Wednesday, 8 July 2026
The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao is proud to announce the appointment of three highly experienced scientists into new science leadership roles.
Chief Scientist – Dr Linda Johnson
Chief Science Capability Officer – Dr Jolon Dyer
Chief Science Capability Officer – Dr Dave Houlbrooke
These appointments represent an important milestone for the Bioeconomy Science Institute and are a significant step toward completing the organisation’s Leadership Team, providing strong science leadership as we move into our next chapter.
Dr Linda Johnson
Chief Scientist – Linda Johnson
Dr Linda Johnson, previously a Science Group Manager for AgResearch, is an internationally recognised scientist with more than 25 years of experience in research, innovation, and science leadership.
Dr Johnson is an expert in plant–microbe interactions and microbial biotechnology and led research that has delivered significant scientific, environmental, and economic benefits for New Zealand agriculture.
Known for providing strategic scientific leadership across complex research portfolios, Dr Johnson has expertise spanning science governance, research investment, commercialisation, regulatory policy, and international collaboration. She has built enduring partnerships across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, and she is recognised for translating science into meaningful outcomes for industry, government, and society.
Dr Johnson is based at Palmerston North.
Dr Jolon Dyer
Chief Science Capability Officer – Jolon Dyer
Dr Jolon Dyer was previously Director of Science for Plant & Food Research, a role that saw him lead over 600 science staff. Prior to joining Plant & Food Research in 2021, Dr Dyer was at AgResearch for more than 10 years as Associate Research Director, Science Group Leader and Science Team Leader roles.
His background is in the application of protein chemistry and redox proteomics to understand modification in protein-based foods and materials, including dairy, meat, wool, skin, and hair.
Dr Dyer is based at Lincoln.
Dr Dave Houlbrooke
Chief Science Capability Officer – Dave Houlbrooke
Dr Dave Houlbrooke was previously Director Research Capability for AgResearch, a role that saw him lead over 450 science staff. Before that, he was Science Group Manager - Ethical Agriculture and Science Team Leader - Environmental Research.
Dr Houlbrooke’s research and extension have focused on soil and water management of intensive pastoral farming. His research is focused on developing good management practices for dairy effluent land application and he has worked closely with industry and regulatory authorities to create relevant farmer guidance and policy response. He has further research interests in the management of soil under intensive land uses to ensure soil quality and pasture production.
Dr Houlbrooke is based at Ruakura, Hamilton.