Research programmes

Scion leads a number of multi-year programmes that have their own websites and is involved in six National Science Challenges.

Current research programmes

• Giant Willow Aphid
• Rural Fire Research
• Bark Biorefinery: Unlocking new hydrophobic polymers
• Forest Flows: Creating water-resilient landscapes
• The Tree Microbiome Project: at the root of climate proofing forests
• Transforming tree phenotyping
• Growing Confidence in Forestry's Future (GCFF) completed in 2019
• Health Trees, Healthy Future (HTHF) completed in 2019

National science challenges

New Zealand’s national science challenges (NSCs) are tackling the big science-based issues and opportunities facing the country. Scion scientists work alongside other top scientists from Crown research institutes, universities and other research bodies in six of the challenges:

• Science for technological innovation. Kia kotahi mai – te ao pūtaiao me te ao hangarau. Lead SfTI Spearhead project: Additive manufacturing and 3D and/or 4D printing of bio-composites.
• Building better homes, towns and cities. Ko ngā wā kāinga hei whakamāhorahora
• New Zealand’s biological heritage. Ngā koiora tuku iho
• Our land and water. Toitū te whenua, toi ora te wai
• Resilience to nature's challenges. Kia manawaroa – ngā ākina o te ao tūroa
• The deep south. Te kōmata o te tonga