2021

PHF Science research vital to protecting New Zealanders from invasive pneumococcal disease

Carefully tracking epidemiological data enables effective action against disease threats in New Zealand.

2020

The science that powered New Zealand’s pandemic success

As COVID-19 emerged globally, PHF Science was called on to rapidly bring together laboratory and health intelligence needed to support Aotearoa’s public health response.

2016

DNA tracing led scientists to the source of world’s largest documented campylobacteriosis outbreak

Being able to accurately find the source of a serious drinking water contamination means outbreaks can be better managed, and future events prevented, to keep New Zealand’s water safer.

2012

How PHF Science helped stop a deadly listeria outbreak at New Zealand hospitals

Lives can and have been saved by the ability to quickly and accurately connect cases of food-related illness to a common source.

Treaty‑led science elevates Māori voices in New Zealand research

Forensic DNA technology helps reunite families after disasters

Evolution of DNA profiling technologies game-changer in solving crimes

Using science to build healthy homes

For more than a century, New Zealand scientists have worked behind the scenes to make New Zealand homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient — improving everyday life for thousands of families.

Predicting wildfire behaviour

Science is behind a toolkit designed to enhance understanding of wildfire behaviour, as part of wider research to keep people, property and the environment safer and more resilient.

Keeping forest workers safe

Forestry is one of New Zealand’s most difficult and dangerous industries. The complex nature of forests and ever-changing light conditions can make it difficult for workers to be seen.

Rapid, reliable and resilient

DART network provides early detection of tsunami

Cornerstone of resilience

Revised National Seismic Hazard Model for safer communities

Measuring tectonic stress

New Zealand at the forefront of science into slow slip events

The birth of GeoNet Rapid

Changing the speed of earthquake science

24/7 natural hazard monitoring

Centre transforms how science supports New Zealanders

Living with natural hazards

GeoNet keeps constant track of our volatile land

How PHF Science responded to New Zealand's synthetic drug crisis

End‑to‑end drug surveillance keeps New Zealanders safer from emerging synthetics.

Changing the way the world identifies Illicit drugs within communities

Wastewater testing for drugs keeps New Zealand’s communities abreast of trends, and offers powerful health surveillance tool.

Ensuring safe drinking water, from Aotearoa to the Pacific

Water‑information programmes keeps New Zealand’s supply safer and supports resilience for Pacific communities.

Study enables action to address nutrient gaps and chemical exposures in our diets

Decades-long monitoring helps keep New Zealand’s food supply trusted and safe.

Improving water safety through innovation

New approaches to water research are reducing risks, speeding assessments and improving treatment design for drinking‑water supplies

Influenza insights inform internationally

World-leading study improves the global understanding of influenza, driving smarter flu‑vaccine policies.

Radiation risks mapped: helping address cause of lung cancer

New Zealand has more information on potential exposure from an invisible radioactive gas, and safer food and medical treatments, as a result of research and monitoring at PHF Science.