We welcomed Hon Dr Shane Reti, Min.of Science, Innovation and Technology to our Lincoln campus yesterday to open our new Genomics Research Building. The new building will enable a wide range of biological research projects such as high-throughput eDNA analysis, delivering long-term benefits for AoNZ

AI meets seed science 🌱 In our latest #Scigest podcast, Marlon dos Reis shares how hyperspectral imaging + AI are helping pre-screen seeds for contaminants — supporting a smarter Aotearoa NZ seed industry. Listen 🎧 bit.ly/4rbHmFW

What’s shaping decision-making across Aotearoa New Zealand’s rural sector? Our latest LinkOnline webinar shares insights from the Survey of Rural Decision Makers, exploring management priorities, technology adoption, and emissions mitigation. watch: bit.ly/46FweIW

🌱 We celebrate wāhine shaping science at the Bioeconomy Science Institute every day. For International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we’re highlighting a few of our team's stories — what sparked their interest in science, and why their mahi matters. ⬇️ Stories below

🐞 Vote now for NZ’s Bug of the Year 2026 — closes Mon 16 Feb! Aotearoa is home to thousands of unique insects & spiders. Our entomologists study these tiny taonga to keep forests resilient, soils healthy & ecosystems buzzing. Who are you voting for? 👇 bit.ly/4a92YN0

Want to work with a dynamic team helping connect scientists with the media? Applications close at 5pm tomorrow (12 Feb). www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/27/w...

What if boosting venison production was all about timing? New research at the International Deer Biology Congress shows even a 1‑day shift in red deer’s spring growth restart can mean a 2.2 kg difference in final weight. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4tqxVDV

We’re excited to celebrate the launch of NZ Rhapzody™, a next-generation New Zealand hop variety 🍺🌱 Bred by our hop breeding team and commercialised by Clayton Hops, NZ Rhapzody™ shows intense tropical and citrus notes. Read more: bit.ly/3Mf5Y1i

Big news for deer farmers. A breakthrough parasite‑detection test could save the industry up to $50 million a year! Read more bit.ly/4qfMXd2 Keen to dive deeper into the latest deer research? Register now for the International Deer Biology Congress in Dunedin, starting 10 February: bit.ly/4bzHhH8

🎧 Now live on RNZ’s Our Changing World Could sound help growers manage insect pests? Our scientists share how vibration-based technology is being tested in a Christchurch glasshouse. Listen on RNZ: bit.ly/4at0k4L

While trying to find novel ways to eradicate the most trap-shy pests, our wildlife researchers have discovered that possums really like special edition Selena Gomez cinnamon-flavoured Oreos. Possums are known to be fans of cinnamon, although their feelings about Selena Gomez are less clear.

#WorldWetlandsDay AoNZ lost >90% of its original repo (wetlands), raising ongoing concerns about the health and future of these culturally significant ecosystems. This series responds to specific needs identified by Māori & gives voice to wetlands through the voices of our people. bit.ly/3M4DgQp

#WorldWetlandsDay Repo (wetlands) are wāhi taonga (treasured areas) and act like the kidneys or sponges of the Earth. Many Māori cultural practices are associated with resource-rich repo, and in addition, they provide a home for many taonga species.

Could vibrations help growers fight pests? @rnz.co.nz.web.brid.gy Our Changing World host Dr Claire Concannon recently joined us on a visit to a commercial glasshouse in Christchurch, where our scientists are conducting trials that could shape the future of how growers manage unwanted pests.

Great to see the TVNZ Seven Sharp team telling the success story of our @bioeconomyscience.bsky.social partner, KiwiLeather Innovations. #bioeconomy www.linkedin.com/posts/floria...

Last week, we welcomed our new Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Yogesh Anand, and incoming Board Directors Louise Marsden and Dr Bruce Campbell, through a beautiful pōwhiri led by Rangitāne o Manawatū at our Te Papaioea site. Nau mai, haere mai — a warm welcome to our new leaders.

