New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science

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New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science
Research institute overview
FormedJuly 1, 2025 (2025-07-01)
Preceding Research institute
Website www.phfscience.nz

The formation of the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) was announced as part of the New Zealand science sector reforms. The Public Health and Forensic Science Institute came into being as a Public Research Organisation on 1 July 2025, and replaced the former Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). The stated focus of PHF Science is "strengthening public health through disease detection and response; and supporting public safety through forensic science services." [1] [2]

Contents

History

In late January 2025, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins announced that the Crown Research Institutes would be replaced by four new Public Research Organisations. As part of the reform of the country's science sector, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research would be repurposed and restructured as the Public Health and Forensic Institute. [3]

Leadership

In May 2025, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti announced that the ESR's current board and chair Sarah Young would transition to lead the PHF Science. [4] [2]

References

  1. ↑ "Bold science reforms to fuel economic growth". www.beehive.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. 14 May 2025. Archived from the original on 24 May 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Public research organisations". Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Archived from the original on 7 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  3. ↑ Argue, Mary (23 January 2025). "Crown Research Institutes to merge into three mega science groups". RNZ . Archived from the original on 23 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  4. ↑ Palmer, Russell (14 May 2025). "Chairs, board members named for new science mergers". RNZ . Archived from the original on 15 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.