SPACE Team, LIC
Our thriving science and technology sector boasts the highest proportion of scientists and technicians in New Zealand, supported by strong tertiary organisations, a swathe of Crown Research Institutes and a rapidly growing innovation infrastructure. Whether in the lab or the field, our scientists help the Waikato contribute more than its fair share to the growth of science and entrepreneurial business.
Here, we share their stories, celebrate their discoveries and acknowledge their research and hard work. Let’s give them some kudos!
The AgResearch Cattle Urine Sensor Team has developed a device to inform strategies for reducing nitrogen leaching from cow urine patches. Nitrogen loss from livestock urine is a major environmental concern in New Zealand, and…
NIWA’s Māori Environmental Research team, Te Kūwaha o Taihoro Nukurangi, helps Māori communities access the latest scientific tools to manage natural resources while respecting their unique knowledge systems. Te Kūwaha has worked collaboratively with iwi,…
Dr Swati Jivanji is unlocking genetic secrets to help improve the health and performance of valued livestock. White face markings are considered a dominant genetic trait in Hereford cattle and a clear sign of Hereford…
Dr. Kiri Joy Wallace is passionate about biodiversity, forest ecosystems, urban ecology, ecological restoration, and reconnecting people and nature. Dr. Wallace is behind the success of multi-city, multi-million dollar projects to revitalise degraded urban forests…
Associate Professor Lynne Chepulis is a leading researcher at the intersection of public health, primary care and chronic disease management in Aotearoa. Diabetes is a rising problem in Aotearoa, disproportionately affecting Maaori and Pacific people.…
Civil engineer and software enthusiast, Alexios Kavallaris makes massive projects manageable with Gnosis. Building on 20 years experience working on complex roading and infrastructure projects across New Zealand and Europe, Alexios developed Gnosis to help…
Hilary Johnson’s efforts are boosting student achievement and the reputation of horticulture as a career. Katikati College had offered horticulture for many years but it had become known as a ‘drop-out’ subject, with poor engagement,…
Dr. Manar Khashram’s dedication to vascular surgery and research is enhancing the management of aortic and vascular disease. Widely published, Dr. Khasham’s research includes a groundbreaking Metformin Aneurysm Trial, an investigation of genetic aspects of…
LIC’s Variant Discovery Team is giving farmers new options for selecting healthier, higher-performance dairy animals and raising the bar in genetics research. LIC’s Variant Discovery Team has discovered over 20 genetic variants which cause disease…
Kati’s investigations into drought and pest populations will help future-proof our primary industries. New Zealand’s pasture-based agriculture system makes us one of the most competitive producers of food and fibre worldwide. Critical to this success…
Founder of the Outreach and Education team for Pūtahi Manawa and Manaaki Manawa, Dr. Anuj Bhargava is committed to bringing equity to our medical workforce. A multi-award-winning educator, Dr. Bhargava’s current role is the latest…
Dr. Luke Harrington is significantly advancing our understanding of climate change impacts and adaptations. Most communities do not experience climate change via shifts in the mean climate. It’s more recognised in increasingly intense and frequent…
Dr. Steve Davis’s distinguished research career has spanned 48 years and contributed greatly to the quality of New Zealand’s dairy herd and its production. Currently Senior Researcher at LIC, Dr Davis gained his PhD in…
Dr. Matthew CL Phillips is exploring dietary strategies, including a Maatauranga Māori approach, to address challenging neurological disorders and cancer. In addition to his clinical and teaching responsibilities as full-time neurologist at Waikato Hospital, Dr.…
Waikato Regional Council’s State of Environment 2022 Team, led by Thomas Wilding, has produced a vital reference for future management of the region’s air, land and water. The State of Environment Report 2022 collects, analyses…
