We’re building something new
A unified science institute to drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment and beneficial social outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our new organisation brings together New Zealand’s four leading bioeconomy research institutes into one. Together, our world-class science can do more to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products.
Welcome to the Bioeconomy Science Institute
The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation.
We are more than 2,000 people, including more than 1,500 scientists and researchers, located across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
We are here to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond. Our science develops new products, processes and technologies that optimise the use of biological resources to deliver food and materials from a resilient supply chain while protecting the natural environment. We translate science into real-world outcomes, impact and commercial success.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute is a Crown Research Institute, owned by the New Zealand Government and governed by an independent Board of Directors. We have deep relationships with business, industry bodies, Māori iwi and hapū, universities, independent research organisations, government and communities.
We’re brand new, formed on 1 July 2025, building on 100 years of history to make a difference to the future.
While we build the Bioeconomy Science Institute, we are committed to ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality science and commercialisation activities through our temporary Group structure.
Pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology
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Terrestrial biodiversity and land resources
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Horticulture, arable, seafood, and food and beverage
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Forestry, biomaterials and wood-derived products
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Mark Piper
Transition CEO
Mark was CEO of Plant & Food Research from 2023 to 2025. Prior to this, he spent 30 years at Fonterra Cooperative Group, including roles as Director Research & Development, Category Marketing & Strategy and Regional Director for Fonterra Americas.
Sue Bidrose
Group CEO – AgResearch
Sue joined AgResearch in 2020. Previously, she was Chief Executive of Dunedin City Council and has held several roles in local government in research, policy and operational roles.
James Stevenson-Wallace
Group CEO – Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
James joined Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research in 2022 after serving as Chief Executive of the Electricity Authority for 4 years. Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles in regulatory and advisory roles related to forestry, fisheries, petroleum and minerals resources.
Jolon Dyer
Group CEO - Plant & Food Research
Jolon joined Plant & Food Research in 2021. Prior to this, he was at AgResearch for 17 years, including 10 years in Science Group Leader roles and Associate Research Director roles.
Julian Elder
Group CEO – Scion
Julian joined Scion in 2017, having previously led large-scale civil infrastructure projects in waste treatment, renewables, telecommunications, energy and water.
Bioeconomy Science Institute Board
Barry Harris
Chair
Barry was previously Chair of NIWA. He is a company director with extensive governance and executive experience. He has held a number of chief executive roles including Environment Waikato, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Hamilton City Council. He was also a senior executive with Fonterra for 5 years. Barry currently chairs McFall Fuel, Hamilton Airport Company and Wel Networks. Previous boards include DairyNZ, Primary ITO, CentrePort, RD1, AgResearch, International Nutritionals, Hamilton Riverside Hotels, OSPRI, Food Innovation Waikato and Local Authority Shared Services. Barry has a Masters of Agricultural Science (Honours).
Barry has very strong governance experience across both local and regional government, giving him a significant understanding of public accountability. He has developed leadership and stakeholder management skills from his wide variety of governance and executive roles, which also have imparted strategic understanding.
Kim Wallace
Deputy Chair
Kim was previously Chair of AgResearch. She is currently the Chair of Te Manawataki o Te Papa and is also serving as a member on the boards of the Port Nelson and Origin Capital Partners. Previous governance appointments include Quotable Value. Before pursuing a full-time career in governance in 2017, Ms Wallace had a 24-year career in the global dairy industry, which included working in senior executive roles based in New Zealand, USA, Germany and Australia. She is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and a member of Global Women.
She brings significant audit and risk experience, and experience in capital programmes and asset management.
Gray Baldwin
Director
Gray was previously on the Board of Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. He is currently a director of the Alliance Group, Trinity Lands, and Farmlands. He previously held senior management and executive roles for BNZ Agri, Carter Holt Harvey and Summit Quinphos. His past co-op governance roles include nine years with Ballance and ten years with Livestock Improvement (LIC).
Gray has a deep governance and commercial focus, experience in agribusiness and proven ability to deliver on outcomes. He has deep experience leading scientists to commercialise research for economic benefit. Gray also brings significant connections and credibility within the primary sector.
Candace Kinser
Director
Candace was previously a director of Plant & Food Research. She is a seasoned director and business leader with a strong track record in governance, commercialisation, and leadership across science, technology, health and primary industries sectors.
She currently serves on the University of Auckland Council of Governors and is the President/Chair of the Cancer Society Auckland/Northland.
She previously served on the boards of Livestock Improvement Corporation, Eastland Group, and WEL Networks and Chaired Helius Therapeutics. A former CEO of NZTech, where she launched TechWeek, and earlier led the global growth of successful genetics software firm Biomatters. She has also held senior roles with Palantir in New Zealand and led digital transformation at investment firm Jarden.
Candace brings deep expertise in technology strategy and scientific innovation with a governance style that is strategic, commercially astute, and impact focused.
Andrew Morrison
Director
Andrew was previously on the board of AgResearch. He is the Chair of Wool Research Organisation of NZ (WRONZ), Ovis Management LTD, and of the Environment Southlands Investment Subcommittee. He was the former Chair of both Beef and Lamb NZ, and the New Zealand Meat Board. He is a former Director of Ballance Agri Nutrients and has sat on the boards of two science consortiums, and Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGGRC).
Andrew has extensive primary sector industry governance experience, business and commercial acumen, governance capability and experience in ensuring value for money on investments. He brings of primary and biological sector credibility to the Board.