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
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A natural defence for vineyard pests (BDIS)
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
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Up-beet about sustainable sugar (PPF)
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
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Packing a punch for sustainability (PPF)
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
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Trust, tech and the table: the future of food with Jack Bobo (SMAS)
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.
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