Could Aotearoa’s next biosecurity threat already be in the air? Scientist Dr Toni Withers explains how insects and plant pathogens travel across the Tasman on wind currents and how forecasting models, offshore monitoring + citizen scientists are helping track new arrivals. 🎧 Listen bit.ly/4k36o76

🌱 Biosensors are changing the game for plant health, delivering real‑time insights that boost precision horticulture and forestry. Check out our latest research highlight, where Dalila Pasquini breaks down a newly published study on smarter plant monitoring. 🔗 bit.ly/4sVjqHW

🌿 We’re #InTheNews Check out @rnz.co.nz.web.brid.gy feature on our Te Urewera ngahere research partnership exploring native-forest propolis and its potential health benefits. 📎bit.ly/3Zv092u

After more than 50 years of monitoring pasture growth in Southland, Chris Smith is retiring. His dedication has shaped farming decisions and climate understanding nationwide. Huge thanks to Chris for his impact on farming science. 🔗bit.ly/4pNidQc

We’re proud to introduce our new ingoa Maiangi Taiao Reflecting our commitment to meaningful partnerships with Māori & uplifting the natural world. It speaks to the interconnection of land, water, people & knowledge, to delivering science for nature & future generations. bit.ly/3Zt9MyF

👀🌲 POV: You’re a radiata pine seedling cruising through a phenotyping robot at the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN). Check out APPN’s latest story highlighting their role in one of our five‑year research programmes. #BioeconomyScience 🔗 bit.ly/4pKbY0v

#FunFactFriday Did you know hops grow on bines, not vines? Bines are stems that twist clockwise & grow wrapping around a support structure. Vines climb using tendrils that reach out in different directions. Bines die back in winter, the root system can survive 20+ years, regrowing each spring.

We’re delighted to be hosting the Aotearoa NZ Biodiscovery Platform — a new government investment supporting the creation of innovative, high-value products from Aotearoa’s unique biological resources. The programme is now in its Set-Up Phase. Stay informed & get updates: bit.ly/4jyoihS

🍎 Heading to #FruitLogistica2026! The Bioeconomy Science Institute is bringing Aotearoa New Zealand’s world-leading post-harvest and fruit quality science to Berlin. Don’t miss Janine Carter’s talk: Wed 4 Feb, 16:30, Hall 2.1. See you there! 🌍🍏 bit.ly/4qhZkGk

As the temperatures soar, we’ve got some tips for farmers on reducing the risk of animal heat stress. Keep troughs clean, avoid moving stock, allow airflow, and feed during cooler times. Quick actions today can prevent heat stress. Learn bit.ly/3YrFhZL

💡 The right container, for the right species, in the right place can make all the difference. These tī kōuka seedlings show how container choice shapes root development — and long-term survival. 🌱 Read more about this NZ-first native tree study led by our team: bit.ly/4p9SjWM #BioeconomyScience

Can your favourite meat snack be better for you and the planet? 🌱 Dr Renyu Zhang is crafting hybrid jerky with beef, nutrient rich Chlorella and nutritional yeast, lower fat, more minerals, same great chew. Science and sustainability create tasty innovation Read more: bit.ly/4sbEEkC

Heading out for a bush walk or New Year’s tramp? 🌿 Keep an eye out for some of the common insect pests and diseases affecting New Zealand’s native plants. 🔗 Check out our practical guide to recognising the insect pests and diseases you might encounter in the ngahere: bit.ly/3MHwRut

That’s a wrap for the year! Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday from the team at the Bioeconomy Science Institute. We’ll be closed from 24 December and back on 6 January. 🎄 Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia! 🎅

Planning to leave a treat for Santa’s reindeer this Christmas Eve? 🦌 Carrots get the science-approved tick, plus berries, apples, kiwifruit, kale, swedes and oats. Find out what other local produce Santa’s reindeer may like to visit: bit.ly/4p4anBl

🎧 Our top scigest podcast picks for 2025 explore soil health, food systems, innovation and the future of the bioeconomy. Thoughtful listening for summer days. Listen on our website or wherever you get your podcasts. bit.ly/3MHFRzT

From Bavarian barns to Kiwi pastures Meet Kati Hewitt, a scientist turning curiosity into innovations that support sustainable farming across New Zealand. Read more about Kati’s journey: bit.ly/3KGeB4g #Sustainability #NZFarming #BioeconomyScience

Our researchers and international collaborators are combining field data, satellite imagery, and machine learning to estimate live fuel moisture and fuel type — improving wildfire prediction across Aotearoa New Zealand. 🎥 Learn more: youtu.be/ipmeTAkuMeY #BioeconomyScience #WildfireResearch

