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Parliamentary Science Forum 2025

New name, same great opportunity. The Forum allows Members of Parliament to hear about the latest research.

Leading experts present Members of Parliament with cutting-edge research important to Aotearoa New Zealand. Held at Parliament, the Forum fosters curiosity and rigorous discussion in a relaxed setting.

The topics are selected in collaboration with Forum partners:

  • Royal Society Te Apārangi
  • Science New Zealand
  • Universities New Zealand
  • Independent Research Association of New Zealand

The event is sponsored by the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament.

These are the topics being covered at the Forum this year:

  • Gene technology: Food and farming

    The first event in 2025’s Parliamentary Science Forum was held on 12 Hui-tanguru February. Professor Andrew Allan FRSNZ told MPs about gene technology’s applications in horticulture and discussed public concerns about the technology; and Dr Sara Edwards presented cutting edge gene technology projects in livestock.

  • Gene technology: Healthcare

    The second event in 2025’s Parliamentary Science Forum was held on 5 Poutū-te-rangi March. Dr Hilary Longhurst told MPs about upcoming gene therapy to cure rare genetic diseases and Professor Kjesten Wiig talked about arming our immune cells to fight cancer.

  • Our blue economy

    The third event in 2025's Forum was held on 1 Paenga-whāwhā April. MPs learnt about how aquaculture (fish farming) can feed our growing world. Dr Suzy Black spoke about farming fish in mobile enclosures and Dr Patrick Cahill spoke about a variety of aquaculture techniques for shellfish and seaweeds.

  • Energy transition in Aotearoa New Zealand

    The fourth event in 2025's Parliamentary Science Forum was held on 14 Haratua May, focusing on opportunities for energy transition in Aotearoa New Zealand. Dr John Kennedy FRSNZ spoke about the role of green hydrogen and Professor Justin Hodgkiss FRSNZ spoke about the next generation of solar photovoltaic technology.

  • Emerging issues in health

    The fifth event in 2025’s Parliamentary Science Forum was held on 25 Pipiri June. Dr Angela Baschieri shared sobering predictions about the health impacts of worsening climate change and Dr Josh McGeown told MPs about using MRI to diagnose brain damage from rugby injuries.

  • Earthquakes: Prediction and recovery

    The sixth event in 2025’s Parliamentary Science Forum was held on 23 Hōngongoi July. Dr Phaedra Upton of Earth Sciences New Zealand told MPs about earthquake forecasting and important faults under our feet. Professor Regan Potangaroa from AUT described the important roles marae play in civil defense and how marae are let down by the earthquake-prone buildings code.

  • AI at work in Aotearoa

    The seventh event in 2025’s Parliamentary Science Forum was held on 12 Here-turi-kōkā August. Dr Jaco Fourie of Lincoln Agritech described AI as a tool to be used rather than a genuine intelligence. Associate Professor Te Taka Keegan gave MPs a sneak peek of a brand new te reo Māori-speaking AI.

  • Climate change: When the seas rise

    The second-to-last event in 2025’s Parliamentary Science Forum was held on 9 Mahuru September. Glaciologist Professor Nicholas Golledge described the havoc sea level rise will have on our infrastructure in Aotearoa and Pacific development geographer Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem discussed the effects it will have on Pacific communities.

  • Science working for the economy

    2025's final event was on 14 Whiringa-ā-rangi October. MPs engaged with researchers at different stages of commercialising their work. Professor Wayne Patrick pitched high-value biochemicals like enzymes as a future important export and Professor Cather Simpson FRSNZ described four start-ups she has founded based on her expertise in photonics (lasers).

Parliamentary Science Forum

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