19 Facts About Shaun Hendy

Shaun Hendy is the chief scientist at climate innovation company Toha.

Shaun Hendy was previously a professor at the University of Auckland and was the first director of Te Punaha Matatini, a centre of research excellence in complex systems and data analytics.

Shaun Hendy went on to undertake doctoral studies in physics at the University of Alberta between 1994 and 1998.

Shaun Hendy continued to be involved with the institute on researching properties of advanced materials as well as the application of mathematical models to innovation.

Shaun Hendy has been a professor of physics at the University of Auckland.

Shaun Hendy led research on the computer modelling of nanostructures and how they could be applied to nanotechnology.

Shaun Hendy was motivated to study the science of complex systems after hearing about the work of physicist Geoffrey West on the link between population distributions and innovation.

Shaun Hendy was the founder and first director of Te Punaha Matatini, a centre of research excellence in complex systems and data analytics, since 2015.

In 2021 Shaun Hendy stepped down as the director of Te Punaha Matatini and as at 1 July 2021 Priscilla Wehi replaced him as director.

Shaun Hendy is known in New Zealand for his science communication, often contributing to publications such as The Spinoff and Sciblogs.

Shaun Hendy was awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Science Media Communication in 2012.

Shaun Hendy is a former president of the New Zealand Mathematical Society.

In 2013, Shaun Hendy co-authored his first book with physicist Sir Paul Callaghan, discussing approaches to diversify and innovate New Zealand's economy.

Shaun Hendy has written a book on the role of scientists in public discourse and one on taking personal responsibility towards reducing the effects of climate change.

Shaun Hendy has written about his experience of cutting out all air travel for a year in an effort to reduce his carbon footprint and why individual action matters.

Shaun Hendy's team continues to update their models based on new information and demonstrate the impact of the government's strict lockdown measures.

In 2020 towards the end of the country's four-week lockdown, Shaun Hendy recommended it to be extended by two weeks to achieve the goal of eliminating the virus.

Shaun Hendy expressed concern about New Zealand's Anzac Day long weekend encouraging a rise in social activity if the lockdown were eased before then, potentially spreading the virus further.

Shaun Hendy settled with the university when he left employment there.