IRANZ news briefs
Dr Merata Kawharu of Takarangi Research was a guest presenter at the Nature-based Solutions Conference at Oxford University from 18-20 June. Photo: Takarangi Research.
IRANZ welcomes Hauhau Research
IRANZ is pleased to welcome Hauhau Research to the IRO-fold. HauHau Research was established in 2020 as an independent spin-off company from the Sensors and Smart Systems Laboratory at Massey University, Auckland. The team conducts fundamental research in sensors, mechatronics/robotics, microsystems, AI, and related technologies. One of their first offerings was a suite of “Hauhau” (fresh air) prototype indoor air quality sensors developed for NIWA for a large indoor air quality survey. Their goal is to drive innovation through cutting-edge research and support businesses by offering technology solutions and products from their portfolio.
Bragato Research Institute appoints new CEO
Bragato Research Institute (BRI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Juliet Ansell as CEO. In announcing the appointment, Chair Mark Gilbert says, “Juliet is a skilled science leader, bringing a wealth of experience in research and innovation to lead BRI in its next phase of accelerating research and innovation for the New Zealand wine industry.”
Juliet comes to BRI from her current role as Head of Core and Resilience Innovation at Zespri. Juliet says, “I am excited to take on this new role and to bring my experience in science and innovation to grow the future of the wine industry.”
Takarangi Research: Merata Kawharu guest presenter at Oxford conference
Dr Merata Kawharu was a guest presenter at the Nature-based Solutions Conference at Oxford University from 18-20 June. As well as working for Takarangi Research, Merata is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at Lincoln. After completing her doctorate at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, she has published on Māori and indigenous leadership, entrepreneurship, resource management, cultural and economic development. She has been a consultant to the UN and UNESCO and has been a member of international, national and regional committees for world heritage, science, heritage, geographic names, tribal, publishing and Treaty claims issues. In 2012, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori education.
Cawthron scientists foster French connection
Scientists at Cawthron Institute in Whakatū Nelson welcomed approximately 20 scientists from IFREMER, the French national institute for ocean science and technology, for a five-day knowledge exchange workshop in June.
Cawthron’s Chief Science Officer Dr Cath McLeod said the focus of the visit was on exploring opportunities for research collaboration in areas of shared interest, including biodiversity and the blue economy.
Malaghan: Kia Niwha Leader Fellowship for Malaghan vaccine researcher
Malaghan Institute Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Theresa Pankhurst has been awarded one of Te Niwha’s Kia Niwha Leader Fellowships to support her research into vaccines for the ageing immune system.
Dr Pankhurst, who is currently seconded to the Babraham Institute in the United Kingdom as Malaghan Te Urungi Churchill College By-Fellow, has spent the last year working on vaccine development in the Linterman Laboratory. She says the fellowship, which will extend her time at the Babraham, will strengthen research partnerships between the Babraham and Malaghan, to ultimately help improve health outcomes for older people across New Zealand.
Malaghan scientists appointed in leadership roles in New Zealand's RNA Platform
New Zealand’s RNA technology platform, a collaborative effort to advance RNA technologies in New Zealand, has appointed Malaghan scientists Dr Rebecca McKenzie and Dr Lisa Connor as pillar leads.
These leadership appointments are a key milestone in laying the groundwork for the new platform. Seven pillar leads have been established to cover the processes involved in researching, testing and implementing RNA technologies to benefit New Zealand.
MRINZ Deputy Director Matire Harwood Made Companion of the King’s Service Order
The MRINZ celebrates the achievements of their Deputy Director Associate Professor Matire Harwood (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Rangi ki Moerewa), who has recently been made a Companion of the King’s Service Order. Matire, MRINZ Māori & Pacific Peoples’ Health programme lead, deputy dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Auckland University, and a primary care GP at Papakura Marae, has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to medical research and community health.
With research interests spanning asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, and an extensive publication record, Associate Professor Harwood has significantly impacted these fields. Matire’s dedication and expertise have been especially evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, where she provided critical advice to the government and delivered essential clinical care in South Auckland.
Anagenix announced winner of 2024 Cawthron Innovation Award
Anagenix Ltd has been announced as the 2024 winner of the Cawthron Innovation Award at the Natural Health Products New Zealand Industry Awards at the end of May.
The Cawthron Innovation Award recognises outstanding innovation demonstrated in any facet of the entrant’s business, and Anagenix were crowned winner for their advancements in natural health solutions such as their prebiotic product Livaux.
Motu’s Stuart Donovan appointed to the Housing Expert Advisory Group
Stuart Donovan has recently been appointed to the Housing Expert Advisory Group (HEAG), which will report to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The role of HEAG is to support policy design of the Going for Housing Growth (GfHG) work programme, set up by the Minister of Housing.
The group consists of members with a range of skill sets, practical expertise, and experience in urban economics, development, and infrastructure.
Lincoln Agritech: Hydro-Metrics now a standalone company
Lincoln Agritech and HydroMetrics are excited to announce the formation of a new standalone company Hydro-Metrics Ltd.
Formerly a business unit of Lincoln Agritech, Hydro-Metrics is now a new, standalone company focused on developing and growing the nitrate monitoring products and technologies that are gaining traction in both New Zealand and international markets.
Lincoln Agritech will continue to be a strong supporter of Hydro-Metrics, and the new company will continue to operate as a spin-out business from premises on the Lincoln University campus. Lincoln Agritech will support the new company through technical, research, and business services.
Lincoln Agritech: Beyond No 8 webinar series
Lincoln Agritech have recently released the second webinar in their Beyond No 8 webinar series.
In this webinar, Allister Holmes explains how to leverage yield maps to create profit-and-loss maps. By focusing on the economic implications of yield variations, growers can make data-driven decisions to enhance their profitability.
He presents studies from New Zealand, demonstrating how this technique has helped growers improve profitability and optimise their agricultural practices.
Watch on YouTube.
Date posted: 30 June 2024