Professor Janis Swan of the University of Waikato has been appointed to the Marsden Fund Council, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp announced today.

Professor Swan is Associate Dean of the Department of Engineering at the university. She has been appointed for a three-year term.

"Professor Swan will be a great asset to the Council. She has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand science, both in research and university management," Dr Mapp said.

The Council comprises 11 eminent researchers - a chair and ten convenors. Each convenor heads a panel in their academic field, assessing research funding applications. Professor Swan will be convenor of the Engineering and Interdisciplinary Science Panel.

The Marsden Fund supports investigator-initiated research. Funding is based on research excellence, the potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the enhancement of research skills in New Zealand. The Fund is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand and receives $47m in funding a year.