Kia ora koutou,

The recent reforms to New Zealand's science system mark the most significant restructuring in over three decades. These changes, guided by the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) report and announced by the government in mid-January, will have far-reaching implications for Independent Research Organisations (IROs), including those represented by IRANZ.

For IROs, the reforms present both opportunities and challenges. The SSAG report explicitly acknowledges the critical role IROs play in New Zealand's research landscape, highlighting their contributions to national public interests and industry-aligned innovation. Importantly, the report reassures that the new structure is designed to support rather than undermine the relationships between IROs and the Crown. It also notes the importance of ensuring diversity in research provision and preventing unnecessary duplication.

Investment remains a significant concern. Most IROs depend in part on competitive funding from the Crown, with some receiving baseline support through the Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF). The report recommends ongoing review of such support, reinforcing the need for clear mechanisms to sustain and enhance the role of IROs within the evolving system. While details on funding reform are yet to come, the recognition of IROs' ability to leverage government investment is promising.

Beyond investment, the reforms introduce strategic oversight through the new Prime Minister's Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council. This body will set national research priorities and drive policy direction, potentially offering IROs greater alignment with government objectives and increased collaboration opportunities with PROs, universities, and private sector partners.

A key aspect of the reform is the consolidation of seven Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) into three Public Research Organisations (PROs) focused on the bio-economy, earth sciences, and health and forensic sciences. Additionally, an advanced technology PRO will be established to drive research in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and synthetic biology. These structural shifts are intended to create a more efficient, strategic, and adaptable research system that maximises public investment and enhances economic growth.

The disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation and redistribution of its functions raises questions about future support for applied research and commercialisation. Many IROs engage in industry-driven research, and the new structures must ensure that pathways for technology transfer and innovation remain accessible and effective.

We will also watch with interest the development of a national policy for managing Intellectual Property (IP) for science, innovation and technology-funded research. The proposed model is that used by Canada's Waterloo University, which vests ownership of IP with the researchers who create it.

In addition, we are welcoming a new Minister into the space, with the Hon Dr Shane Reti, as the incoming Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Statistics, and Universities.

As the transition unfolds, IRANZ and its members will continue to engage with policymakers to ensure that the role of IROs is not only preserved but strengthened within the reformed system. The recognition of IROs in the SSAG report is a positive step, but ongoing advocacy will be essential to secure stable investment, maintain research diversity, and maximise the impact of independent research in New Zealand's future science landscape.

Ngā mihi

Dr Rob Whitney
IRANZ Executive Officer

• Bragato joint project wins $100k+ to research thiols in white wine
• Motu: Filling the gaps of missing productivity data
• HERA hosts Professor Ian Manchester
• Malaghan: Cancer Research Trust grant to improve CAR T-cell therapy
• Cawthron: Seaweek Science Talk
• Lincoln Agritech internships open new career pathways
• Malaghan Institute and Victoria University 'renew vows' after 21 years of partnership
• 82nd Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture
• World-renowned cancer pathologist joins the Malaghan Institute as Distinguished Research Fellow
• Lighting the fire - Lydia's summer internship with HERA
• ...and much more.

Follow the link for more details on the February 2025 news briefs from our Independent Research Organisations.

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Dragonfly Data Science are excited to collaborate with Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony on a project to modernise its data management systems, and to help learn about the daily lives of little blue penguin or kororā.

Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony (OBPC) attracts thousands of visitors annually to visit kororā in its natural environment, and is a well-known South Island tourism operator. To better understand and support little blue penguin, OBPC has been working beyond its public-facing programmes to collect three decades worth of data on the little blue penguin population. The data are a valuable source of information on the penguin's population and behaviour that has the potential to help with the conservation of this species around the country.

Dragonfly Data Science have been enlisted to help organise and streamline these historical data, and to carry out some exploration of the data. They will then be used to create educational materials to engage OBPC visitors.

