Public Research Organisations
In July 2025, the New Zealand Government established four Public Research Organisations (PROs). Three of the organisations were formed from existing New Zealand’s Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and one is a newly established entity:
New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science (Bioeconomy Science Institute) – formed by merging AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion.
New Zealand Institute for Earth Science (Earth Sciences New Zealand) – formed by merging the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS Science).
New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) – formed by repurposing the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) is newly established.
These organisations will concentrate on key areas of national importance to deliver a science system that is more connected, more commercially focused, and better aligned with the needs of New Zealand.
Like their predecessors, the PROs will work closely with Māori iwi and hapū, universities, business and industry bodies, independent research organisations, government and communities.
Bioeconomy Science Institute logo
The New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science (Bioeconomy Science Institute) was established in July 2025. It amalgamates Aotearoa New Zealand’s four leading bioeconomy research institutes – AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion.
Bioeconomy Science Institute
The Bioeconomy Science Institute amalgamates AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation. Core research areas include production systems for food and bio-based products, aquaculture and seafood, plant and animal health, bioprotection and biosecurity, land use, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and people and environment.
Our purpose is to drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment and beneficial social outcomes for New Zealand.
Earth Sciences New Zealand logo
The New Zealand Institute for Earth Science (Earth Sciences New Zealand) was established in July 2025. It brings together GNS Science and NIWA.
Earth Sciences New Zealand
Earth Sciences New Zealand operates as two business units. The National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) specialises in atmospheric, freshwater and marine research. The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS Science) specialises in the surface and subsurface of the Earth. Core research areas include Earth system observations and processes, natural hazards, carbon cycle and atmospheric change, climate and weather monitoring and forecasting, fisheries and aquaculture, and energy, mineral, freshwater and ocean resources.
Our purpose is to drive New Zealand’s economic growth and wellbeing through increasing returns from the use of New Zealand’s natural resources and environments, enhancing energy security, building resilience to natural hazards and increasing prosperity in a changing climate.
PHF Science logo
The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
PHF Science
PHF Science (New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science) continues the work of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). It is focused on the health, wellbeing and safety of communities. Core research areas include health security and pandemic preparedness, forensic science and justice services, drug harm prevention, food safety, and environmental health and risk science.
Our purpose is to enhance and protect New Zealand’s public health and justice systems to support economic growth and resilience, innovation, improved health, safety and security for people and communities.
New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) works to grow a high-tech, high-value economy. At its inception, this PRO has three platforms: future magnetic and materials technologies, artificial intelligence research and quantum technologies research.
Our purpose is to connect researchers, industry and investors – unlocking insights that drive scientific discoveries in advanced technologies for real-world impact and economic growth.
Nature of science
One tenet of the nature of science is that it is socially and culturally embedded. As societies change, so do scientific priorities. The government is merging and refocusing the CRIs into PROs that “will concentrate on key areas of national importance to deliver a science system that is more connected, more commercially focused, and better aligned with the needs of New Zealand”.
A brief history of science in Aotearoa New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand’s first government science agency was the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Its establishment in 1926 was encouraged by Ernest Rutherford, who called on the government to support education and research. DSIR’s original focus was primarily on agriculture and horticulture – for example, soil mapping the entire country to identify the best soils for different farm uses.
DSIR later expanded to include Antarctica and geophysics. The New Zealand Government established Scott Base in 1957 and DSIR undertook much of the research, especially during the early years. Geophysicist Dr Frank Evison joined DSIR in 1950 – discovering S waves in 1955. Dr Bill Robinson worked as a seismic engineer – developing base isolation technology in 1974.
In 1992, DSIR (and other research departments) were disestablished with the creation of Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) – semi-independent government-owned companies whose purpose was to carry out and promote novel and applied science and technology research and development. Initially, there were 10 CRIs but some were consolidated into the seven institutes that form the basis of the Public Research Organisation (PROs).
Institute titles on our website
The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao has worked extensively with the Crown Research Institutes over the years. While recognising these institutes now have new titles and logos, our resources will continue to feature the original titles and logos as they were when we published them.
Related content
Science is a human endeavour that sits within cultural and historical contexts. Our resources include the biographies of some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage scientists. Each biography includes a timeline that features the scientist, how science ideas and technology advanced over time and their role in aiding the advancements.
Muriel Emma Bell – nutritionist
Frank Foster Evison – geophysicist
Alan MacDiarmid – chemist and Nobel Prize winner
Athol Rafter – nuclear chemist
Beatrice Hill Tinsley – cosmologist
Thomas William Walker – soil scientist
Joan Wiffen – palaeontologist
Useful links
Visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website to read brief overviews of each of the Public Research Organisations (PROs).
Visit the websites of:
