Dr Nick Albert is the recipient of the Science New Zealand Plant & Food Research Early Career Researcher Award 2019, but his science journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. He recounts his transition from a technology to science degree with the help of his mentors and shares how he has parlayed his new-found passion into a successful career in plant genetics, with a focus on breeding plants with enhanced nutrition.

How did a shy nanotechnologist acquire the superpower to transform into Nano Girl? Is a phone booth involved? Dr Michelle Dickinson tells us how she overcame her poor performance in college and fear of public speaking to become one of the best known science influencers in New Zealand. She also takes us on an energising and eclectic tour of her science life so far - from nano technology in diapers and toothpaste to working with Richard Branson on his private island. This entertaining podcast also marks the 50th episode of scigest! Can't get enough? Stay tuned for part two when we delve deeper into Michelle's passion for science communications through her "Nano Girl Live" performances and "Nano Girl Labs", a company aiming to inspire, educate and empower through STEM.

How did a shy nanotechnologist acquire the superpower to transform into Nano Girl? Is a phone booth involved? Dr Michelle Dickinson tells us how she overcame her poor performance in college and fear of public speaking to become one of the best known science influencers in New Zealand. She also takes us on an energising and eclectic tour of her science life so far - from nano technology in diapers and toothpaste to working with Richard Branson on his private island. This entertaining podcast also marks the 50th episode of scigest! Can't get enough? Stay tuned for part two when we delve deeper into Michelle's passion for science communications through her "Nano Girl Live" performances and "Nano Girl Labs", a company aiming to inspire, educate and empower through STEM.

Research associate Jung Cho recounts his bumpy road from being a disinterested student almost failing his uni studies and disappointing his immigrant parents to eventually finding his calling in postharvest science. This episode also marks Jay Jayaraman's official induction to the scigest team. Welcome Jay!

Research associate Jung Cho recounts his bumpy road from being a disinterested student almost failing his uni studies and disappointing his immigrant parents to eventually finding his calling in postharvest science. This episode also marks Jay Jayaraman's official induction to the scigest team. Welcome Jay!

How can we improve pollination of field crops and reduce costs? This week we talk with Brad Howlett a scientist from Plant & Food Research and Phil Rolston from Foundation for Arable Research to discuss a fly that is showing huge potential as an alternative pollinator of field and seed crops - the drone fly.

How can we improve pollination of field crops and reduce costs? This week we talk with Brad Howlett a scientist from Plant & Food Research and Phil Rolston from Foundation for Arable Research to discuss a fly that is showing huge potential as an alternative pollinator of field and seed crops - the drone fly. For more information on this subject please see this video at https://youtu.be/ezqTsCqaaEI.

Is the world's insect population actually going down or have we just learnt to jog with our mouths shut? Our scifi panel takes on the "insect apocalypse" claim and examines several widely cited papers. Tom, Blue, Jay and newcomer Frances also share exciting news on a novel technology that controls plant disease resistance, quantum supremacy, public trust in scientists, and using larvae to turn food waste into livestock feed.

How does farm management influence soil physical, chemical and biological properties? Regenerative farmer Simon Osborne joins Plant & Food Research's Trish Fraser to discuss management on his cropping farm in Canterbury. Soil quality is of paramount importance on Simon's farm, which has been run as a no-till system for around 40 years. All crop residues are retained, and weeds, pests and diseases are managed through integrated systems which include cover crops, crop rotations, biological products, and agrichemicals when required. It's a system that suits this cropping farm, and could provide lessons for others.

How does farm management influence soil physical, chemical and biological properties? Regenerative farmer Simon Osborne joins PFR's Trish Fraser to discuss management on his cropping farm in Canterbury. Soil quality is of paramount importance on Simon's farm, which has been run as a no-till system for around 40 years. All crop residues are retained, and weeds, pests and diseases are managed through integrated systems which include cover crops, crop rotations, biological products, and agrichemicals when required. It's a system that suits this cropping farm, and could provide lessons for others.