10 February 2025

The government has announced planned changes to New Zealand’s science system and the country’s seven Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), including Scion.

These plans include the formation of new public research organisations (PRO). One of these will be bioeconomy-focused, bringing Scion together with AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and Plant & Food Research. This PRO will be focused on accelerating bioeconomy-related science and specific advanced technologies to create impact. It will work alongside the other new PROs, which will focus on earth science, health and forensic science and advanced technologies.

These changes are designed to maximise the value of public investment in science, innovation and technology and create a more dynamic system that can respond to New Zealand’s priorities and keep pace with advancing technology.

There is significant work ahead to bring Scion and the merging CRIs together. At this stage it is too early to tell how the changes will affect staff and jobs at Scion, but we are confident our people have significant value to bring to the new bioeconomy PRO. We remain focused on scientific innovation to support economic growth while delivering positive environmental and social outcomes.

The release from Hon Judith Collins KC provides a great summary of the announcement, read the release here.

Further details about the Science Sector Reform can be found at MBIEs website.