scigest - Plant & Food Research podcast

Feed people, not landfill. Around 30% of food grown for human consumption never gets eaten, yet thousands still go hungry. What role does food rescue play in resolving the conundrum of providing healthy, enjoyable, affordable nutrition within Planetary Boundaries? In this episode host Roger Robson-Williams chats with Iain Lees-Galloway, the General Manager of the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance. They discuss the relationship between humans and the environment, and they celebrate the work of volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand who are making a difference for people struggling to put food on the table — a win for hungry kids and a win for the planet.

From shellfish and seaweeds to tiny amphipods, biofouling is the stubborn layer of life that clings to boats and marine structures, creating costly maintenance challenges. While some chemical treatments can help control biofouling, many of these chemicals pose risks to other marine life. This week, host Julie Blommaert speaks with Research Technologist Peter Bell about his research into smarter, safer ways to tackle biofouling and how what’s often dismissed as “brown sludge” could be put to good use. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

How do you take a brilliant scientific idea and turn it into something that makes a real difference in the world? The answer often starts with intellectual property (IP).   For decades, Plant & Food Research, part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, has been protecting and growing the value of its science through IP, helping discoveries move from the lab to industry and society, establishing the organisation as a leader in intellectual asset protection within Aotearoa New Zealand’s science sector.   In this episode, host and scientist Hilary Ireland chats with recently retired Intellectual Property Manager, Sue Muggleston, about how IP has shaped science at Plant & Food Research. Together, they explore the role of IP in supporting science, the lessons learned along the way, and why strong IP protection will remain essential for future research success. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

What is sustainability, and how can businesses contribute to it? Why do many larger organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand align with the Sustainable Business Council (SBC)?   In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams is joined by Jay Crangle and Mike Burrell from the SBC to explore these questions, sparked by the recent merger of four Crown Research Institutes into the new Bioeconomy Science Institute—an organisation of over 2,000 people with an annual revenue of around $0.5 billion.   Jay and Mike share their personal journeys into sustainability, how their work at the SBC reflects their values, and what Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and the Star Wars universe can teach us about shaping a more sustainable future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Securing intellectual property (IP) for our research is now a vital aspect of science delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand, though this was not always the case. In this episode of Scigest, Hilary Ireland speaks with Sue Muggleston, the recently retired IP Manager at Plant & Food Research, who played a key role in shaping the organisation’s approach to protecting and commercialising its scientific discoveries. With a career spanning science, science communication, and leading the IP strategy at Plant & Food Research, Sue has been instrumental in launching technologies and spin-offs that benefit both businesses and the scientific community. She shares her insights into the importance of securing IP for translating discoveries into real-world impact. Sue also reflects on her leadership role with the Licensing Executives Society Australia and New Zealand (LESANZ), and discusses how effective IP frameworks support innovation, foster start-ups, and encourage ongoing scientific investment. If you’ve ever wondered how groundbreaking science transitions to the real world — and why protecting it is essential — this is the episode for you. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Mealybugs may be tiny, but they’re causing big problems for Aotearoa New Zealand’s wine industry by spreading the destructive Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3).  In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Nicola Sullivan chats with fellow scientist Michelle Thompson about her Endeavour Fund research exploring whether some grapevines are naturally better at defending themselves against these pests.  With support from Lincoln University, Michelle’s team is using an ultra-fine gold wire and a technique called electropenetrography to track how mealybugs feed on Sauvignon blanc grapevines. The goal? To develop smart, resilient rootstocks that help future-proof our vineyards.  Hit play to explore the science that could help future-proof your favourite vintage. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In this episode of Scigest, we delve into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of utilising artificial intelligence in science. Host and senior scientist Dr Jay Jayaraman chats with researcher Sarah Philp-Wright about her work on developing novel plant proteins with the help of AI. They discuss powerful tools such as RoseTTAFold, AlphaFold, and RFdiffusion, and their potential to reshape agriculture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of food and the science behind it—although some knowledge of molecular plant science may be beneficial! To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Grab a cuppa and prepare to be recharged by this high-energy chat with Dr Vicky Foster about the British sugar industry. Vicky has held various leadership roles within the UK food system, most recently as Head of the British Beet Research Organisation. In this episode of People|Planet|Food, host Roger Robson-Williams talks with Vicky about how the resilient sugar beet plant turns sunlight into sweetness. They also explore the innovative ways in which the co-products of sugar beet processing – such as soil, stones, pulp, and waste heat – are repurposed to create a surprisingly integrated and sustainable industry. Throughout the conversation, Vicky shares inspiring insights from her career journey to date. Enjoy this sweet treat! To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Fancy a sprinkle of positivity? Then check out this conversation with Sarah Lei, Head of Sustainability at Trevelyan's Pack & Cool Ltd., an understated leader in the kiwifruit industry. Hear from Sarah about how her experience as an engineer and yoga teacher informs her approach to making a large kiwifruit packhouse an exemplar of sustainable business in action. Challenges include upgrading ageing refrigeration, improving energy use efficiency, and reducing waste to landfill. All of this requires a team approach with buy-in from the whole Trevelyan workforce. Creating a more environmentally restorative food system one tray of kiwifruit at a time! To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, head to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

