Science Working for New Zealand – 100 Years and Counting
In May 1926, Sir Frank Heath, Secretary to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in London, presented a paper to the New Zealand Government calling for the establishment of a single organisation focused on science and research that addressed local issues. From this paper, New Zealand’s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) was born.
Today, the Public Research Organisations – the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Earth Sciences New Zealand, New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology and PHF Science – continue that legacy, delivering science that supports social, environmental and economic prosperity for Aotearoa New Zealand.
To mark the centenary of DSIR’s formation, we are sharing some of the science working for New Zealand. The first 100 years has provided us a strong foundation that we can build on to help form the future of our nation.
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Conserving New Zealand
Research works to protect New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna and keep the native environment healthy.
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Feeding People
New Zealand grows healthy, tasty food for the world, with innovative solutions to production challenges.
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Global Citizen
New Zealand science helps solve problems for our neighbours near and far.
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Materials from New Zealand
New Zealand research creates new materials to be used at home and overseas.
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Powering New Zealand
New Zealand research looks for new ways to power the nation and the world.
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Protecting New Zealand
Science helps stop invasive species from crossing New Zealand’s borders and damaging native and productive landscapes.
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Protecting People
Science helps keep New Zealand’s people safe from harm.
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Technology from New Zealand
Research develops new technologies to keep New Zealand
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Understanding New Zealand
Research keeps an eye on New Zealand, how it changes, and how that impacts on people, the environment and the planet.