Bioeconomy Science Institute

Bioeconomy Science Institute Science with impact ๐ŸŒฑ Growing a sustainable bioeconomy for Aotearoa and the world.

The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua โ€“ Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation.

After decades of research, our scientists have found a way to turn forestry resources into clean, reliable energy.This p...
03/06/2026

After decades of research, our scientists have found a way to turn forestry resources into clean, reliable energy.

This paves the way for a biofuel future โ€“ using what we already grow in Aotearoa New Zealand to power industry, reduce emissions and boost energy security. Locally produced biofuel can also support regional jobs.

With global fuel pressures rising, this work is more important than ever.

As we mark 100 years of impact, this is a clear example of science making a difference for New Zealand.

๐ŸŽ‰๐˜Š๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฃ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ 100 ๐˜บ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ฑ๐˜ถ๐˜ฃ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ค ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜จ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ˆ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ข ๐˜•๐˜ฆ๐˜ธ ๐˜ก๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ โ€“ ๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฆ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜บ, ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ค๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ท๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต, ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜ง๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ.

Earth Sciences New Zealand PHF Science

03/06/2026

What can Biological Collections tell us about Aotearoaโ€™s biodiversity โ€” and how can they help connect science, mฤtauranga Mฤori and communities?

Our latest video explores the role Biological Collections and Information and Databases play in preserving knowledge of taonga species and supporting biodiversity research, biosecurity, and future innovation.

Through the voices and experiences of scientists, kaitiaki and Iiwi, the video highlights how the Collections help reconnect communities with ancestral knowledge, strengthen understanding of native species, and support more collaborative approaches to research and discovery.

From protecting kauri through biosecurity research, to understanding fungi, insects and endemic species unique to Aotearoa, these Collections hold valuable information that can support both science and Mฤori aspirations for future generations.

Watch the full video below ๐Ÿ‘‡

02/06/2026

Congratulations to GenomNZ for taking out the Supreme Award at the 2026 Science New Zealand Awards ๐Ÿ‘

This recognition highlights the power of turning world-class science into real-world impact. From early DNA parentage testing to advanced genomic platforms, GenomNZ has helped transform Aotearoa New Zealandโ€™s livestock sector and lifted productivity, resilience and environmental performance.

Today, genomic tools are embedded across the industry, supporting smarter breeding decisions and delivering measurable gains at scale, all while strengthening New Zealandโ€™s global reputation in agricultural innovation.

A fantastic example of science moving beyond the lab to create lasting value for the primary sector.

๐ŸŽ‰ Congratulations to Dr Ron Beatson and Dr Russell Lowe on being appointed Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (O...
02/06/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ Congratulations to Dr Ron Beatson and Dr Russell Lowe on being appointed Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours ๐Ÿ‘

These honours recognise decades of dedication, innovation and impact in Aotearoa New Zealand horticulture.

๐ŸบDr Ron Beatson spent 50+ years with Plant & Food Research and its predecessor organisations, including over 40 years leading hop breeding. His work resulted in the development of more than 16 hop cultivars, helping put New Zealand hops on the world stage and providing craft brewers with the unique flavours and aromas they are known for today. One of his most celebrated varieties, Nectaronยฎ NZ Hops Ltd, was even named partly in his honour.

๐ŸฅDr Russell Lowe played a pivotal role in breeding some of New Zealand's most successful kiwifruit varieties, including Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit and Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit. These innovations have transformed the industry and now contribute to around 75% of Zespri International' s $6 billion global kiwifruit sales.

We would also like to acknowledge Rauru Kirikiri former Treaty Responsibilities Manager at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, and former Crop & Food Research Chair and Plant & Food Research Deputy Chair, Rodney Wong, who were also recognised with ONZM honours.
Congratulations to all recipients on this well-deserved recognition. ๐Ÿ‘

Fascinating Fungal Friday๐Ÿ„โ€๐ŸŸซDid you know that some fungi can stain wood? Or that others were used for tฤ moko? And that ...
29/05/2026

Fascinating Fungal Friday๐Ÿ„โ€๐ŸŸซ

Did you know that some fungi can stain wood? Or that others were used for tฤ moko? And that another provides a food source for kererลซ?

