Lincoln University Vice Chancellor Grant Edwards, Mayor Sam Broughton and Professor Cheryl de la Ray, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury outside parliament

Working together for science in Lincoln: (from left) Professor Grant Edwards, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University, Mayor of Selwyn Sam Broughton, and Professor Cheryl de la Ray, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury at Parliament earlier this year. Along with Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg, the trio recommend Lincoln to Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti as the ideal location for the new Bioeconomy Science Insitute headquarters.

Selwyn District Council is celebrating the selection of Lincoln as the headquarters for the newly launched Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), recognising the township’s strategic strengths in science, innovation and industry.

In March, Lincoln University, University of Canterbury, Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg and Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton joined forces to recommend Lincoln to Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti as the ideal location for BSI’s headquarters.

The Institute brings together four leading Crown Research Institutes–AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua- Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion–under one umbrella.

Just last week, BSI was officially launched, with its headquarters confirmed at AgResearch’s Tuhiraki building co-located at Lincoln University’s campus. The Institute will employ over 2,000 staff and is tasked with driving sustainable growth through science and innovation.

In the recommendation, Mayor Broughton highlighted Lincoln’s pivotal position, already having a high concentration of CRI and Lincoln University staff working in the bioeconomy, and contributing at the forefront of New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology sector.

“This continues to anchor a national science institution in a region that lives and breathes innovation,” said Mayor Broughton.

“Lincoln University is already an epicentre of bioeconomic education and research,” said Professor Grant Edwards, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University.

“The announcement of the new BSI’s Headquarters in Lincoln will allow us to significantly expand our influence, building on existing partnerships to deliver national impact.”

Lincoln’s close connections to key primary industries are mirrored by its accessibility to housing and community facilities, and its proximity to major trunklines, transport routes, airports and other large infrastructure, Mayor Broughton said.

Advocacy for this initiative is part of the Council’s commitment to partnership with Selwyn community and business organisations to support the community to develop for the future.

It was a good example of the value of the Council’s partnership agreement with Lincoln University signed last year – and how it brings value to the district, supporting a key sector to lead the nation, Mayor Broughton added.

“We look forward to seeing what BSI achieves in this new chapter in Lincoln."

Last modified: 14 Jul 2025 11:01am