ardern, from the Foreword
‘Juliet Gerrard’s Front Row Seat offers a comprehensive look at what was a very challenging period for New Zealand, one in which science advice played a crucial role. It is to Gerrard’s credit that the more exceptional events (a terrorist attack, an eruption, a pandemic) don’t dominate the book. Indeed, she offers a wide range of case studies, and in doing so, traverses almost all the terrain a science advisor could be expected to encounter. I found the text very readable . . . Gerrard’s warmth and sense of humour also come through strongly.’ — Professor Shaun Hendy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Professor Dame Juliet A. Gerrard DNZM, HonFRSC, FRSNZ, trained at Oxford and moved to New Zealand in 1993. She is the author of over 175 publications, including three books, and is currently a professor in biological and chemical sciences at the University of Auckland. From 2018–2024, she served as the Chief Science Advisor to three Prime Ministers (Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, and Christopher Luxon).
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Terms and conditions
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You must be a GrownUps member and subscribed to our newsletter to be eligible to enter.
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The competition closes on 30th September 2026. Winners will be notified via email by 1st October 2026.
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It is your responsibility to provide a correct New Zealand postal address for prize delivery. GrownUps is not responsible for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
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Winners will be drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
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GrownUps employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
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By entering, you agree to GrownUps using your name on social media as a winner of the competition.
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One entry per household.
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The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.
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You must reside in New Zealand, as the prize can only be delivered within New Zealand.
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You must be over 50 years of age to enter. Please ensure your membership details are up to date in your dashboard.
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