Director's Report - Annual Report 2025

17 May, 2026

Nicola Gaston

Director

It is a delight to share with you our 2025 annual report. Over the past year, our researchers led work across several fast-moving areas - including optimising nanostructured networks for brain-like performance, emulating biological systems, turning cow burps into clean energy and developing innovative solutions to tackle waterway pollution - demonstrating the Institute’s commitment to translating science into real-world impact.

In a recent conversation with an early career researcher, the Institute was described to me as "the opposite of an ivory tower" and I take real pleasure in that reputation. As this report makes clear in so many ways, we are delivering real value - from fundamental knowledge to technology, tools that people can use to make a positive impact in Aotearoa and the world.

New Zealand's deep tech growth is driven by people who can take our world-class materials research and turn it into tangible results. Our CRISP programme and post-PhD internships with industry, government and deep tech companies, prepare our graduates with the tools, practical knowledge and connections to thrive beyond academia and deliver the impact New Zealand deep tech sector needs.

2025 also saw the launch of our C3 programme, strengthening researchers' skills and networks, alongside seed funding that continues to drive commercially focused innovation. We supported the Cleantech Mission, connecting scientists, innovators, industry and funders, and celebrated the creativity and achievements of our emerging experts, including KiwiNet Award finalists and winners - demonstrating the power of collaboration and vision.

Our outreach and engagement continued to grow, through strengthened partnerships, regional engagement and alumni involvement. Highlights included collaboration with Tūhura Otago Museum, our AMN11 conference outreach, community activities on Rēkohu and teacher initiatives from Northland to South Otago - showcasing the Institute's commitment to inspiring science across Aotearoa.

We welcomed our second cohort of PhD students, and have seen them launch their projects off the springboard of the first four years of research in our current programmes with immediate impact and growing momentum.

I am privileged to lead this amazing community, and I thank everyone in it for their mahi.

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