scigest - Plant & Food Research podcast

The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited

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

Health & Fitness Natural Sciences Science Nutrition Technology

Update frequency: every 14 days
Episodes: 177
Years Active: 2017 - 2025

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Leading science (SLFM)

Chief scientist at Plant & Food Research, Richard Newcomb, talks about his science career journey from a young bug collector to leading the science. Richard also talks about his role as Chief Scienti…

Thu 17 May 2018

Kicking up a stink (BIOSECURITY)

In this episode we talk to entomologist Gonzalo Avila about the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. This bug that has been intercepted at New Zealand ports catching rides on inbound ships and could do major …

Thu 03 May 2018

The science of Amarasate (SS)

We talk this week to Dr Edward Walker one of the lead scientists involved in discovering Amarasate™. Amarasate is a natural extract of New Zealand hops, that has been clinically demonstrated to regul…

Thu 19 Apr 2018

Choosing your path (SLFM)

Molecular biology postdoctoral scientist and new mum Dr Jessica Rodrigues, talks about her journey into science, the choices and opportunities that are available early in your science career, and Bra…

Thu 12 Apr 2018

Waiter, there are enzymes in my food (SITK)

Dr William 'Kiwifruit' Laing discusses the many powers of enzymes and describes some of the enzyme actions that we may come across in our kitchen

Wed 04 Apr 2018

The ripe stuff (SITK)

In pursuit of perfectly ripe produce - what is ripeness anyway?

Fri 16 Mar 2018

The road to science (SLFM)

Research associate, Scigester and mini monster truck enthusiast Blue Plunkett talks about his journey into science, the importance of science communications and some advice on heading towards a scien…

Thu 01 Mar 2018

Pest free fruit and the weevil genius (BDIS)

In this episode we talk to insect scientist Dr Sam Brown about the never ending battle to keep NZ fruit exports free of insect hitchhikers. We also delve into Sam's past and the shadowy underworld of…

Thu 15 Feb 2018

Bitten by the science bug (SLFM)

Bio-protection postdoctoral scientist, Jay Jayaraman, discusses his science journey and the 'bang for buck' potential of plant science discoveries

Wed 31 Jan 2018

It is a science life for me! (SLFM)

Swapping microphones for this podcast, research associate and scigester Brogan McGreal talks about her journey into science and some tips for those thinking about a career in science.

Wed 17 Jan 2018

At home in the lab (SLFM)

Research Technologist and 'scigester' Di Brewster discusses her career path, the opportunities available to budding scientists, and the thrill of unlocking mysteries and making your mark.

Thu 21 Dec 2017

The science business (SLFM)

It's not all about the lab. A science career can mean finding new business opportunities for science and managing science projects. As Business Analyst and Molecular Biologist Nitish Anand has found.

Thu 07 Dec 2017

The phosphite fight back (BIOSECURITY)

Dr Ian Horner discusses Kauri dieback disease and his research to help save the iconic, taonga species.

Thu 23 Nov 2017

Plant v pathogen (BIOSECURITY)

Weapons, surveillance, covert operations and sabotage. Hear from Dr Jo Bowen on how her research is helping the plant outfox the pathogen.

Wed 08 Nov 2017

Scigest trailer (T)

A short trailer on the Scigest podcast channel

Tue 31 Oct 2017

Cloning super sensors (BDIS)

Manufacturing electronic sensors that harness the super-sensory capacity of insects: Dr Andrew Kralicek is designing new sensing equipment for biosecurity, medical diagnosis and workplace safety from…

Mon 02 Oct 2017

Meet the scigesters (SS)

A chatty introduction to the scigest team - who we are, the science we do, what we think about science in society, and a bit about Blue's car.