scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

Tree talk: Establishing natives and managing wilding pine spread (FTL)

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Indigenous trees are vital for environmental health and biodiversity, and Aotearoa New Zealand has bold plans to re-establish them. Scientist and Sc...

The Arctic Apple story (NT)

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arctic Apples are one of the first fruits globally developed using gene technologies. Available for consumers in the USA since 2017, the Arctic series...

Endophytes – the little microorganism making a big difference (FTL)

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Hyperseeds: Embracing AI to find solutions for NZ's seed industry (NT)

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Principal Scientist Marlon dos Reis joins host Rebecca Bloomer to explore how the Bioeconomy Science Institute is using advanced technology to help so...

Finding a moth in a haystack - The important role of citizen scientists (BDIS)

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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, sci...

Nationally Significant Collections held at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (FTL)

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Host Dr Hilary Ireland speaks with Dr Bevan Weir about the vital role Aotearoa New Zealand’s nationally significant collections and databases play i...

The soils beneath our feet (FTL)

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re celebrating World Soil Day by exploring the vital role soils play in the landscapes, food systems and environmental resilience of Aotearoa New...

Crafting a crunch - Building the JAZZ™ & ENVY™ apple legacy (BTS)

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate — later comm...

Crafting a crunch - 40 years of apple innovation (FTL)

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate— later co...

Protecting a plant with PVR (FTL)

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you go to the supermarket, you’ll find lots of different varieties of fruits and vegetables. Many people have a favourite apple, kiwifruit, pot...

Nature, hunger and food waste with Iain Lees-Galloway (PPF)

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The science of biofoul and making the most of a bad thing (FTS)

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From shellfish and seaweeds to tiny amphipods, biofouling is the stubborn layer of life that clings to boats and marine structures, creating costly ma...

Intellectual property in science (BTS)

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 intelle...

Silent Spring, Star Wars, and sustainable business (PPF)

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is sustainability, and how can businesses contribute to it? Why do many larger organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand align with the Sustainable B...

Sue Muggleston: Protecting ideas, powering discovery (SLFM)

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A natural defence for vineyard pests (BDIS)

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mealybugs may be tiny, but they’re causing big problems for Aotearoa New Zealand’s wine industry by spreading the destructive Grapevine leafroll-a...

Using AI to help create new plant proteins (NT)

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Scigest, we delve into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of utilising artificial intelligence in science. Host and senior sci...

Up-beet about sustainable sugar (PPF)

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Grab a cuppa and prepare to be recharged by this high-energy chat with Dr Vicky Foster about the British sugar industry. Vicky has held various leader...

Packing a punch for sustainability (PPF)

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fancy a sprinkle of positivity? Then check out this conversation with Sarah Lei, Head of Sustainability at Trevelyan's Pack & Cool Ltd., an understate...

People, planet, kiwifruit – with Rachel Depree (PPF)

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to deliver sustainable livelihoods for growers, green international shipping, and support healthy nutrition around the globe? In thi...

Under the Skin – Perfecting Nature’s Packaging (FTL)

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The skin of fruit serves more than just a protective barrier; it acts as nature’s packaging—the first element we notice, touch, and often judge. I...

Trust, tech and the table: the future of food with Jack Bobo (SMAS)

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Food futurist Jack Bobo joins scientist Hilary Ireland to explore the future of food production. From the impact of agriculture on the planet to the p...

Mette Nielsen: The incredibly beautiful thrips!   (SLFM)

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most growers and home gardeners don't view thrips positively, but perhaps we could change your perspective. This week, data scientist and podcaster To...

Plant-based yoghurts (SITK)

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people are already familiar with products like oat milk and almond butter, but what about barley yoghurt? Scientists at Plant & Food Research are...

Hope in turbulent times (PPF)

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People | Planet | Food - Host Roger Robson-Williams speaks with sustainability experts Saskia Verraes and Martin Rich about the future they aspire to ...

The challenge of gene editing a plant (NT)

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gene editing is a new technology with the potential to breed new crops faster. With changing regulations worldwide on how gene editing can be incorpor...

Bringing change through compost, carbon, and connection (PPF)

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People | Planet | Food – In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams chats with friend and colleague Stephen Wallace, Sustainability Manager at AgRe...

Suzie Newman: A life in International development (SLFM)

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Success in international development projects requires not only a variety of skills, including project management, people, and technical skills, but a...

A fresh look at steam power (PPF)

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People | Planet | Food – in this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams delves into the innovative world of modern steam power with Jack Donaldson from...

Fish bites: The Potential of Lab-Grown Food (FTS)

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cellular agriculture is an evolving technology where animal meat is grown in a lab using just their cells. This process is potentially an important wa...

Rebecca Campbell: Mapping out a career in geoinformatics (SLFM)

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Geoinformatics is the analysis of spatial data using technology to understand and solve real-world problems. Scientist and Scigest podcast host Dion M...

Plant elicitors - a vaccine for plants? (BDIS)

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Plant elicitors have huge potential to help protect New Zealand crops from disease. Acting much like a vaccine, these elicitors allow plants to defend...

Powering up the food system (PPF)

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People | Planet | Food - Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Mike Casey, about producing cherries without using fossil fuels and running a charity calle...

Working with AI (NT)

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

AI has captured everyone’s attention and clearly has the potential to be a very important tool for our scientists in the future, but there are still...

The Climate Action Campus (PPF)

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People | Planet | Food - Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Catherine Leeper, a Learning Advisor at Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi, about the importan...

Anna Kokeny: starting with a solitary bee (SLFM)

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Aotearoa New Zealand has many native solitary bees, but not much is known about them. In this Scigest episode, newly-minted podcaster and apiculture s...

Avoiding planetary boundary overshoot with Kate Meyer (PPF)

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People | Planet | Food - Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Kate Meyer, Founder and CEO of the Planetary Accounting Network (PAN). This small not-for-p...

Beginners guide to gene technologies (NT)

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last 25 years, genetic techniques have rapidly evolved. In this episode of Scigest, scientists Blue Plunkett and Dr Revel Drummond provide a ...

Rob Agnew: Changing weather into wine (SLFM)

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For nearly 40 years, retiring scientist Rob Agnew has dedicated his career to logging and analysing the changing weather patterns in the Marlborough r...

An irresistible virgin redback spider lure (BDIS)

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Redback spiders have established populations in Central Otago and Taranaki, posing a threat to human health and taonga native species such as the crit...

The future urban consumer - part 2 (SITK)

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for the latest insights from a comprehensive global study on consumer preferences, following up on our initial Future Urban Consumer podcast f...

Exploring agritech with Brendan O’Connell (PPF)

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of People | Planet | Food, Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Brendan O’Connell, Chief Executive of AgritechNZ, to discuss the role o...

Dion Mundy: new tech for the vine doctor (SLFM)

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New technologies are essential in helping scientists and growers combat vine diseases in vineyards. This week, podcaster and data scientist Tom Moore ...

Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest flume tank (FTS)

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Plant & Food Research's Nelson site is home to Aotearoa New Zealand's largest flume tank, an innovative facility that allows scientists to test and de...

Future-Fit: Navigating Sustainability with Martin Rich (PPF)

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the People | Planet | Food podcast series, host Roger Robson-Williams talks to Martin Rich, a former investment banker turned Chief...

Food. Who's helping? (PPF)

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What would it take to make the global food system healthier, fairer, and more environmentally restorative? Hi, I am Roger Robson-Williams, Chief Susta...

Roger Robson-Williams: A man on a mission (SLFM)

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Roger Robson-Williams, Chief Sustainability Officer at Plant & Food Research, joins Scigest podcast host Rebecca Bloomer to discuss his scientific jou...

Dr James Sainsbury - Buzzworthy science (SLFM)

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Working with bees, and in local body politics means you are always at risk of being stung at some stage, but that hasn’t stopped our latest guest, a...

The New Zealand Food Composition Database (SITK)

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing what’s in the food you consume is important – to help with that, scientists at Plant & Food Research are responsible for managing a databa...

Mobile aquaculture (FTS)

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s ocean space is many times larger than our land area and presents an enormous opportunity to expand into sustainable open ocean aquacul...

Dr Andrew Allan: A life in genes (SLFM)

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today on Scigest, we speak to Dr Andrew Allan, Principal Scientist at Plant & Food Research and Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the ...

Crossing Borders: Embracing A Science Career in New Zealand (SIS)

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From language barriers to cultural adjustments, international students and professionals face unique challenges when relocating to a new country to pu...

Jolon Dyer: From introvert to science leader (SLFM)

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Science careers can take many paths, some planned and some not. This week Tom Moore speaks to Jolon Dyer who is the GM Science Services at Plant & Foo...

Dr David Teulon Biosecurity and beyond (SLFM)

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on Scigest we speak to Dr David Teulon - an entomologist and Principal Scientist at Plant & Food Research. During his 30-plus year career in sci...

Fresh findings on beneficial insects (BIOSECURITY)

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists studying the pollination of native plants have been surprised by the large number of insect visitors contributing to pollination, which bod...

Working with wētā (SLS)

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Marlborough’s Awatere Valley ground wētā are a common sight on some vineyards, burrowing in soft irrigated soil beneath the vines. Winemakers a...

Starfish powered skincare (SB)

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists are working to find to a use for 1000s of unwanted starfish, which have been decimating mussel beds in Bay of Plenty’s Ōhiwa Harbour. In...

The future urban consumer (SITK)

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When developing new food technologies and farming systems, it is critical to consider consumer attitudes towards these technologies. Plant & Food Rese...

Cultivating Innovation: 45 Years of Transforming Horticulture with Dr Jim Walker (SLFM)

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over his 45-year career, Dr Jim Walker has driven significant change in the horticultural sector, using his scientific expertise to develop innovative...

Alex Leonard: charting a new course (SLFM)

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of marine science with Phd scientist Alex Leonard and new Scigest podcast host, Julie Blommaert. Learn h...

Recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle (FTL)

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cyclone Gabrielle was a devastating event that caused widespread damage to the pipfruit growing region of the Hawkes Bay. Today Rebecca Bloomer speaks...

New materials for new beginnings (SLFM)

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we meet Dr. Roshan Khadka, who is working on a new way to power wearable health devices. Roshan's science journey started in his homet...

Beyond the desk – making an impact through science leadership (SLFM)

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Scigest episode we speak to Plant & Food Research’s new chief executive, Mark Piper. Mark joined the organisation three months ago after a 3...

Diving into seafood science (SLFM)

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode we meet Julie Bloomaert, a Post-doctoral Scientist at Plant & Food Research. Julie works in the Seafood Production group - wit...

Moving forwards no matter the hurdles (SLFM)

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A journey into a science career can be fraught with many challenges along the way. Today we speak to Luna Hasna about her inspiring and multi hurdled ...

Finding Funding for ECR's (SIS)

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Early Career Researchers (ECRs) struggle to fund their research. With very few funding opportunities within New Zealand and high competition for them,...

Indoor farming - future or fad? (FTL)

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Indoor farming might be part of the solution to the global food security crisis, but how ready are we for this change in the way we produce fruit and ...

A legacy of international impact (ID)

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Plant Pathologist Dr Bob Fullerton has improved horticulture and changed lives in developing countries for nearly 50 years. Bob sat down with Scigest ...

Passing the PhD: how to defend your thesis (SIS)

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine this – you have two hours to prove to a room of experts that your PhD research was good enough to land you a doctorate. Daunting, right? In ...

Try before you buy (SLFM)

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Science careers can be diverse. How do you pick which path to follow? Starting out with a series of contract roles, Plant Physiology Scientist and PhD...

The importance of mentoring (SIS)

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, scigest host Erin Stroud chats to her personal mentor Dr Priya Subramanian, Plant & Food Research’s Dr Jill Stanley, and Stude...

A summer in science (SIS)

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our host Erin Stroud chats to students Tom Parekowhai and Rāwinia Wikaira as they recount their summers in science. Tom and Rāwinia cover the types ...

Invasion-of-the-Fall-armyworm (BIOSECURITY)

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While an invasion of creepy crawlies may be the stuff of nightmares, it could be a reality for New Zealand growers and gardening hobbyists. Fall armyw...

A new horizon for dragon fruit (ID)

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists from Plant & Food Research have been working with partners at the Southern Horticultural Research Institute in Viet Nam over the last decad...

Cricket Calls (SLS)

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nighttime cricket calls might be the soundtrack of summer, but for farmers, it's not a noise they want to hear. In this Scigest episode, entomologist ...

Straight into science (SLFM)

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scientist and Scigest podcaster Rebecca Bloomer talks fellow scientist Tom Moore about her journey into science, asking interesting biological questio...

Filling The Void - A colourful project (SS)

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The multi-disciplinary Filling the Void project received the Science New Zealand Team Award for their work in laying the foundation for a new breeding...

Making the most of our fish (SB)

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Achieving total utilisation and maximum value from a catch is an significant goal for the seafood industry. In this podcast, we discuss Cyber Physical...

A collection of virus-related moments (SLFM)

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Passionate plant virologist Associate Professor Robin MacDiarmid talks to Scigest host Erin Stroud about how her family sparked her interest in a scie...

Sniffing out a successful technology (NT)

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scientist Blue Plunkett speaks to Andrew Kralicek, Chief Technology Officer of Scentian Bio, about biosensors that can detect volatile organic chemica...

Being a bioinformatician (SLFM)

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bioinformatics is cutting-edge science that applies tools of computation and analysis to capture and understand biological data. It is an interdiscipl...

Benefits of beneficial biodiversity (BIOSECURITY)

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are enormous benefits that Aotearoa New Zealand’s insect fauna can play in pollinating crops and controlling insect pests. Scientist Brad Howl...

Where does the data go (SLFM)

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wanting to see the bigger picture and understand what knowledge could be gained from the data he was collecting opened up a whole new world of data sc...

David Hughes: leadership learnings (SLFM)

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Plant & Food Research CEO David Hughes chats with Scigest host Hilary Ireland about his journey science leadership, the big opportunities in the futur...

Creating New Zealand-made aquafeeds for sustainable aquaculture (SB)

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fish are not simple to feed. Their nutritional requirements vary hugely depending on the species, life stage and growing environment. Most of the aqua...

A curious journey (SLFM)

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Following his passion, curiosity and interest led statistical scientist Tom Moore into a varied science career. Fellow scientist and Scigest host Susa...

The Future Orchard (SS)

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Improving efficiency of fruit production on the minimum amount of land while reducing inputs on the orchard is vital for the longevity and sustainabil...

Future of Food (SMAS)

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How we grow, buy, eat and even value our food is changing. In our 100th Scigest podcast Ian Proudfoot, KPMG Global Head of Agribusiness, and our CEO ...

From Gumboots to Boardroom (SIS)

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of our Starting In Science series, host Erin Stroud chats to plant-pathogen scientist Dr Nick Waipara (Rongowhakaata and Ngāti Ruapan...

Adding value to New Zealand wheat (SS)

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wheat is the most widely grown commercial crop in the world, yet flour and bread disappeared from supermarket shelves during the lockdown. Wheat breed...

A taste for change (SLFM)

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Yuki Wadamori, a scientist in our Food & Bioproducts Technology team, sunk her teeth into a new career after working as a dentist in Japan. She cha...

A leap into data science (NT)

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Data and science have always gone together. With the evolution of fast processing, the ability to rapidly analyse data has transformed. In the fir...

Always science (SLFM)

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jay Jayaraman chats to scientist Mark Anderson about his fascinating and varied science career. They discuss how getting get your foot in t...

Talk science (SIS)

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Being a scientist isn’t all just lab work! Communicating your research to other scientists, industry, and the public is integral. Host Erin Stroud s...

Meet the new Scigesters (SLFM)

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Get to know more about the newest members of our Scigest team - Hilary Ireland, Jay Jayaraman, Erin Stroud, Nicola Sullivan, Rebecca Bloomer and Ria R...

Master of hops (SLFM)

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand has some of the most sought-after hops in the world. Dr Ron Beatson chats to Scigest host Nicola Sullivan about leading the research and d...

Science Women (SIS)

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the second instalment of our Starting in Science series, co-hosts and PhD students Erin Stroud and Hilary Ireland chat to a star-studded line up of...

Beginners guide to a science career (SIS)

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to start your science career? In the first episode of our Starting in Science series, hosts PhD student Erin Stroud and Sci...

New gene discovery for cloning in global agriculture (SS)

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scientist Dr Ross Bicknell discusses the discovery of a new gene described as a game-changer for global agriculture with Scigest host Hilary Ireland. ...

Fishing For the Answers: applying DNA sequencing to study the species in our oceans (SB)

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hoki is one of the most important fish species for the NZ seafood industry. Understanding more about the populations of hoki around NZ is vitally impo...