Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences
Encyclopedia : I : IN : INS : Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences
The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS) is a New Zealand Crown Research Institute. It focuses on geology, geophysics (including seismology and volcanology), and nuclear science (particularly isotope science and carbon dating).
GNS was originally part of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), but was established as an independent organisation when the Crown Research Institutes were created in 1992. As part of that process, GNS was semi-commercialised, and now operates as a government-owned company rather than as a government department. The commercialisation has led to greater emphasis on financial viability, and GNS is employed by various private groups (notably energy companies) to provide advice and information. Some scientists object to the changes, believing that a drive for efficiency and economy is taking precedence over true scientific research.
GNS is located at 1 Fairway Drive in Avalon, Lower Hutt. It also has facilities in Dunedin and Wairakei, and runs a network of earthquake monitoring equipment around the country.
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