New Zealand Biotech Research - www.BioTech.org.nz

$400,000 grant for food and biotech sector research (May 2007)
The Government's Foundation for Research, Science and Technology awarded the grant to a research project which aims to identify ways of boosting productivity in the food and beverage and biotechnology sectors.

Implementing the Government's response to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification's recommendations on research priorities, September 2003.
This follow up to the RCGM's July 2001 report on genetic modification and its regulation in New Zealand describes the funding, type and role of research into GM and biotechnology in New Zealand.

New Zealand Biotech Research

A mulititude of companies and government agencies undertake specialist biotechnology research in New Zealand. Some current research activities and achievements are as follows:

Animal genomics — the discovery of genes and gene functions in cattle, deer and sheep.

Animal reproductive technologies — fertility, ovulation control, reproductive physiology, pregnancy establishment, and embryology

Asthma and Tuberculosis research, including the patenting of an asthma vaccine.

Bioprocessing research - biochemical extraction, separation and the manufacture of molecules.

Biomaterials research - manipulating plant cells into other materials such as bioplastics and biopolymers.

Cloning — NZ is one of the world leaders in cattle cloning.

Development of new foods and flavours.

Development of prodrugs for the treatment of cancer.

Extraction and development of nutritional supplements to improve and maintain muscle growth.

Functional genomics, research into plant signalling genes which control growth, quality and yield.

Research and development of agritechnologies such as sensors, instruments and computer modelling for agricultural products and processes.

Research into bioactives for use in organic pesticides.

Research into the development of new medicines for infectious diseases.

Transgenics research — especially in cattle and sheep.