SPACE Team, LIC
Our thriving science and technology sector boasts the highest proportion of scientists and technicians in New Zealand, supported by strong tertiary organisations, a swathe of Crown Research Institutes and a rapidly growing innovation infrastructure. Whether in the lab or the field, our scientists help the Waikato contribute more than its fair share to the growth of science and entrepreneurial business.
Here, we share their stories, celebrate their discoveries and acknowledge their research and hard work. Let’s give them some kudos!
Dr Megan Grainger is securing sweet success for our multi-million dollar manuka honey industry. As a university student Dr Grainger isolated and identified MGO, the compound behind the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) which indicates the…
Jason Morgan is helping science take great strides in the world of e-learning. Jason teaches chemistry and physics at St Peter’s in Cambridge, where he is also Director of eLearning. His enthusiasm for hand-held devices,…
Professor Matt Littlejohn’s research for LIC has identified key genetic variants that have a significant impact on production and health in our national herd. Over the last 25 years, LIC has made a number of…
As scrutiny increases on the environmental impact of food production, AgResearch is providing vital support for our dairy and meat industries. Over the last decade, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) team at AgResearch has consistently…
Paul Champion’s work tackles the wicked problem of weedy waterways. Aquatic weeds can easily grow rampant, affecting recreation, interfering with hydro-generation, hindering restoration efforts and driving native species onto endangered lists. One of our leading…
Associate Professor Kura Paul-Burke blends western science with mātauranga Māori to help coastal communities manage marine taonga. Shellfish such as mussels indicate the health of our coastal environments and are a valued food source. In…
Biogeochemist Dr Terry Isson has clarified the link between silica-rich marine ecosystems and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, with big implications for climate change. Dr Isson’s work reveals the death of creatures such as single-cell plankton,…
With her research into goat milk and its impact on brain processes, Dr Anica Klockars is traversing new ground in nutritional research. When breastfeeding is not possible or practical, formula feeding is the alternative. Cow-milk…
Fiona Wolff is committed to increasing interest, access and participation in science within her classroom and beyond. At Morrinsville College, Fiona teaches the Year 9 learning support class where she thrives on helping students who…
Associate Professor Leandro Bolzoni is a world leader in the realm of titanium alloys and economic, environmentally-friendly ways to produce them. Strong, light, corrosion-resistant and biocompatible, titanium and titanium alloys are invaluable to the aerospace,…
Associate Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere draws on mātauranga Māori knowledge to inform medical best practice. Associate Professor Masters-Awatere has been instrumental in embedding Kaupapa Māori approaches and principles into medical and health-related research, creating meaningful health…
Chris Duggan’s bi-lingual science kits for primary schools have grown from a one-city wonder to a nationwide phenomenon. Observing a downward trend in our primary level science results and knowing that a lack of teacher…
Dr .Charles Lee is on the front line between climate change and one of the most pristine and least understood places on earth. Dr. Lee’s early career busted many myths about the nature and behaviour…
Dr. Etuini Ma’u’s leadership and research is improving our understanding of dementia care needs, particularly in relation to Pacific people. As our population ages, the number of people with dementia is rapidly increasing. An academic…
By building a ‘bot to crack a back-breaking task, Dr Shen Hin Lim gives hope to our asparagus industry. Our horticulture sector is facing a labour crunch and asparagus growers are particularly hard hit. Workers…
As the perils of plastic production and pollution rise, Scion/AgriSea spies a solution in seaweed. Nanocellulose is considered to be a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics and can be used in a vast range of…