Dragonfly Director of Data Science, Finlay Thompson, is looking forward to bringing life to this dataset, and ultimately, to learn more about this native New Zealand species.

“Having the foresight to begin monitoring Ōamaru kororā back in 1993 provides this colony with a real advantage,” says Finlay.

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Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator, remains a major challenge for grape growers worldwide. Even minor infections can impact wine quality, making effective control essential. Fungicides—including traditional options like sulfur and copper, as well as modern targeted treatments such as SDHIs, QoIs, and DMIs—are key to managing the disease. However, the pathogen's adaptability allows it to develop resistance, threatening control efforts.

Broad-spectrum fungicides like sulfur and copper attack multiple metabolic pathways, making it difficult for the fungus to evolve resistance. In contrast, single-site inhibitors like QoIs, DMIs, and SDHIs target specific fungal proteins, allowing resistance to develop through single genetic mutations. For instance, QoI resistance is linked to mutations in the CYTB gene, while DMI resistance is associated with the CYP51 gene.

A growing concern is the limited recent data exists on fungicide resistance in New Zealand vineyards. Studies have already documented resistance to some DMIs and complete resistance to certain QoIs, highlighting the need for updated monitoring.

Dr Cen Liau, Research Associate - Grapevine Bioinformatics at Bragato Research, highlights molecular diagnostics as a rapid alternative to traditional lab testing. These tools detect specific genetic mutations linked to resistance, enabling large-scale, efficient monitoring.

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Projects with long-term social or environmental benefits are in for a boost in Aotearoa New Zealand. We all know Governments need to invest in things to safeguard future generations and the planet. Things like floodwalls, renewable energy, and social investments in health, development and children's education.

Until recently, the New Zealand Government had an implicit disincentive to prioritise projects with long term social or environmental benefits - because of how it set the public sector's 'social discount rate'. The social discount rate captures how we trade off the present versus future benefits (and costs) when making public policy decisions.

But, with the help of Motu Research and other advisors, the Treasury recently made substantial changes to the social discount rate they use to evaluate public sector proposals. Previously, Treasury used a single discount rate that trades off everything across time in the same way, whether we're looking at investing in something like an office building or river quality. The changes mean we now have two rates: One for commercial proposals at 8% and the other for non-commercial proposals at 2%.

This means proposals with long-term social or environmental benefits will look a lot more valuable to the Government than they did previously - and so be a higher priority for the Government to invest in.

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If you've ever driven over rumble strips, you'll know how well they engage the senses. The rhythmic drumming and vibrations are unmissable. Just as well. Technically known as Audio Tactile Profiled Marking (ATPMs), the little plastic ribs alert motorists when they drift from their lane.

Guidance for how ATPMs are used has been updated by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) for the first time since 2010. Parts of the new guidance feature research from WSP's road safety and human factors experts.

WSP Petone-based research leader for road safety Bill Frith says ATPMs have been an important feature of New Zealand roads since the 1990s. International studies dating back to 2007 show they have a well attested safety benefit. Latest research from the US, for example, shows they can reduce death and serious injury crashes by up to 22 percent on rural two-lane two-way roads.

"Audio tactile profile markers are a huge win for everyone on the road, helping ensure safer journeys for all,” he says.

A 2012 WSP study features in NZTA's new guidance, highlighting that wider ATPM ribs can improve road safety by increasing visibility. As a result of that work, the guidance recommends a new minimum 150mm width for ATPM ribs.

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A pioneering study, led by Charge Technologist Paul Condron from Mātai Medical Research, has demonstrated the potential of Ultra-High Contrast (UHC) MRI to transform Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and monitoring. Using advanced BLAIR bipolar filter sequences, researchers detected widespread changes in white matter and MS lesions with unprecedented clarity - even in cases where conventional MRI showed no abnormalities.

Key findings include:

• The Whiteout Sign: A widespread increase in white matter signal seen only with UHC MRI, present during relapses and resolving in remission.
• Grayout Signs: Subtle loss of contrast in grey matter, indicating disease presence.
• Enhanced Spinal Cord and Optic Nerve Imaging: Improved lesion detection crucial for MS monitoring.

A case study compared conventional MRI with Mātai's advanced technique. Standard T2-FLAIR MRI showed only a faint smudge in the spinal cord, whereas UHC MRI revealed a sharply defined lesion and an additional brainstem lesion entirely missed by conventional imaging.

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A recent study conducted by the MRINZ reveals a remarkable 32% reduction in asthma hospitalisations among Māori over the past four years. This progress reflects the impact of evidence-based treatment approaches and a collective commitment to addressing long-standing inequities in respiratory health outcomes.

Findings from the study, Ethnic Inequities: Patterns of Asthma Medication Use and Hospital Discharges in Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, underscore the effectiveness of increased provision of the 2-in-1 budesonide/formoterol maintenance and/or reliever therapy, as recommended in the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand's guidelines. The study, led by MRINZ Director Professor Richard Beasley, also highlights a 111% increase in budesonide/formoterol inhaler use among Māori over the same period.

“The findings highlight the high quality of primary care in New Zealand and the emphasis on addressing the health needs of Māori to reduce their disproportionate burden of disease,” says Professor Beasley. “This evidence exemplifies how GPs are adapting their prescribing practices in line with evidence-based recommendations, ensuring patients benefit from advances in treatment.”

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The Malaghan Institute is one step closer to its goal of making CAR T-cell therapy a standard of care in New Zealand as its phase 2 clinical trial opens its doors in Christchurch and Auckland City Hospitals this month.

Clinical Director Dr Robert Weinkove says 'site activation' in Christchurch and Auckland marks a significant milestone for the clinical trial, and means more patients can be treated, closer to home.

“This is an exciting step for this national endeavour, as we prepare the New Zealand health system to deliver this game-changing cancer treatment.”

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a personalised cell therapy, in which a patient's own immune cells are reprogrammed to recognise and eliminate cancer cells. The Malaghan Institute started New Zealand's first trial of CAR T-cell therapy in late 2019, with promising results leading to a phase 2 trial, ENABLE-2, at Wellington Hospital getting underway in July 2024.

Within the ENABLE-2 trial, 60 adults with certain types of relapsed large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma will be treated over two years.

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Osteoarthritis (OA) affects approximately 528 million people worldwide - a 113% increase since 1990. This degenerative joint condition, which causes chronic pain, disproportionately impacts women, with around 60% of OA patients being female.

Animal models play a vital role in the early stages of biomedical research for humans by helping researchers study the pathological and physiological processes of various diseases affecting both humans and animals like Osteoarthritis.

Currently, Estendart Research are conducting a series of pilot studies using sheep to generate a “knee model” to support in the development of treatments for OA.

“To start off this series, a test group of sheep were sedated, and a small amount of joint fluid was collected from each stifle joint (the leg joint functionally similar to the human knee) via needle aspiration. The animals are allowed to recover in comfort and then returned safely back to the farm,” says Estendart Research Leader Dr Shirli Notcovich.

“So many people and animals suffering from osteoarthritis. I'm pleased that Estendart Research Limited can play our small part in finding an effective treatment.

“Of course, a big thank you to the animals, the farmers, veterinary staff, and everyone involved in the study.”

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A new system in Nelson's Maitai Dam reservoir is expected to help stop pollutants occurring in the reservoir and discharging into the Maitai River.

Cawthron Institute freshwater scientist Simon Stewart said the aeration system was re-oxygenating water at the bottom of the Maitai Dam reservoir, which would prevent metals releasing into the water.

Oxygen levels had dropped at the bottom of the reservoir because of a summer phenomenon that occurred in lakes, where warm water floated on top of cold water, preventing oxygen travelling through the water, he said.

“Phosphorus ... is a nutrient, so that drives algal blooms, but then other metals like manganese they can be toxicants.

“They'll accumulate in the algae, then in the bugs and the fish, where they could basically cause ecological health issues.”

Simon is interviewed by the Nelson Mail's Katy Jones in this article about the Maitai Dam reservoir aeration system project. Cawthron has been contracted by Nelson City Council to provide advice and monitoring support on the aeration system project that will help to reoxygenate the water and prevent metals from being released.

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Research Scientist Dr Joseph Nelson (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa) didn't need any persuading when the call went out for volunteers to help at the MacDiarmid Institute DiscoveryCamp over summer.

The annual residential camp for Māori and Pacific Island year 12 and 13 students brings rangatahi (young people) from around the country to do research with MacDiarmid Institute scientists, feeding their love of science and helping them decide on their careers. This year, it was in Ōtautahi (Christchurch).

“I first heard about the camp when a call went out for volunteers to help out as organisers, camp chaperones, helpers with lab visits, and experiment sessions,” says Joseph, who is an Associate Investigator on two MacDiarmid Institute research projects.

“I remember attending my own high school summer camp, now more than 20 years ago in Auckland. This was quite a formative experience for me in terms of deciding my next steps after high school, and the camp volunteers were a big part of that. So, I was keen to volunteer.”

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A new publication in the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation explores how visual tools, such as diagrams, metaphors, and symbols, can enhance engagement and understanding of strategic change processes. Te Tira Whakamātaki (TTW) authors Simon Lambert, Micheal Heimlich, and Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, and associates Mariella Marzano and Valance Smith demonstrate how using culturally resonant visuals can make complex ideas more accessible, foster deeper stakeholder engagement, and secure buy-in for projects.

Termed theory-of-change visualizations, this methodology emphasizes effective communication and facilitation — two key skills the authors argue every evaluator should have.

For independent research organisations, this work offers valuable insights into how visual communication can strengthen research impact, improve collaboration with diverse communities, and enhance the uptake of research findings by policymakers and funders. Whether developing a Theory of Change, engaging stakeholders, or advocating for evidence-based change, this research provides practical strategies to ensure key messages are both seen and understood.

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The National Construction Pipeline Report 2024, commissioned by MBIE and jointly prepared by BRANZ and Pacifecon, forecasts a short-term decrease in building and construction activity throughout 2024 and into 2025, before a return to growth from 2026 onwards.

While total construction activity is expected to decrease from $60.8 billion in 2023 to $55.1 billion in 2025, activity is predicted to trend upwards from 2026 onwards to a total of $63.7 billion in 2029 as the residential sector recovers strength.

Intentions also remain high for non-residential activity, with commercial buildings dominating non-residential building work from December 2024.

Commercial buildings are expected to make up 46 percent of the non-residential projects and 48 per cent of the total value, with the private sector remaining the largest initiator of non-residential buildings in the coming years. This follows strong growth in non-residential building activity at the national level in 2023, up 9.9 percent from 2022.

A solid pipeline of transport, water and other infrastructure projects is also expected over the next two to three years, collectively peaking at $17.3 billion in 2025.

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With a growing urgency to reduce carbon emissions and embrace circular economy principles, HERA has recently released essential guidance to give industry professionals the knowledge and strategies to design more sustainable and resilient buildings - launching three pivotal resources, built on extensive research to help you stay ahead in low-carbon circular design.

"R4-164: A low-carbon circular building design guidance framework" - This is a ready-to-use framework that applies to any material, building typology, or system - giving you the tools to design smarter, without starting from scratch.

"R4-166: Low-carbon circular design guide for steel, and steel-hybrid low-rise commercial buildings" - Building on the framework, this design guide offers specific guidance to cut embodied carbon by over 50%, while making buildings more adaptable, future proof, and optimised.

"R4-165: Research gaps & next steps for advancing low-carbon circular design" - HERA researchers have uncovered some critical knowledge gaps to be addressed. This report outlines research priorities, with insights from industry experts, literature reviews, and peer feedback; opportunities for collaboration; and pathways for innovation.

GM Structural Systems Kaveh Andisheh writes that these publications mark a significant milestone in HERA's mission to drive sustainability in the construction sector, and provides a strategic roadmap for architects, engineers, and policymakers striving to create a more sustainable built environment.

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New insights from Motu Economic and Public Policy Research reveal the significant impact of arts and cultural participation on personal well-being. Whether as an active creator or a passive audience member, engaging with the arts enriches life in observable ways.

Key findings from Motu include:

• Active participation—such as painting, performing, or creating—boosts eudaimonic well-being, offering a stronger sense of purpose and enhancing long-term well-being.
• Passive participation—like attending performances or viewing art—elevates life satisfaction and short-term well-being by increasing happiness and mental health.

An important takeaway? Passive participation significantly enhances life satisfaction by improving mental health, helping people feel calmer, more peaceful, and less downhearted or depressed.

To quantify this, the researchers, Thomas Benison, Trinh Le, and Arthur Grimes, estimated that people value passive arts and cultural engagement at 6-20% of their income, equating to $2,800-$9,300 annually for those on a median income.

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PhD student Raka Mitra, a researcher at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, has developed a groundbreaking three-dimensional (3D) model to study infantile haemangioma (IH). Her work, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, marks a significant step forward in understanding this common vascular tumour in infants. The research was also highlighted in a commentary piece within the journal, underscoring its importance in the field.

IH is a fast-growing tumour characterised by abnormal blood vessel formation, typically appearing in the first year of life before gradually regressing. However, 10% of cases present complications that require medical intervention, including surgery, laser therapy, or beta-blocker treatment. A major challenge in IH research has been the absence of reliable models that accurately replicate the disease's progression and response to treatment.

Raka's 3D model utilises patient-derived endothelial cells grown as spheroids within an extracellular matrix hydrogel, enabling angiogenic sprouting that mimics IH blood vessel formation. Proteomic analysis confirmed the model's similarity to protein expression in spheroids and IH tissue, making it a valuable tool for studying biological mechanisms and drug responses. Testing with propranolol demonstrated its effectiveness in inhibiting blood vessel growth with increased toxicity response, further validating the model's usefulness for future therapeutic research.

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New research sheds light on how ankle sprain injuries lead to structural changes in muscle and connective tissue, potentially contributing to long-term instability. A study by Randika Perera and Geoffrey Handsfield (Auckland Bioengineering Institute), Samantha Holdsworth (Mātai & University of Auckland), and Pan Su (Siemens Medical Solutions), used advanced MRI to investigate how skeletal muscle and fascia adapt during recovery from an ankle sprain.

Recently published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, the study titled "Changes to Muscle and Fascia Tissue After Eighteen Days of Ankle Immobilisation Post-Ankle Sprain Injury" examined the case of a patient undergoing immobilisation after an ankle sprain. Researchers found that muscle atrophy occurred post-injury, but with some thigh muscles unexpectedly increasing in volume—likely due to the added weight of the immobilisation boot. Alongside muscle loss, fascia thickening was observed throughout the limb, suggesting an adaptive response aimed at stabilising the joint and compensating for lost muscle mass.

The findings highlight the critical role of fascia in injury recovery, with increased collagen content in the injured limb pointing to its role in preserving structural integrity.

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New research from a collaboration between the Malaghan Institute and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shown that 'infection interference' may be the key to unlocking broader protection from infectious agents - paving the way for better vaccine design.

Over the course of our lives, we encounter many diverse and challenging threats from infectious agents like bacteria, parasites and viruses. These infections don't line up in an orderly fashion; our bodies are constantly dealing with and responding to numerous threats as these opportunistic pathogens attempt to make our bodies their home. In places where this competition is especially fierce, such as in the lung, how does a dynamic microenvironment impact the severity of diseases like Covid-19 or influenza, or even allergy? Moreover, can we use this knowledge to improve how we design and develop vaccines and other treatments?

