Research-led University

Ground-breaking research on titanium alloy powders led by Professor Deliang Zhang at Waikato University is expected to boost New Zealand's fledgling titanium industry. Titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, and is used for components in the aerospace, medical, automotive, and ICT industries. Products made using titanium alloy powders are even stronger and can withstand higher temperatures.

New Zealand swamp kauri provide a unique source of information about past climate change unmatched in the world. By measuring past atmospheric ¹⁴C archived in kauri tree-rings, the Waikato Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, under the directorship of Dr Alan Hogg, is helping to develop climate change records spanning thousands of years at time periods of critical interest to international researchers.

Animal protein from meat processing waste can be turned into high-value biodegradable plastic using industry-standard equipment in a new manufacturing process discovered through research led by chemical engineer Dr Johan Verbeek of the University of Waikato's School of Science and Engineering. A spin-off company, Novatein, has been formed to take the technology to market.

Associate Professor Louis Schipper and Dr Dave Campbell (Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences) are leading research in techniques for determining real-time fluctuations of carbon dioxide in farm soils with a vision to assist farmers with land management decisions for optimal environmental and production outcomes.

Waste material from cattle processing could one day help strengthen bones and reduce healing time for joint replacement and bone graft patients thanks to research into cattle bone xenografts led by Dr Michael Mucalo (pictured centre) of the University of Waikato's School of Science and Engineering. A commercial spin-off, Graftoss, has been formed to develop the technology.

Waikato University is world-renowned for its ongoing research into the healing powers of manuka honey. Professor Peter Molan of the University's Honey Research Unit discovered the unique antibacterial activity in manuka honey, which is now sold as an antibacterial substance and widely used in wound dressings which he has developed.

Professor Bruce Clarkson, director of the University of Waikato's Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research, is leading a joint $1.12 million project with Landcare Research to examine methods of restoring biodiversity in patches of native forest in rural areas to fill a critical gap between large conservation forests and severely depleted urban forest remnants.

Having led New Zealand in terrestrial biological research in Antarctica for more than 25 years, the University of Waikato is now heading an International Polar Year project to study biocomplexity in the Ross Sea area under the leadership of Professors Allan Green and Craig Cary (Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Reseach, School of Science and Engineering).

Māori students are making measurable gains across all curriculum areas as a result of a national classroom research and teaching development project, Te Kotahitanga, established and led by Professor Russell Bishop of the Māori Education Research team at the University of Waikato's School of Education.

Mau Moko: the world of Māori tattoo, published by Penguin, is the result of many years of research by a team at the Māori and Psychology Research Unit at the University of Waikato, including Professor Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, Dr Linda Waimarie Nikora, Mohi Rua and Rolinda Karapu.

Good farm practice needs to be bolstered by appropriate regulation to keep New Zealand lakes and rivers clean. Waikato Management School environmental economists Professor Frank Scrimgeour and (pictured) Dr Dan Marsh, with PhD student Thiagarajah Ramilan, are developing economic models to figure out the best mix of regulations and incentives to assist farmers and policymakers to achieve cleaner waterways.