Nature, hunger and food waste with Iain Lees-Galloway (PPF)
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.
--------
--------
The science of biofoul and making the most of a bad thing (FTS)
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
--------
--------
Intellectual property in science (BTS)
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
--------
--------
Silent Spring, Star Wars, and sustainable business (PPF)
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
--------
--------
Sue Muggleston: Protecting ideas, powering discovery (SLFM)
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
Welcome to Scigest - podcast-sized servings of digestible science from Plant & Food Research. Join us as we explore the advancements and impact our scientists are making in food production, including developing new cultivars, innovative new foods, to bioprotection science, AI and technology, and creating sustainable production systems. 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
New Zealand