scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

Hosted by New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited

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Episodes

196

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-NZ

About the show

Welcome to Scigest - podcast-sized servings of digestible science from the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Join us as we explore the advancements and impact our scientists are making in advancing innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protecting ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and developing new bio-based technologies and products. Listen to our scientists as they share and discuss current research in Aotearoa New Zealand, and beyond in this award-winning podcast collection. Make sure to visit www.plantandfood.com/scigest for even more information on Scigest! To help you discover the podcast topics and research that interests you, Scigest is split into series, each covering different scientific topics. The series are as follows: PPF: People|Planet|Food FTS: From the sea FTL: From the land BDIS: Biosecurity, disease and insect science STK: Science in the kitchen NT: New technologies ID: International development SLFM: Science life for me (Our people) SMAS: Science movers and shakers SIS: Starting in science

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 16, 2026

Peter Buchanan – Learning then sharing the fungi knowledge (SLFM)

In the second part of this Scigest conversation, host Dr Hilary Ireland continues her discussion with recently retired mycologist Dr Peter Buchanan, exploring the legacy of a career that spanned five decades of fungal research, collaboration and science communication. Peter reflects on the scientists whose work laid the foundations for today's advances in mycology and discusses the importance of fungal conservation, including the traditional Māori uses of fungi. He also shares his commitment to engaging New Zealanders with fungal science through books, Fungal Forays, Bioblitz events, the NZ's Favourite Fungus public vote, and Ngā Hekaheka o Aotearoa, a bilingual teaching resource. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how research, collaboration and public engagement can deepen understanding of New Zealand's remarkable fungal diversity. See link to the video on the vegetable caterpillar fungus:https://bit.ly/4zhgaKp. Also the $50 bank note:https://bit.ly/4ztiLB1.

August 2, 2026

Peter Buchanan - A life of fungi (SLFM)

Fungi underpin the health of our ecosystems, yet they're one of the least understood groups of organisms. In this episode of Scigest, host Dr Hilary Ireland sits down with recently retired mycologist Dr Peter Buchanan, whose remarkable 50-year career has helped transform our understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand's fungi. In the first of this two-part conversation, Peter shares the experiences that shaped his career and lifelong interest in fungi. He discusses fungal diversity, the importance of taxonomy and plant pathology, and the role fungi play in crop production, disease management and post-harvest storage. Peter also reflects on how molecular biology has transformed fungal research, opening new opportunities to understand fungal relationships, identify pathogens and improve disease management. Part 2 of this conversation will be available from 17 August. Vegetable caterpillar fungi link: www.sciencelearn.org.nz/videos/768-vegetable-caterpillar-fungi Peter Buchanan profile: www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1445-dr-peter-buchanan To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

July 20, 2026

Understanding red needle cast in NZ forests (BDIS)

Red needle cast is one of the most significant diseases affecting New Zealand's radiata pine forests. In this episode of Scigest, scientist and host Darryl Herron sits down with forest pathologist Emily McLay to discuss why the disease is such a challenge for forest growers and how our science helps forest growers better predict, prepare for and manage it. Tune in to hear how cutting-edge research is helping protect the forests that support our economy, environment and communities. Red Needle Cast Regional Risk Forecasting website: https://fgr.nz/tools/red-needle-cast-regional-risk-forecasting. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

July 6, 2026

Linley Jesson: Dissecting the data (SLFM)

Data is transforming the way we do science. In this episode of scigest, host and scientist Tom Moore sits down with Principal Scientist Dr Linley Jesson to explore her fascinating career journey from ornithology and plant biology to genomics and data science. Linley shares how influential mentors helped shape her path, the curiosity that led her from studying bird behaviour to the intricacies of plant reproduction, and how her research has evolved alongside the rapid growth of genomic technologies. The conversation delves into her work on plant reproductive biology, moss genomics and the increasingly vital role of data science in unlocking new scientific insights. Linley also reflects on the importance of mentoring the next generation of researchers, embracing change throughout a scientific career, and finding opportunities to innovate in an evolving research landscape. Whether you're curious about the future of data-driven science or the winding career paths that lead to groundbreaking research, this episode offers insight into the people behind the data. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

June 16, 2026

Wildfires – the science behind predicting fire behaviour (FTL)

Wildfires can be devastating for New Zealand’s communities and landscapes and they’re becoming more frequent, with the country experiencing an average of 3400 wildfires annually over the past 31 years, burning 5700 hectares of land. Understanding how wildfires behave is key to helping people prepare for and cope with their impact. In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Nicola Sulivan speaks to fire ecologist Shana Gross about the Bioeconomy Science Institute's role in supporting firefighters and communities, including publishing national-scale wildfire hazard potential data and developing a toolkit to enhance understanding of wildfire behaviour. Gross also discusses the impact of human activities, climate change and the importance of community preparedness when it comes to wildfires. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

June 2, 2026

Bioenergy and biofuels: Building New Zealand's energy security (FTL)

What practical steps can Aotearoa New Zealand take to strengthen its energy security while creating jobs and reducing environmental impacts? In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Darryl Herron talks with Paul Bennett, Integrated Bioenergy Portfolio Lead at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, about the opportunities for locally produced bioenergy and biofuels. Drawing on New Zealand's existing woody biomass resources, the team is exploring how scalable bioenergy solutions could help reduce the country's long-term fuel insecurity, support regional economic growth, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Tune in to learn how science is helping unlock New Zealand's bioeconomy potential and what it could mean for our energy future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

May 22, 2026

Pauline Kerbiriou: A world of plant breeding (SLFM)

Developing new plant varieties helps keep consumers interest in crops and also assists growers manage environmental challenges, such as new pests and diseases and changing climates. In this latest "Science life for me” series podcast, scientist and Scigest host Dion Mundy speaks to berry breeder Pauline Kerbiriou about her role, the importance of plant breeding, and the characteristics that breeders look for in a new variety. We also talk to Pauline about her journey so far as a scientist, and share some useful tips for young scientists in their careers. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

May 7, 2026

The Allan Herbarium - 800,000 specimens and counting (FTL)

The Allan Herbarium houses plant species from around the world, with a particular focus on indigenous and exotic plants of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It contains approximately 800,000 specimens, which include dried plants, lichens, mosses, liverworts, seeds, fruits, wood, liquid-preserved specimens, and microscope slides. In this Scigest episode, host and scientist Rebecca Bloomer speaks with Allan Herbarium curator Jessie Prebble and collections manager Ines Schonberger about the science, history and global collaborations behind the collection. Jessie shares how the Herbarium supports research and public engagement, while Ines offers insight into the day-to-day work of managing and preserving the collection. Together, they explore the Herbarium’s remarkable history — including specimens collected during Captain Cook’s first voyage — and discuss how these centuries-old collections continue to support modern science, from DNA analysis to biosecurity research. For more information on the collection please see: https://tinyurl.com/Allan-Herbarium To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links mentioned in this podcast please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

April 23, 2026

For the love of hoppy beers (SLFM)

As a lover of hoppy beers and the outdoor life, it was natural that plant breeder Kerry Templeton should be tempted to head down from Auckland to Motueka nine years ago to take on the hop breeder role for the Bioeconomy Science Institute. In this latest podcast in our "Science Life For Me series”, scientist Dion Mundy speaks to Kerry about his life as a hop breeder and also talk hops and the hop industry.

March 23, 2026

Tree talk: Establishing natives and managing wilding pine spread (FTL)

Indigenous trees are vital for environmental health and biodiversity, and Aotearoa New Zealand has bold plans to re-establish them. Scientist and Scigest host Nicola Sullivan talks to invasion ecologist and establishing indigenous forests portfolio lead Tom Carlin about this work and why managing the spread of wilding pines is a key part of it. For links to a Farmers Weekly podcast on "Bringing down the cost of planting natives" and a Newsroom article on wilding pines in the South Island high country please view our Scigest page for this podcast on: https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/from-the-land