That's the question Dr Kerry Hilligan has been asking in her research that has crossed continents; from the NIH in Washington, DC, to her home at the Malaghan Institute in Wellington.

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A research collaboration between the University of Auckland and the Bragato Research Institute is investigating how fermentation techniques and ageing influence volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in Pinot Noir wines. VSCs can contribute both desirable and undesirable aromas, with some linked to common wine faults such as rotten egg and cabbage smells.

The study examines factors such as elemental sulfur use, yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) availability, and whole bunch fermentation. Initial findings indicate that wine ageing increases the concentration of certain sulfur compounds, including dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which can produce off-putting aromas at high levels. Meanwhile, key varietal thiols associated with tropical fruit notes also change over time, impacting wine aroma.

Whole bunch fermentation played a significant role, with 75% inclusion resulting in higher levels of VSCs like diethyl disulfide and ethanethiol. Additionally, wines produced with high elemental sulfur had elevated carbon disulfide concentrations.

The project aims to develop strategies to mitigate undesirable VSC formation, ultimately supporting winemakers in producing consistently high-quality wines.

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In the January issue of Canterbury Farming Newspaper, Aqualinc's Director of Research Dr John Bright talks about "Nitrates in groundwater: caught between a rock and a hard place?"

"Nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater in the Lincoln area were, by 1983, already higher than desirable for drinking water.

"This has stuck in my mind because neighbours warned us that the bore water on the property we had just bought was not safe for our toddler and young baby to drink! So, I took home bottles filled with water from one of Lincoln University's very deep bores. Thankfully it wasn't long before Lincoln township's public water supply was installed, this being supplied from two or three new deep bores.

"This anecdote is consistent with Helen Rutter and her daughter Katherine's analysis of Environment Canterbury's groundwater quality data from the Selwyn Waihora zone, published in the Journal of Hydrology (NZ) in 2019. This shows that nitrate concentrations in Selwyn groundwater rose sharply from the 1960s to the 1970s. Most of the rise is understood to have occurred as a result of very high groundwater recharge (drainage through the soil) in 1979."

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A global coalition of scientists is still working to realise a “once in a life-time opportunity” to address the plastics crisis after a stalemate prevented progress during the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Korea late last year.

In an article published in early February in Cambridge Prisms: Plastics, the coalition outlined the reasons for the failure to reach consensus in negotiations. The body of over 400 independent scientists also called for support to continue work that underpins the efforts of the 'coalition of the willing' - over 100 UN member states who are committed to establishing a treaty.

Coordinator of the Scientists' Coalition, Cawthron Institute researcher Professor Trisia Farrelly, said a clear majority of member states came to the Busan negotiations in good faith, but their efforts were undermined by a minority of around 30 countries, including powerful petrostates, that are intentionally blocking progress.

“It is disappointing, but not surprising, that petrostates and the plastics industry increasingly resist regulations that would require them to take responsibility for the social, economic, and environmental costs of business,” Farrelly said.

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Dragonfly Data Science has partnered with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) to transform their fisheries data reporting processes. This collaboration rebuilt SPRFMO's database and enhanced their annual summary reports for scientific committee meetings.

Craig Loveridge, SPRFMO's Executive Secretary, praised Dragonfly's work in automating reporting tasks. “It really did make our work more efficient and save us time. That was a big deal,” he said. Loveridge noted Dragonfly's ability to turn complex data into accessible and widely shareable reports, while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Dragonfly Data Scientist Hayley Wikeepa highlighted the efficiency of coding for data analysis and report generation. Automating ensures consistency and reduces manual workload. “It takes a bit of effort up-front to prepare the datasets and ensure consistency, but once done, reports can be reproduced easily year after year,” she said.

Katrin Berkenbusch, also a Dragonfly scientist, emphasized the importance of reproducible methods, saying manual processes increase the risk of errors, with automating ensuring accurate data updates flow directly into reports.

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