Group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute from 1 July 2025 — driving innovation in forestry, wood & biomaterials. 🌱

Joined December 2014
2,042 Photos and videos
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
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🔬 #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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Scion Research retweeted
🌱 COUNTRY REPORT : Implementation of bioenergy in New Zealand 🇳🇿  – 2024 update ▶️ The renewable energy share in New Zealand’s final energy consumption was 33% in 2022, of which 20% derived from biomass. ▶️ Oil products, primarily used for transport, are New Zealand’s main fossil fuel and over 80% are imported. In contrast, coal and natural gas come mainly from domestic sources, with some coal exported. Bioenergy is entirely domestically produced. ▶️ Over 85% of electricity generation in New Zealand is based on renewables. Hydropower is the main source (60%), followed by geothermal power (20%). Biomass-based electricity is modest (1.5%). The main current use of bioenergy in New Zealand is in industrial heating. ▶️ New Zealand has high per capita transport fuel use. Diesel use now matches gasoline, while biofuels remain low at 0.1% of transport energy demand. Electric vehicles are growing, but in 2022 accounted for just 0.24% of transport energy use. ▶️ New Zealand has low population density and ample forest area, but biomass use remains modest relative to its potential. Solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas, and MSW energy offer significant growth opportunities. Read more and download the full report 🔗 ieabioenergy.com/wp-content/… Edited by @LucPelkmans Country contribution: Paul Bennett, @scion_research
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🌱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
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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
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🌱🔬 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…
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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
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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…
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Scion Research retweeted
Horizon Europe = science diplomacy in action. 🇪🇺🌱🇳🇿 With #TeamEurope, I visited @scion_research in Rotorua — a world-class research institute working with EU partners on bioeconomy innovation, incl. the €7.5M UPWEARS project. People. Planet. Prosperity. #HorizonEurope
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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…
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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
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💡🔬 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.
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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
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