Bioeconomy Science Institute
@bioeconomyscience
Science with impact 🌱 Growing a sustainable bioeconomy for Aotearoa and the world. The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation.
Congratulations to Dr Bruce Campbell CNZM on being elected a Companion of the @royalsocietynz.bsky.social We're proud to have Bruce's leadership and expertise on the Bioeconomy Science Institute Board. Congratulations to all 13 new Companions! 👏 #[bit.ly/4x4FWj0
This Biosecurity Week, we're profiling entomologist Joanne Jensen. For 30 years, her research into insect–plant interactions has helped strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity system and support more resilient farming. Read her story: bit.ly/4bfgBKG
It’s Biosecurity Week. Meet the tropical armyworm — a potential sleeper pest currently mostly confined to the upper North Island. As the climate warms, it could spread and cost farmers millions. Find out how we're helping to monitor their spread: bit.ly/3RZcdcf
It’s Biosecurity Week! Science plays a vital role in protecting Aotearoa from invasive pests, weeds and diseases. One threat we’re helping keep out is the brown marmorated stink bug, a pest that could cost horticulture up to $2B a year. Find out more: bit.ly/4x57QLC #100YearsOfScience
Our new podcast series, Te Karanga o Te Whenua, shares the journeys of wāhine Māori as they reconnect with the whenua, restoring relationships, reclaiming mātauranga, and building a future of healing & hope. 🎧 www.landcareresearch.co.nz/te-karanga-o... #MātaurangaMāori #Podcast #BioeconomyScience
The wilding conifer problem is really a problem that we either win together or lose together. With a new 12‑month Endeavour Fund extension, Vive la résistance is moving into its next phase, building on strong momentum to tackle wilding conifer re‑invasion through collaboration. 🔗 bit.ly/4fv1VIK
🚀 One giant leap for nanocellulose research! In partnership with Cawthron Institute and Helogen Corporation, we’ve completed two custom low-gravity simulators to test how bacterial nanocellulose grows in space-like conditions. Ground-based trials start now. Read more: bit.ly/4b81P8B
🎙️ Red needle cast is one of the biggest threats to New Zealand’s radiata pine forests. In the latest Scigest podcast, host Darryl Herron and forest pathologist Emily McLay discuss how science is helping growers predict, prepare for and manage the disease. Tune in bit.ly/3Rs2Vp0
🍎🖤 This weekend on Rural Delivery, see how our scientists are working with Massey University and France’s INRAE to tackle black spot, one of the apple industry’s biggest challenges. Discover how this research could help shape the future of lower-spray orchards. 📺 Sat 8am TVNZ1 | Sun 9.30am Sky Open
🌏 Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pacific Community (SPC), strengthening our partnership and creating new opportunities to support Pacific communities through science-led and locally led development. We look forward to working together.
From physical wires to digital boundaries — innovation keeps reshaping our farms. The 1960s electric fence changed grazing forever, and now GPS virtual fencing is opening the next frontier. A century of progress, with more breakthroughs ahead. bit.ly/4vndhEN #100yearsofsciencenz
Winter brings plenty of challenges for farmers. 🚜🌧 At the recent SIDDC Winter Focus Day, we shared research on pasture-based wintering systems that can reduce mud, support animal welfare and lessen environmental impacts. Find out more about our pasture-based wintering research ➡ bit.ly/4aCuouz
🥜 What's next for Northland's peanut trials? Promising results so far have shown low pest and disease pressure, but existing Hi Oleic cultivars only just fit Northland's growing season. The next step is to access and trial new cultivars better suited to local conditions. Read more: bit.ly/4aGpSLC
Three exceptional science leaders. Another milestone for the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao. Congratulations to Dr Linda Johnson, Dr Jolon Dyer and Dr Dave Houlbrooke on their new leadership appointments. Read more:bit.ly/4vmWnGa
How is data transforming science? 🌿📊 In our latest #scigest podcast, Dr Linley Jesson shares her journey through plant biology, genomics and data science, and why mentoring matters. 🎧 Listen on our website or your favourite podcast app: bit.ly/4f2lPui
Collaboration key to unlocking the full potential of mānuka. Researchers from the Bioeconomy Science Institute joined Māori partners and industry leaders in Te Papaioea to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and help shape the future of mānuka research. Ngā mihi to everyone who contributed.