What does it take to deliver sustainable livelihoods for growers, green international shipping, and support healthy nutrition around the globe? In this episode of People Planet Food, host Roger Robson-Williams  talks to Rachel Depree, Executive Officer for Sustainability at Zespri International – the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit – to explore these and other topics.   Rachel shares her journey to leading sustainability in one of Aotearoa’s biggest export industries and offers thoughtful insights on the environmental and social responsibilities facing global horticulture today. For more information about sustainability initiatives at Zespri see: www.zespri.com/en-NZ/zespri-sustainability.   To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, head to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

The skin of fruit serves more than just a protective barrier; it acts as nature’s packaging—the first element we notice, touch, and often judge. In this episode, scientist and host Hilary Ireland chats with molecular scientist Mikaela Douglas to explore what lies beneath the surface of fruit skins. They discuss how genetic research is enabling scientists to refine the appearance, texture, and functionality of fruit skins to better appeal to consumers, enhance health benefits, reduce pesticide use, and minimise food waste. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Food futurist Jack Bobo joins scientist Hilary Ireland to explore the future of food production. From the impact of agriculture on the planet to the promise of new technologies like gene editing, Jack shares insights on how we can build sustainable food systems while earning consumer trust. With a background in law, policy and behavioural science, he unpacks the role of communication in shifting perceptions and tackling misinformation about what we eat and how it’s made. To view our full catalogue of podcasts please see our Scigest pages at: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

Most growers and home gardeners don't view thrips positively, but perhaps we could change your perspective. This week, data scientist and podcaster Tom Moore speaks to entomologist Mette Nielsen about her career in entomology, particularly her research on the many species of thrips in Aotearoa New Zealand. Correction: in this podcast we incorrectly state that the editor of the book "Advances in biocontrol of crop insect pests" was Trevor Jackson, this should have been Travis Glare. To find out more about the book see: https://shop.bdspublishing.com/store/bds/detail/workgroup/3-190-138077. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Most people are already familiar with products like oat milk and almond butter, but what about barley yoghurt? Scientists at Plant & Food Research are developing a new plant-based product: yoghurt made from barley grain.    In this week's podcast, scientist and podcast host Rebecca Campbell speaks to food scientist Gert-Jan Moggre about this exciting project. The research involves trials using plant-based bacterial fermentation to create a delicious and well-textured yoghurt alternative. This dairy-free yoghurt offers numerous benefits, including being high in dietary fibre, producing less waste, and being more sustainable to produce. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food - Host Roger Robson-Williams speaks with sustainability experts Saskia Verraes and Martin Rich about the future they aspire to create through their work. They discuss the encouraging signs of progress in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the globe. Amid rising illiberalism, increasing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and an unstable climate, this episode offers a chance to reflect on how we can cultivate a more prosperous future for everyone. It also celebrates some of the outstanding initiatives already in progress. This episode serves as an invitation to hope and take action. To explore our full catalogue of podcasts, visit our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

Gene editing is a new technology with the potential to breed new crops faster. With changing regulations worldwide on how gene editing can be incorporated into food production systems, what does it actually take to gene edit a plant crop?   This week Scigest host and scientist Jay Jayaraman speaks to Zac Hanley, GM Science – New Cultivar Innovation about the science of gene editing plants. They talk about the process of gene editing, some of the challenges in using the technology and how gene editing could help develop the plant varieties of the future. For more about the use of gene technologies in food production, see https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/gene-technologies. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food – In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams chats with friend and colleague Stephen Wallace, Sustainability Manager at AgResearch and Plant & Food Research, Stephen shares his journey into sustainability, sparked by a passion for the environment and early efforts to combat food waste in the workplace. He offers insights into his collaborations with senior leadership to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and vehicles, emphasising the importance of reducing gross emissions and the role of carbon offsetting in climate strategies. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how individuals can contribute to a healthier planet, ensuring thriving ecosystems and healthy, sustainable food for all. To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Success in international development projects requires not only a variety of skills, including project management, people, and technical skills, but also a commitment to see jobs through and meet every challenge, which can be considerable in some of the less developed regions around the world. In this podcast, scientist and podcaster Hilary Ireland speaks to international development specialist Suzie Newman about her role in leading the successful International Development Team at Plant & Food Research.  To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food – in this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams delves into the innovative world of modern steam power with Jack Donaldson from Mackwell and Co., a Christchurch-based start-up pioneering advanced steam technology for farm machinery. Together, they explore how replacing diesel with biomass could revolutionise energy use in food production, offering a sustainable and resilient alternative. The conversation spans the future of energy for businesses and communities, the surprising potential of steam engines in enhancing energy sovereignty, and the importance of equipping future generations with the tools and skills to thrive in a changing world. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion about rethinking power in the food system. To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Cellular agriculture is an evolving technology where animal meat is grown in a lab using just their cells. This process is potentially an important way of producing animal protein in a sustainable and ethical manner. Plant & Food Research are exploring this technology to grow fish meat and is an important part of our overall fish research at our Nelson site where this recording is from. This week Scigest host and scientist Julie Blommaert speaks to Georgina Dowd about her research on cellular agriculture, the risk and rewards and also the potential for this technology in the future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest