In a bid to get conversation flowing between scientists and the public, Wellington City Council now has a City Scientist.

Former physics lecturer Peter Gilberd has just been elected for the first time onto the city's council.

In a shake up of councillor portfolios, new mayor Justin Lester has given Councillor Gilberd the Natural Environment to look after.

He's also been given the role of City Scientist.

Councillor Gilberd says there's a need to bring science to the local level.

"There's a lot of room for better contact between the institutions and local government to get people talking to each other, and from that who knows what happens."

Mr Gilberd said there's a need to bring science to the local level.

"There's a lot of brain power out there in our research institutions, universities and our crown research institutes, and it's really good to tape that knowledge and benefit people's lives."