Peter Barrowclough awarded Life Membership of IRANZ

The IRANZ Board has recently announced that Peter Barrowclough has been awarded Life Membership in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the science and research community, particularly during his tenure as CEO of Lincoln Agritech Ltd. In making the award, IRANZ Chair Dr John McDermott said Peter's leadership has left a substantial legacy, both within the organisation and across the wider New Zealand research landscape.

Presenting the life membership, IRANZ Executive Officer Dr Rob Whitney commended Peter’s exceptional leadership as CEO of Lincoln Agritech Ltd, noting his ability to foster a thriving research environment despite the challenges faced by independent research institutes without core funding.

Peter served as CEO of Lincoln Agritech Ltd, an R&D company and Independent Research Organisation fully owned by Lincoln University, from 2009 to December 2023. Over his 14-year tenure as CEO, Peter transformed the company from 35 staff with a turnover of $5.5 million to 85 staff with a turnover of $15 million, establishing Lincoln Agritech as one of Aotearoa's leading research and development organisations for the primary and food processing sectors.

Highlights

Highlights of Peter's time at Lincoln Agritech include securing funding for a Horizon Europe project, one of the world's largest research programmes. This four-year partnership has helped place Lincoln Agritech on the global stage, further expanding its reach and influence. Peter has also promoted Mātauranga Māori, creating enduring partnerships with Ngāti Whare, building a laboratory for the iwi in Minginui, and working closely with local rūnanga such as Taumutu and Ngāi Tahu.

Reflecting on the journey

Reflecting on his journey, Peter said, “Leading Lincoln Agritech has been an extraordinary privilege. My vision was always to build bridges between science and the real world, whether that's through commercial products, environmental sustainability, or empowering iwi to use science to benefit their communities. The work we've done, and relationship we have built with Ngāti Whare is a particular point of pride for me.”

Peter's strategic acumen also saw the international success of Lincoln Agritech's IRRICAD™ software, the world's leading irrigation design tool, which is now used in over 90 countries and is available in eight languages. “When I look at IRRICAD's global reach, I feel proud of how far we've come,” Peter remarked. “Our software is making a real difference for farmers and irrigation experts across Australasia, the Americas, Europe, and beyond. It's a perfect example of NZ Agritech being applied in ways that have tangible, positive impacts, and is good for the world.”

Launching of commercial entities

Peter's tenure also involved launching several commercial spin-outs, including Certus Bio and Hydrometrics, which are key examples of his commitment to taking science out of the lab and into the field. Certus Bio uses Lincoln Agritech-developed biosensor technology to monitor lactose losses in dairy plants, while Hydrometrics provides in-field nitrate monitoring sensors, helping New Zealand's primary sector meet critical environmental standards.

"Seeing research transition from the conceptual stage to commercial reality is what drives me," Peter reflected. "Certus Bio and Hydrometrics both started as ideas with huge potential, and now they're making a difference in industries where sustainability is paramount. I believe that science and technology have to be connected to real-world problems for them to have value."

Beyond Lincoln Agritech, Peter has been a passionate advocate for precision agriculture, founding Precision Agriculture NZ, which has since been integrated into Agritech NZ. He also established Lincoln Agritech's Greentech division, which focuses on developing technologies to address climate change. His forward-thinking leadership resulted in innovative approaches such as electrochemically-based technologies aimed at converting atmospheric methane into carbon dioxide and capturing nanoplastics.

Peter is particularly proud of the partnership that Lincoln Agritech has developed with the Wool Research Organisation of NZ (WRONZ). The research partnership and subsequent commercialisation of the research will move the dial for NZ course wool farmers, at a time that they are desperate for better returns. In his 30 year plus career in research, he believes it is one of the most significant examples of research making a difference to the primary sector he has seen. He predicts its impact will be up there with gold kiwifruit.

Vision for agriculture and environment

Dr Whitney emphasised Peter's contributions, stating, “Peter's vision, particularly around precision agriculture and environmental technologies, has been instrumental in Lincoln Agritech's work to balance production efficiency with environmental sustainability. His ability to see the broader implications of scientific research and to connect it with industry needs, local communities, and global opportunities is rare.”

Reflecting on his career, Peter shared, “I've always believed that science has to make a difference - socially, economically, and environmentally. It's not enough to publish papers and move on; we need to get the science into the hands of those who can use it. Whether it's farmers, local councils, or iwi, my goal has always been to deliver science that has real-world impact.” This is a shared goal of many of the members of IRANZ.

Peter has also held various senior roles throughout his career, including positions in New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Crown Research Institutes like Crop and Food Research, and directorships in science-focused companies, as well as the Canterbury Development Corporation. His extensive experience in both science and business has allowed him to navigate the complex intersection of research, commercialisation, and public good.

Passion for science

Dr McDermott said that Peter leaves behind an indelible mark on the organisation. “His passion for science and technology, paired with his ability to facilitate research that meets the needs of end users, has ensured that Lincoln Agritech will continue to thrive well into the future.”

Discussing his achievements, Peter said, “My career has always been about working at the interface of science and business. I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand how science can improve lives - whether through improving irrigation efficiency with IRRICAD or helping farmers monitor nitrate levels with Hydrometrics. I am deeply honoured to receive this Life Membership from IRANZ, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to science in Aotearoa in any way I can.”

The IRANZ community celebrates Peter Barrowclough's long-standing dedication to the advancement of science and research in New Zealand, acknowledging his tireless efforts to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and its practical applications. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of science and technology in New Zealand and beyond.