Welcome to Scigest - podcast-sized servings of digestible science from the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Join us as we explore the advancements and impact our scientists are making in advancing innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protecting ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and developing new bio-based technologies and products. 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
Publisher
New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited
What does it take to lead science at a time of significant evolution and opportunity?
In the latest episode, Scigest host and scientist Rebecca Bloomer sits down with Dr Linda Johnson, the new Chief Scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao.
Linda reflects on the experiences that shaped her scientific career, discusses her approach to leadership, and shares her priorities as Chief Scientist. She also shares her aspirations for the Bioeconomy Science Institute and her insights on the opportunities ahead for our science and people.
An internationally recognised expert in plant–microbe interactions and microbial biotechnology, Linda brings over 25 years of experience in research, innovation and science leadership. Her career has included leading research that has delivered significant scientific, environmental and economic benefits for New Zealand agriculture.
Tune in to hear Linda’s perspective on science, leadership and helping shape the future of the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest
17 Sept 2026
Microfeeds - the challenges of producing tiny fish food (FTS)
Imagine trying to develop a nutritious fish feed for a very picky eater that is only 5 mm long. That’s the challenge scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao are tackling as they work to develop new foods for larval fish. Their research could help reduce reliance on traditional live feeds and support a more resilient aquaculture industry, one of the world’s fastest-growing food production sectors.
In this episode of Scigest, scientist and host Julie Blommaert joins scientist Hemi Cumming to explore the surprisingly complex world of feeding tiny fish. They discuss the challenge of creating a microfeed that delivers the right nutrition while also behaving like the live food larval fish naturally respond to. One of the main live feeds currently used in aquaculture is Artemia, brine shrimp many people will know as Sea-Monkeys. But relying on Artemia comes with risks, including supply uncertainty and the potential for disease. Could a specially designed microfeed provide a more reliable alternative?
Dive into the science behind creating very small food for very small fish and discover why getting it right could make a big difference for the future of aquaculture.
To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest
30 Aug 2026
The yellow-legged hornet – lessons from overseas beekeepers (BDIS)
Yellow-legged hornets pose a significant threat to honey bee colonies. While New Zealand's biosecurity response efforts are providing reasons for optimism, overseas experience offers important lessons on how colonies, beekeepers and industries adapt when hornets arrive. In this episode of Scigest, scientist and host Andrew Dare speaks to Scientist Dr James Sainsbury, who has recently completed a research project developing a yellow-legged hornet readiness guide for the apiculture industry, to support the current biosecurity response under way in New Zealand.
If you think you have seen a yellow-legged hornet please take a photo and contact the MPI hot line on 0800 80 99 66 or email MPI at info@mpi.govt.nz. For more information and to see photos of the hornet please see the MPI information page here: https://bit.ly/4cDr1o4
Who has been a guest on scigest - Plant & Food Research podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jemma Whiten
Dr Richard Volz
Emma Brown
Iain Lees-Galloway
Peter Bell
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
4.7 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
48
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
89
Contact scigest - Plant & Food Research podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
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