Aotearoa New Zealand is home to a varied and captivating range of fungi, and once again, weโ€™re inviting you to vote for your favourite!
Vote: https://interactives.landcareresearch.co.nz/foty/

Closes midnight 18 June.

28/05/2026

What role do Biological Collections play in reconnecting Mฤori with taonga species, whakapapa and mฤtauranga Mฤori?

Our latest video explores the importance of Aotearoa New Zealandโ€™s Biological Collections and information systems and databases for Iwi, Hapลซ and Mฤori.

These Collections hold more than scientific specimens and data โ€” they hold connections to whenua, pลซrฤkau (Mฤori - ancestral stories), mahinga kai and intergenerational knowledge.

Through the voices and experiences of researchers, kaitiaki and local iwi, this video explores how the Collections can support reconnection to whenua, taonga species, whakapapa and mฤtauranga Mฤori.

The Collections and associated Information and Databases held by the Bioeconomy Science Institute are internationally significant research resources that contribute to our understanding of Aotearoaโ€™s unique biodiversity and help preserve knowledge for future generations.

Watch the full video below ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ“ Ever wondered how new berry varieties are developed?In the latest podcast, host Dion Mundy chats with berry breeder ...
28/05/2026

๐Ÿ“ Ever wondered how new berry varieties are developed?

In the latest podcast, host Dion Mundy chats with berry breeder Pauline Kerbirou about the fascinating world of plant breeding.

Developing new plant varieties helps growers tackle challenges like pests, diseases and changing climates โ€” while also keeping consumers excited about the fruit they buy and eat.

Pauline also shares her journey as a scientist and offers some great advice for young people considering a career in science.

๐ŸŽง Listen here https://bit.ly/4wTt3cj or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hot off the press from the 2026 Science New Zealand AwardsA huge night for the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taia...
27/05/2026

Hot off the press from the 2026 Science New Zealand Awards

A huge night for the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao and our partners.

Congratulations to GenomNZ, winner of the Supreme Award, recognising the real-world impact of genomic science in transforming New Zealandโ€™s livestock sector, from smarter breeding decisions to stronger productivity, resilience and environmental outcomes.

Weโ€™re also proud to celebrate the Te Tohu Tลซhura โ€“ Charter a Course for Impact through Partnering with Mฤori Award, recognising a remarkable 50-year partnership with Ngฤti Kuri Trust Board.

Together, this partnership helped bring kaikลmako, one of the worldโ€™s rarest trees, back from the brink, while also supporting the rebuild of iwi scientific capability.

These awards highlight whatโ€™s possible when world-class science partners with industry and iwi to create lasting impact for Aotearoa.

๐Ÿ‘ Congratulations to everyone involved โ€” an incredible result.

26/05/2026

Science doesnโ€™t stop and the next 100 years will be just as important as the last.
This year marks 100 years of publicly funded science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. To celebrate, we're sharing stories of the discoveries, innovations and impacts that have helped shape our economy, environment and communities.
From strengthening biosecurity and supporting growers to protecting our natural environment and improving lives, science continues to make a difference every day.
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of science in New Zealand โ€” and look ahead to what comes next.

26/05/2026

๐Ÿ A little-known bee species from Australia, not formally observed in Aotearoa New Zealand for over six decades has been spotted again, with multiple detections across Christchurch during recent pollinator surveys.

Like most bee species, Leioproctus launcestonensis is a flower visitor, collecting only pollen and nectar, and is considered very unlikely to pose any biosecurity risk.

Despite the infrequent sightings over the years, Biosecurity New Zealand has advised the species is likely established here, and a specimen has now been added to its reference collection.

The recent sightings stem from pollinator populations surveys in community gardens across the city, led by University of Canterbury PhD candidate Ava Taylorโ€‘Johnson, with support from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao.

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