Dr Russell Burton

Dr Russell Burton

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About

Russell has oversight of the New Zealand Government investment into Scion to ensure maximum value to New Zealand and to Scion. This includes investments through the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, the CRI Capability Fund, the FRST Pre-seed Fund and similar. Russell is also responsible for Scion’s Stage Gate TM process to optimise management of Scion’s commercialisation process.

With over 30 years involvement in the science sector, Russell’s role has varied from research, research management and commercialisation of technologies. He has had a key role in development of a number of Scion’s spin-out companies including Greenweld Technologies Ltd and Wood Hardening Technologies Ltd where he has been CEO for periods and later, on the Board.

He has also played a significant role in establishing some of Scion’s associate companies such as Biopolymer Network Ltd where he is currently on the Board and Future Forest Research Ltd.

Qualifications

  • BE (Chemical and Process), University of Canterbury 1977.
    PhD (Applied Science),
  • Loughborough University of Technology United Kingdom 1987
  • Fellow Institution of Professional Engineers, New Zealand
  • Fellow Institution of Chemical Engineers, United Kingdom
  • Chartered Engineer, United Kingdom

    • Career highlights

    In recognition of his various contributions to engineering and innovation Russell has received a number of awards:

  • The IPENZ Supreme Award – The Skellerup Award for Technical achievement in Chemical and Biochemical Industries 2007.
  • The Australasian Rio Tinto Award in 2003 for Contribution to Applied Engineering
  • Co-winner of the Canadian Consulate Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Forest Industries 1995.
  • The Forestry Corporation Award for Business Innovation in 1994

    • Russell is also a past Chairman of the Society of Chemical Engineers New Zealand, the Australasian and New Zealand Federation of Chemical Engineers and a past President of the Asian Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineers.