Scion Research

Today marks a new chapter for science in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together @AgResearchNEWS, @mwlr_nz, @plantandfood, and Scion—uniting 2,000+ people including 1,500+ scientists. Backed by 100+ years of legacy, today is day one. 🔗 tr.ee/eyHFKY

🔬 #InTheNews | AgriSea and Scion are turning seaweed into cutting-edge tech — and putting Paeroa on the global innovation map. A world-first seaweed #biorefinery launches this year, producing nanocellulose hydrogel with 85% fewer chemicals. 🌿♻️ Powered by Scion’s biotech expertise + Māori-led innovation. 🔗 lnkd.in/gnvxehut #ScionResearch #AgriSea #MāoriEconomy #Innovation #CircularBioeconomy

Advanced technology is key to New Zealand’s future success — and it’s already central to Scion’s work. 🔗 Check out our new interactive Shorthand story that brings Scion’s #advancedtech innovation to life: tr.ee/jzdQF9

Scion joins NZ’s national food safety strategy! We’re proud to bring our packaging innovation and biomaterials expertise to the NZ Food Safety Science & Research Centre. 🌿🔬 Kate Parker joins the Science Leadership Team — helping lead safer, smarter food systems. 🔗 Read the full story: lnkd.in/gazqnPka #ScionResearch #FoodSafety #SustainablePackaging #NZFSSRC

Red needle cast (RNC) is more than a seasonal setback — it’s a serious threat to the long-term health, resilience, and productivity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s forests. New research from Scion explores the impact of RNC on radiata pine — from growth loss and weather-related triggers to effective control strategies. This research is a vital step toward building more resilient, productive landscapes for future generations. 🔗 Read more: lnkd.in/g5Y3z7ja

A radiata pine cross-arm installed in 1965 is still going strong — even after 15+ years on the ground. Scion’s latest analysis proves the durability of #masstimber and the value of engineered wood products in building a climate-smart future. 🔗 Read more: tr.ee/vQG5Ke – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

🌱The next Scion #ResearchHighlight overviews a groundbreaking study in New Zealand's native tree research. Led by David Siqueira, it examines how container size affects the survival and growth of 12 native species, potentially revolutionising propagation practices. Published in the Journal of Forestry Research, this work boosts regional productivity and enhances biodiversity and climate change mitigation efforts. 👏 🔗 Read more: lnkd.in/gFd4Xtxm

Scion has launched NZ’s first field trial of gene-edited #conifers using CRISPR technology! We’re testing how gene editing can boost #timber quality & create high-value bioproducts for a low-emissions #bioeconomy. 🔗 Full release: lnkd.in/ggANtRiE – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

🌱🔬 Today, Hon Dr Shane Reti, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, announced major progress in the Government’s science sector reforms. The formation of the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science marks a significant milestone as it unites us with three other Crown Research Institutes (CRIs). We are excited to continue collaborating with our partners to drive #science and #innovation that delivers real impact for New Zealand. 🔗 Read the full statement: beehive.govt.nz/release/bold… – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

Early career researcher David Siqueira is the latest scientist to feature in our profile series. David's work revolves around plant propagation and that's just how he likes it. 🌱 Watch our visit with David and read the full interview here: lnkd.in/gAj5-Pgj #ScionResearch #ScienceNewZealand #EarlyCareerResearcher #MeetOurExperts – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

A newly described plant has been named after Scion’s Matt Buys: Delosperma buysii. This rare honour recognises Matt’s incredible work in botanical science and his leadership of our national #herbarium—powering education, policy, and a thriving #bioeconomy. Congrats, Matt! 🔗 Read research paper: phytotaxa.mapress.com/pt/art… – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

For 40+ years, Dave Henley’s fieldwork has taken him across Aotearoa, shaping #forestry research and mentoring generations at Scion. Part of our 75-year legacy in forestry and #woodprocessing, Dave brought heart, grit and humility to every step. 🔗 Read more about his varied career and next steps: scionresearch.com/news-and-e…

Innovation and trusted relationships are key to protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's forests. 🌿 Scion’s wind-dispersed pest research in Taranaki brings together science, mātauranga Māori, and community through wānanga and whakawhanaungatanga. 🔗 Learn more: lnkd.in/gutJBaNg #Biosecurity #Ngahere #ScionResearch – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

💡🔬 Scion is advancing the #bioeconomy through #biomanufacturing and #biomaterials — and global partnerships! Over the past six months, we've seen exciting progress with the #EUHorizons UPWEARS project, and Scion is proud to be at the heart of this innovation! As a key partner alongside European collaborators, including @INRAE_Intl, @CITEVE and Pafil, our team has been driving innovation, connecting with global experts, and pushing the boundaries of what sustainable wearable technology can achieve. Check out a few recent updates from the Scion team working on the project below. – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

What impact does land use have on our environment? Scion is part of a groundbreaking 30-year collaborative study in Hawke’s Bay that’s shedding light on how different land uses—forestry, farming, and native bush—affect our water quality, soil health, and aquatic ecosystems. Highlights so far: ✅ Thriving aquatic life in pine forest streams ✅ Soil and sediment mapping post-Cyclone Gabrielle ✅ A 15-year research plan and public story map to guide future work 🔗 Learn more: lnkd.in/gtvAmTQu

Yesterday, Scion welcomed scientists from the Chinese Academy of Forestry to Te Whare Nui o Tūteata. 🌿🌏 We shared insights on NZ forest management, resilience, climate research, and more. The visit continues later this week with our team in Christchurch with a focus on urban forestry and soil science. At Scion, we’re transforming sustainable land use and leading low-carbon innovation. This visit shows the power of global collaboration for lasting impact. #ScionResearch #ForestryScience #ForestResilience #UrbanForestry #SoilScience

✨ The magic happens where science meets business. Amanda Davies & the Scion team are powering NZ’s economy through IP, partnerships & investment. One example? Our collab with UsedFULLY led to a solvent-free tech that transforms textile waste into high-value fibre — cutting carbon & landfill. 🔗 Learn more about our commercialisation approach and success stories: tr.ee/WiEzHi – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

Scion is committed to delivering innovative, relevant, and cost-effective solutions to real-world challenges. In partnership with the Radiata Pine Breeding Company (RPBC), we've developed cutting-edge #remotesensing technology that shifts tree measurement from stand-based assessments to individual tree tracking. Check out the video below to see how we’re transforming forest management with UAV technology. youtube.com/watch?v=fSjbShr7…

🌿 Introducing our new series #ScionResearchHighlights! We’re excited to launch Scion Research Highlights – a new series spotlighting recently published research led by our expert team. First up: a paper by Remote Sensing and Spatial Specialist Mark Jayson Felix and team, exploring how hyperspectral imaging can detect water stress in #kauri trees earlier than ever before. From leaf-level to #drones and aircraft, this tech could revolutionise #forest monitoring and #conservation. Published in Remote Sensing (Jan 2025) 🔗 Read more: lnkd.in/gQzBnWqS #ForestManagement #UAV #ScionResearch – at Waikato Region, New Zealand

🌿 Meet Dr Rebecca McDougal – Forest Pathologist & ‘Tree Doctor’ Rebecca likes to call herself a "tree doctor" — but behind that humble description is a career dedicated to protecting the health of our forests. As a Senior Scientist and Team Lead at Scion, she specialises in forest #pathology, working to diagnose, prevent, and manage the diseases that threaten the health of our forests. In our latest Meet Our Experts profile, Rebecca shares what fuels her passion for tree health, how her research is helping safeguard ecosystems, and why #foresthealth is more important than ever. 🔗Full interview: lnkd.in/gK4-GFu2 #ForestPathology #TreeHealth #ScionResearch #ScienceNewZealand – at Rotorua District, New Zealand