Interview with John Hulston

Interview with John Hulston, born in Christchurch in 1932. Outlines his family background, early influences, schooling and first interest in science. Talks about studying at Canterbury University College and getting a job at the Dominion Physical Laboratory's Mass Spectrometer Laboratory in Wellington. Comments on his work there with stable isotopes, scientists George Page, Athol Rafter and other colleagues, and the work place culture and hierarchy. Refers to receiving a fellowship from the International Atomic Agency to study for a Ph.D. in Canada. Descusses his work on sulphur isotopes and on meteorites when he returned to the Institute of Nuclear Sciences (INS) in New Zealand. Talks about specialising in isotope geochemistry and his work measuring isotopes including helium, sulphur, carbon, potassium and argon isotopes in geothermal areas. Comments on the benefits and limitations of specialisation. Refers to the introduction of computers, initially to facilitate calculations. Mentions the growth of the internet, electronics and automation. Reviews his scientific publications. Comments on the impact of his work on his life. Refers to scientists he admires including Athol Rafter, Jim Ellis, Alan MacDiarmid and Sir Ernest Rutherford.

Discusses moving into a management role in 1980, becoming assistant director of INS in 1989, and restructuring in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in 1990 when he became Group Manager, Nuclear Sciences Group in DSIR Physical Sciences. Talks about becoming Group Manager, Nuclear Sciences Group in the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences when the crown research institutes were created 1992, but returning to research in 1994. Comments on the processes and effects of these restructurings including effects on staff and research. Discusses the bidding and funding process for crown research institutes. Reflects on perceptions of scientists, the role of scientists in communicating ideas, and the relationship between science and society. Comments on accountability, the role of scientists in policy making, and the need for a mix of people with science and administrative backgrounds in science management.

Interviewer(s) - Julene Marr

Accompanying material - Curriculum vitae, 1996 (1 p.); list of major achievements and publications (1 p.); photocopy of cover and title page of family history book 'John Hill of West Melton' (2 p.)

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-023156 - OHC-023159

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.32 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7604 (handwritten summary).

Search dates: 1932 - 2005

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copies available