Science and innovation success stories

How our investment is helping to produce science and innovation success in New Zealand.

In this section

Rethinking the future of New Zealand infrastructure

Professor Larry Bellamy from the University of Canterbury is heading up an 8-year industry-led applied research programme that is responding to the massive challenges facing New Zealand’s infrastructure sector.

Advancing our understanding of flooding in New Zealand

Researchers from NIWA are developing the first, nationally consistent flood inundation hazard and risk assessment for New Zealand. It’s vital research that’s revealing how changing rainfall patterns, rising sea levels, and the way land is used could – and likely will – affect flood risk across the country.

A new model for clinical trials in New Zealand

A promising new cancer treatment is entering a phase 2 trial coordinated by the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, proving New Zealand is an ideal testing ground for clinical research in CAR T-cells and other immunotherapies.

Wielding the waste of the nation to combat COVID-19

Dr Joanne Hewitt, Science Leader at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), reflects on her career as a virologist and the fundamental role she and her team played in New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a new podcast from local producers PhD: Unpacked.

Creating value from the meat industry’s waste

Research by the Leather and Shoe Research Association (LASRA) has been awarded a Gold Status by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for exceeding excellence and impact.

Ocean observation project takes New Zealand from world trailing to world leading

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has awarded the Moana Project Gold Status for exceeding excellence and impact in their work. The project supports a sustainable seafood sector by advancing understanding of ocean circulation, connectivity and risks from marine extremes.

Examining layers of history to protect lakes in Aotearoa New Zealand

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has awarded a team of researchers from GNS Science and The Cawthron Institute the Endeavour Fund’s highest rating of Gold Status for their research into the current, and historic, health and biodiversity of lakes across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Research to support and help future-proof the ageing workforce

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has awarded the team behind Maximising Workforce Participation for Older New Zealanders the Endeavour Fund’s highest rating of Gold Status for their research.

New Zealand researchers create world-first stroke detection technology

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has awarded a team of researchers from the University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington the Endeavour Fund’s highest rating of Gold Status for their research into the feasibility of using portable nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor technology to help detect strokes and diagnose brain injury.

Monitoring energy use to create a sustainable eco-community

Taiepa Tiketike: Passive Resistance to Climate Change at Parihaka is a project which recently received Gold Status for its partnered approach to research into sustainable energy opportunities for the community of Parihaka.

Flip the Fleet

Flip the Fleet is a nationwide project aimed at getting more Kiwis behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.

Kiwi scientists revolutionising x-ray scanning technology

We have awarded Gold Status for research excellence to a project that is revolutionising the way x-ray technology will detect, diagnose and monitor many diseases, including cancer.

University of Canterbury research future-proofing NZ’s power supply

A team of researchers led by the University of Canterbury’s Electric Power Engineering Centre (UC EPECentre) has struck gold again, receiving our Gold Status for the second year running.

Blowin’ in the wind: University of Auckland’s breakthrough air quality measurement programme

The University of Auckland’s air quality measurement programme in high-density urban environments made significant progress in 2017, receiving our Endeavour Fund Gold Status.

STRATUS soaring to the Cloud

STRATUS is a six-year $12.2 million cyber security project led by the University of Waikato's Dr Ryan Ko and funded by us.

University of Canterbury antimicrobial research receives Gold, again!

The Advanced Energy and Material Lab (AEMSLab), a multidisciplinary research group at University of Canterbury, made leaps and bounds in their research in 2017, receiving our Gold Status rating for the second year in a row.

Combatting climate change with hybrid-electric jet planes

In a quiet industrial backroad at the foot of the Wainuiomata hills, Victoria University’s Robinson Institute is busily developing technology to power the world's first hybrid-electric jet planes.

Alliance turning waste into $100m boost to the New Zealand economy

The Bioresource Processing Alliance is an MBIE-funded R&D programme that works with the primary sector to turn low value biological waste into high value exports – with a potential to add at least $100m to the New Zealand economy in the next three years.

3D printing a new way of life for amputees

Artificial limbs are running hot off the press at Victoria University’s School of Design in Wellington – the 3D printing press that is.

Kiwi wine tech shakes up industry

It all began with a Masters university assignment to commercialise technology designed to age bananas. Pretty soon, the ‘Wine Grenade’ team was over-subscribed for its innovative wine-ageing product which is now influencing wine production around the world.

Research helping New Zealand prepare for the new reality of extreme wildfires

The Extreme Wildfire Programme, led by Scion, demonstrates excellence and impact for understanding and preparing New Zealand for the expected increase in wildfires due to climate change.