⏰ Early bird registrations close soon! Join us in Napier, NZ (23–27 March) for the 21st ICSVVG Conference 🍇 Global research on grapevine viruses & phytoplasmas, plus vineyard visits and wine tasting. Register now & save 👉 bit.ly/48HfZwA

In 1997, we asked: How will ecosystems respond to rising CO₂? Then we waited—25 years.  NZ FACE revealed slow changes: pasture growth up just 3%, fertiliser efficiency halved, and forage quality fell.   Learn more: bit.ly/4qcPNzS #ClimateChange #FutureFarming

🌱 Welcome Dr Bruce Campbell and Louise Marsden to the Bioeconomy Science Institute Board. Their experience across science, governance and commercial leadership strengthens our work toward a thriving bioeconomy. 🔗 bit.ly/4s2mX70

🌍 A big week for the Bioeconomy Science Institute. We were proud to partner with the World Bank to host agricultural research leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa in Aotearoa New Zealand. #BioeconomyScience 

New Scigest episode 🎙️ Dr Hilary Ireland speaks with Dr Bevan Weir about how taxonomy and national collections help protect biodiversity and manage biosecurity risks in Aotearoa NZ — from kauri dieback to invasive pests.  Listen via our website or wherever you get you podcasts bit.ly/4oVFzma

Invasive weeds cost the global economy $163B yearly, and NZ loses $2.2B in ag production. Our new AI-powered tool is transforming biosecurity: faster, smarter weed hazard assessment. Environment Canterbury says it’s changing the way they tackle weeds. Got a weed problem? 👉 bit.ly/4iSsfxv

A portal into the world beneath our feet 🥾🥾 The Soils Portal soils.landcareresearch.co.nz is filled with facts, figures & advice on everything soil-related in AoNZ – plus links to S-map (the digital soil map of AoNZ), our Pacific Soils Portal, data on Antarctic soils... and so much more. #soilweek

One teaspoon of soil = billions of microbes! They’re vital for healthy soils, water retention, nutrient cycling, and plant resilience. We’re developing tools to breed and manage these partnerships for sustainable forage cultivars. Find out more: bit.ly/48S8Msr/ #SoilWeek #BioeconomyScience

“Soil is one of the central components of farming & growing systems, it’s also an important sponge that provides carbon storage & filters our water.” Soil scientist Dr Brendon Malcolm is helping farmers improve environmental outcomes through 50+ on-farm trials across Aotearoa. More: bit.ly/4951gLW

We’re assisting the Ministry of Primary Industries to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet – a major threat to New Zealand’s primary industries. Please be vigilant and report any sightings! Find out more: bit.ly/4iT9k63 #Biosecurity #YellowLeggedHornet #BioeconomyScience

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲 - 28,254 soil samples in glass jars, dating back to 1939, forming a vitally important baseline to Aoteaoroa NZ soils research & mapping. Samples were collected before topdressing became common, before nuclear testing, and before microplastics. bit.ly/4a6Yx5Q #SoilScience   

Want healthier soil? Check for earthworms They boost soil structure, nutrients, and water infiltration, and they're great for pasture, too. Join the Great Kiwi Earthworm Survey: bit.ly/48FweZD/ Dig in and help us learn more! #WorldSoilDay #SoilWeek #SoilScience #BioeconomyScience

Nau mai haere mai to Stacey Whitiora, our new Chief Indigenous Innovation & Partnerships Officer!  Stacey is currently the Director Māori Strategy, Partnerships & Enterprise at the Plant & Food Research Group,  and will step into her new role immediately.  Learn more: bit.ly/48GSylW   

New Zealand is leading the way in deer velvet research! 🦌 We hosted Yuhan Care from South Korea to explore our unique Invermay facilities—the only research-dedicated deer herd worldwide. Next stop: the International Deer Biology Congress in Dunedin in February.  Learn more: bit.ly/3Kp6GYS

It’s World Soil Day! 🌏  Our new scigest podcast episode with soil scientist Pierre Roudier explores why soils matter for food, ecosystems and climate resilience, and how tools like S-map are changing land-use decisions. Listen here: bit.ly/447TXQV

We’re delighted to welcome three new Leadership Team members to the Bioeconomy Science Institute whanau! #BioeconomyScience