🦆🌿 This year's NZ Garden Bird Survey runs until Sunday - there's still time to take part! 📝 If you have a spare hour, count the birds where you are and help help build a clear picture of changes in our backyards. gardenbirdsurvey.nz/take-part/ #CitizenScience #BioeconomyScience
Congratulations to Dr Sarah Addison, recognised by Trends in Plant Science as one of 30 outstanding women in plant science from 30 countries for the journal's 30th anniversary. Proud to see Sarah representing Aotearoa New Zealand on the global stage. 🔗 bit.ly/4g791Fe
New research is helping support New Zealand’s response to the invasive yellow-legged hornet. Four projects led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute will strengthen current eradication efforts and long-term biosecurity preparedness. Read more: bit.ly/4eJ0uGf
🔐 We're hiring a GM Security & Digital Performance. Join the Bioeconomy Science Institute and help shape cybersecurity, governance and digital performance across one of New Zealand’s largest science organisations. 📍Auckland preferred | Christchurch considered Apply 👇https://bit.ly/4agVbMV
🥝🍊 Before reaching for supplements this winter, check your fruit bowl. Dr Carolyn Lister from the Bioeconomy Science Institute says winter favourites like kiwifruit, citrus and tamarillos are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Learn more: bit.ly/4vnM4lM What's your go-to winter fruit?
Have pre-diabetes? Researchers at the Bioeconomy Science Institute are investigating whether native NZ herbal teas may help support healthier blood sugar responses. 📍 Palmerston North 💰 Up to $270 koha Learn more: bit.ly/4otDNdn
Shade is one of the most powerful tools on farm. Trees help cows stay cooler, reduce heat stress, and support better wellbeing. Want practical ways to keep your herd comfortable? Visit us at Fieldays in the Science for Farmers tent (E38). Find out more: bit.ly/4aqqrZC
Trees do more for your farm than you might think - from cooling cows to shaping pasture, soil, water and carbon. Want practical, NZ‑specific guidance? Visit the Science for Farmers tent (E38) at Fieldays and try our interactive tree‑planning touchscreen. Find out more: bit.ly/4aqqrZC
Have your say on the future of energy and whenua. We are inviting Māori landowners, trustees, governors, whānau, kaitiaki, and those connected to whenua to take part in a short survey exploring Māori perspectives on bioenergy and future energy choices. Survey closes 12 June: bit.ly/4xk0x3I
🌲Red needle cast is a relatively new but high-impact disease affecting radiata pine in AoNZ. We're working with Forest Growers Research to transform our understanding of this disease to provide practical, science-based tools that support on-the-ground decision-making. More » bit.ly/3Sq4dRm
We're looking for a GM Commercial Services – Private Sector to drive growth, build strategic partnerships and connect industry with world-class science. Lead a high-performing team and help shape New Zealand's bioeconomy. Apply now: careers.sciencenewzealand.org/jobdetails?a...
🎙️NEW scigest podcast Host and scientist Darryl Herron talks with Paul Bennett, Integrated Bioenergy Portfolio Lead, about the opportunities for locally produced bioenergy and biofuels. 🎧 Listen via our website: bit.ly/3QmYnzA or wherever you get your podcasts.
For decades, New Zealand scientists have been looking at how to turn renewable forestry resources into clean, reliable energy and solid or liquid biofuels. #100yearsofsciencenz Learn more: www.bioeconomyscience.co.nz/about-us/100...
Congratulations to Dr Russell Lowe on being appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours. 🥝 Russell played a key role in developing Hort16A, SunGold and RubyRed kiwifruit varieties, transforming the global kiwifruit industry. 👏