MESA commercialisation report 2025 - Annual Report 2025

6 July, 2026

MacDiarmid Emerging Scientists Association’s (MESA) Commercialisation and Industry Engagement (CIE) representatives, Ghadir Dahalan of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University (Massey) and William Sheard of Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland (UoA), have relished their year in the role.

Together with Winter Zakaria, Ghadir and William supported the design of CRISP workshops alongside MacDiarmid Institute programme meetings and the annual symposium. The design of November's Landing Your First High Impact Job workshop was led by Ghadir and William, coordinating facilitators and alumni to provide students with information and practical experience in finding a career in industry.

Ghadir organised a panel discussion on the importance of commercialisation in science. With support from Dr Sean McKay (Massey Ventures), Alan Hucks (KiwiNet), Dr Steve Taylor (Fonterra) and Chelsea Hirst (Sprout Agritech), the panel provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of bringing scientific innovations to market. Ghadir also arranged a site visit to Marama Labs, giving students a first-hand look at the opportunities available to those pursuing a career in R&D.

Ghadir and William both had the opportunity to attend the annual KiwiNet Awards in Auckland. Along with Auckland’s Techweek celebrations and later Cleantech Trek, Ghadir and William enjoyed meeting with deep tech entrepreneurs, investors and academics from all over New Zealand. In addition, Ghadir attended the NEXUS Summit, a valuable experience that deepened her understanding of the evolving field of commercialisation in science.

In 2026, Ghadir and William are moving on to other opportunities and look forward to seeing the next CIE representatives flourish in the role.

Ghadir Dahalan and William Sheard signatures