scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

What practical steps can Aotearoa New Zealand take to strengthen its energy security while creating jobs and reducing environmental impacts? In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Darryl Herron talks with Paul Bennett, Integrated Bioenergy Portfolio Lead at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, about the opportunities for locally produced bioenergy and biofuels. Drawing on New Zealand's existing woody biomass resources, the team is exploring how scalable bioenergy solutions could help reduce the country's long-term fuel insecurity, support regional economic growth, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Tune in to learn how science is helping unlock New Zealand's bioeconomy potential and what it could mean for our energy future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

The Allan Herbarium houses plant species from around the world, with a particular focus on indigenous and exotic plants of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It contains approximately 800,000 specimens, which include dried plants, lichens, mosses, liverworts, seeds, fruits, wood, liquid-preserved specimens, and microscope slides. In this Scigest episode, host and scientist Rebecca Bloomer speaks with Allan Herbarium curator Jessie Prebble and collections manager Ines Schonberger about the science, history and global collaborations behind the collection. Jessie shares how the Herbarium supports research and public engagement, while Ines offers insight into the day-to-day work of managing and preserving the collection. Together, they explore the Herbarium’s remarkable history — including specimens collected during Captain Cook’s first voyage — and discuss how these centuries-old collections continue to support modern science, from DNA analysis to biosecurity research. For more information on the collection please see: https://tinyurl.com/Allan-Herbarium To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links mentioned in this podcast please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Indigenous trees are vital for environmental health and biodiversity, and Aotearoa New Zealand has bold plans to re-establish them. Scientist and Scigest host Nicola Sullivan talks to invasion ecologist and establishing indigenous forests portfolio lead Tom Carlin about this work and why managing the spread of wilding pines is a key part of it. For links to a Farmers Weekly podcast on "Bringing down the cost of planting natives" and a Newsroom article on wilding pines in the South Island high country please view our Scigest page for this podcast on: https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/from-the-land

Pasture plays a vital role in many farming systems by providing essential feed for the livestock that support our food and fibre industries. But what we see is just the surface, the health of pasture is intrinsically linked to a family of microorganisms called endophytes that live within plants. In this episode of Scigest, we explore the remarkable role of endophytes and how they influence pasture performance, plant resilience and livestock systems in Aotearoa New Zealand. Scientist and podcaster Dr Jay Jayaraman is joined by principle scientist Dr Linda Johnson, who leads a team of researchers unlocking the potential of these powerful microorganisms, identifying the endophytes best suited to New Zealand’s farming systems. Their work has delivered real-world impact on farms and was recognised with the 2024 Prime Minister’s Science Prize. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Aotearoa New Zealand’s next biosecurity threat might not arrive by ship or plane — it could already be in the air. In this episode of scigest, scientist and host Ki-Taurangi Bradford speaks with biosecurity scientist Dr Toni Withers about the invisible wind pathway carrying pests across the Tasman. Toni explains how moths, butterflies and plant pathogens can travel vast distances on air currents, how new forecasting models are predicting when and where incursions may occur, and how interceptions on offshore platforms help test these predictions. The episode also explores the vital role of volunteer citizen scientists and the use of isotope analysis to trace where intercepted insects originate. Blown Away web pages: https://bit.ly/4q65ZT0. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

We’re celebrating World Soil Day by exploring the vital role soils play in the landscapes, food systems and environmental resilience of Aotearoa New Zealand. Host Rebecca Bloomer is joined by soil scientist Pierre Roudier, President of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science, to explore how soils support ecosystems, store carbon, manage water, reduce flood risk and even shape urban planning. Pierre reveals how modern soil science is transforming our understanding of the land — from advanced mapping tools like S-map to new ways of monitoring change. These innovations help guide land-use decisions and protect high-value soils from urban pressure. The episode also looks ahead to the future of soil science, including soil moisture monitoring, carbon sequestration and viewing soil as a living ecosystem. We wrap up with an invitation to mark World Soil Day by taking a moment to notice and appreciate the soils beneath our feet. S-Map link: https://smap.landcareresearch.co.nz To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate— later commercialised and marketed by T&G Global as JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples. This pioneering work at the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s (formerly DSIR’s) Hawke’s Bay research orchard led to commercial partner T&G Global licensing the varieties and taking them to consumers around the world. Since then, JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples have enjoyed remarkable global success, reaching consumers in more than 55 countries and earning a reputation as two of the most sought-after premium apple brands in the world. In this episode of Scigest, we dive into the incredible story behind these two varieties with Bioeconomy Science Institute apple breeder Dr Richard Volz and hear about the dedication, passion, and years of scientific research that goes into breeding apples that truly stand out on the global stage. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Feed people, not landfill. Around 30% of food grown for human consumption never gets eaten, yet thousands still go hungry. What role does food rescue play in resolving the conundrum of providing healthy, enjoyable, affordable nutrition within Planetary Boundaries? In this episode host Roger Robson-Williams chats with Iain Lees-Galloway, the General Manager of the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance. They discuss the relationship between humans and the environment, and they celebrate the work of volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand who are making a difference for people struggling to put food on the table — a win for hungry kids and a win for the planet.

How do you take a brilliant scientific idea and turn it into something that makes a real difference in the world? The answer often starts with intellectual property (IP). For decades, Plant & Food Research, part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, has been protecting and growing the value of its science through IP, helping discoveries move from the lab to industry and society, establishing the organisation as a leader in intellectual asset protection within Aotearoa New Zealand’s science sector. In this episode, host and scientist Hilary Ireland chats with recently retired Intellectual Property Manager, Sue Muggleston, about how IP has shaped science at Plant & Food Research. Together, they explore the role of IP in supporting science, the lessons learned along the way, and why strong IP protection will remain essential for future research success. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Securing intellectual property (IP) for our research is now a vital aspect of science delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand, though this was not always the case. In this episode of Scigest, Hilary Ireland speaks with Sue Muggleston, the recently retired IP Manager at Plant & Food Research, who played a key role in shaping the organisation’s approach to protecting and commercialising its scientific discoveries. With a career spanning science, science communication, and leading the IP strategy at Plant & Food Research, Sue has been instrumental in launching technologies and spin-offs that benefit both businesses and the scientific community. She shares her insights into the importance of securing IP for translating discoveries into real-world impact. Sue also reflects on her leadership role with the Licensing Executives Society Australia and New Zealand (LESANZ), and discusses how effective IP frameworks support innovation, foster start-ups, and encourage ongoing scientific investment. If you’ve ever wondered how groundbreaking science transitions to the real world — and why protecting it is essential — this is the episode for you. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In this episode of Scigest, we delve into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of utilising artificial intelligence in science. Host and senior scientist Dr Jay Jayaraman chats with researcher Sarah Philp-Wright about her work on developing novel plant proteins with the help of AI. They discuss powerful tools such as RoseTTAFold, AlphaFold, and RFdiffusion, and their potential to reshape agriculture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of food and the science behind it—although some knowledge of molecular plant science may be beneficial! To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Fancy a sprinkle of positivity? Then check out this conversation with Sarah Lei, Head of Sustainability at Trevelyan's Pack & Cool Ltd., an understated leader in the kiwifruit industry. Hear from Sarah about how her experience as an engineer and yoga teacher informs her approach to making a large kiwifruit packhouse an exemplar of sustainable business in action. Challenges include upgrading ageing refrigeration, improving energy use efficiency, and reducing waste to landfill. All of this requires a team approach with buy-in from the whole Trevelyan workforce. Creating a more environmentally restorative food system one tray of kiwifruit at a time! To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, head to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest