IRANZ news briefs
The summer interns at Mātai. Photo: Mātai Medical Research Institute.
Nurturing future leaders: Transformative journey for Mātai interns
Tairāwhiti-based Mātai Medical Research Institute recently celebrated the success of its 10-week summer internship programme and farewelled those involved.
Chief Operating Officer Leigh Potter says the interns undertook a transformative journey of research discovery and personal development.
Gillies McIndoe: Recent awards
The collaborative effort between Massey Ventures, the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, and AFT Pharmaceuticals has received the Best Licensing Deal at the Australian Research Commercialisation Awards 2023 and the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards 2023 PwC Breakthrough Project Finalist. These recognitions result from Gillies McIndoe's successful commercial partnership focused on developing a topical treatment for Infantile Haemangioma (strawberry birthmark).
These significant achievements stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment, hard work, and exceptional talents of each member of the Gillies McIndoe team. In particular, Dr Maddie White, Senior Research Fellow & Strategic Partnership Manager, whose outstanding contributions have been instrumental in leading the lab-based component of the Infantile Haemangioma project since joining Gillies McIndoe.
Read more about Gillies McIndoe >>
Malaghan's new Chair Sir Paul Collins
At Malaghan's AGM in December, Graham Malaghan stepped down as Chair of the Malaghan Institute and Sir Paul Collins was appointed as the new Chair. Sir Paul says Graham leaves a remarkable legacy of over 35 years with the institute – "he is a definitely a tough gig to follow".
Motu welcomes new Senior Fellow Stuart Donovan
Motu welcomes their new Senior Fellow, Stuart Donovan. Stuart has two decades of experience working in Australia and New Zealand. With expertise in spatial, urban, and transport economics; multi-modal transport planning; and land use policy.
Motu welcomes newest Fellow Tadhg Ryan-Charleton
Motu has announced their newest Fellow, Tadhg Ryan-Charleton who joins them this February.
Tadhg's expertise in Strategic Management complements Motu’s existing capabilities and strengthens Motu’s commitment to Productivity and Innovation in New Zealand. Tadhg has recently returned to Aotearoa after several years in the UK. As a Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, Tadhg led courses on Strategic Management for undergraduates, MBA students, and executives.
Bragato Research appoints Interim CEO
Dr Bruce Campbell CNZM has been appointed as Interim CEO for Bragato Research Institute. His appointment will be effective from Wednesday 7 February.
Bruce has been a Bragato Research Institute (BRI) Director for five years and was previously a Chief Operating Officer at Plant & Food Research. He is a recipient of the 2017 Prime Minister's Science Prize, 2017 Horticulture New Zealand Industry Service Award and 2016 Royal Society of New Zealand Thomson Medal for outstanding leadership of agricultural and horticultural science. Bruce has a PhD in plant sciences from the University of Sheffield.
Three new Directors for Bragato Research Institute
Bragato Research Institute drives New Zealand’s grape and wine research, innovation and extension so that New Zealand remains renowned for its exceptional wine. As Bragato Research Institute (BRI) grows and matures, their Board of Directors has evolved too. During 2023, Directors Dr Di McCarthy and Prof Charlie Eason both stood down, and they now welcome three new Directors to the BRI Board: Emma Taylor, James Dicey, and Greg Mann.
Cawthron’s Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Laboratories now accredited
Cawthron Laboratories newest testing arm based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has now received accreditation.
Cawthron Laboratories offers a broad spectrum of food and product testing services. The new facility, located in Māngere, expands Cawthron Laboratories’ service capacity and supports existing efforts to provide a full spectrum of testing services. Cawthron Laboratories Manager Paul Parker says this expansion builds on the strong relationships Cawthron already has with customers in the North Island and creates opportunities for new customers.
Cawthron Institute Announces New Board of Directors Chair
Lees Seymour (Ngāti Hikairo affiliation) has been announced as the next Chair of the Cawthron Institute Board of Directors. He will replace Meg Matthews (Ngai Tahu), who is stepping down at the conclusion of her third three-year term on the Board and as Chair since 2018.
People of Lincoln Agritech: Dr Abbas Jafari
Precision Agriculture Scientist Abdolabbas (Abbas) Jafari says he brings the latest tools and techniques to the farm to help plants thrive.
“When I was a child in Iran, I dreamed of many things for my future, but becoming a scientist was top of my aspirations. I was very curious about exploring the unknown, and I was fascinated by the intricacies of how things worked and the art of building mechanical components.”
People of Lincoln Agritech: Samantha Thomas
Chemical Technician Samantha Thomas has always wanted an exciting job where she does different things every day. Now she’s got one.
Silicon nitride microfibres for reinforcing composites. Photo: Nuenz.
Troy Dougherty science and technology finalist in Welly Awards
Troy Dougherty, COO at Nuenz, is a finalist in this year’s Welly Awards. Troy was lead scientist in the nanofibres programme, developing a commercially viable method for manufacturing silicon nitride microfibres for reinforcing composites, at IRANZ member CRL Energy (now Verum Group) a energy research and testing IRO.
This led to industry investment and the formation of Nuenz Ltd. Troy is now the Chief Operating Officer of Nuenz Limited in Petone, the world’s only manufacturer of commercial silicon nitride fibres, an extraordinary additive that creates better coatings and composites which are lighter, stronger, and greener.
Date posted: 29 February 2024