100 years and counting: science working for New Zealand
The New Zealand Institute of Public health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) inherits a proud legacy, stretching back to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, founded in 1926.
To honour this centenary, we are shining a light on our mahi, and on those who came before us, sharing stories as part of the 100 Years and Counting: Science Working for New Zealand campaign.
At PHF Science, our work spans public health and forensic science, from enabling rapid responses to disease outbreaks and powering COVID-19 surveillance, to improving how forensic evidence is understood and used to solve cases. We monitor risks in our environment, address chemical exposures in our food and water, and help reduce harm from drugs across our communities.
Together, these stories highlight how our expertise and innovations have supported critical government decision-making. They reflect a strong foundation built over the past century and the role we will continue to play in helping Aotearoa protect its people, respond to challenges, whilst preparing for the future.
Our history
May 1926 – A report presented to the New Zealand Government calls for a centralised government-funded research organisation.
August 1926 – The Scientific and Industrial Research Act is passed by the New Zealand Parliament. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) is formed.
July 1992 – Ten Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) are formed from the DSIR and other Government agency departments. This includes the Institute for Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
July 2025 – The Crown Research Institutes are transformed into Public Research Organisations (PROs). A number of CRIs are amalgamated. ESR relaunches as the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science).
Discover stories of PHF Science impact
Radiation risks mapped: helping address cause of lung cancer
Safer drug scanning device gaining worldwide recognition
How PHF Science helped stop a deadly listeria outbreak at New Zealand hospitals
DNA tracing led scientists to the source of world’s largest documented campylobacteriosis outbreak
The science that powered New Zealand’s pandemic success
Influenza insights inform internationally
Improving water safety through innovation
Study enables action to address nutrient gaps and chemical exposures in our diets
STRmix™ innovation helps solve hard, and cold, cases
Evolution of DNA profiling technologies game-changer in solving crimes
Forensic DNA technology helps reunite families after disasters
ALMA digital twin lets New Zealand test ‘what‑if’ scenarios before they happen
How PHF Science responded to New Zealand's synthetic drug crisis
Changing the way the world identifies Illicit drugs within communities
Ensuring safe drinking water, from Aotearoa to the Pacific
Treaty‑led science elevates Māori voices in New Zealand research
Groundwater science protecting New Zealand’s drinking water
PHF Science research vital to protecting New Zealanders from invasive pneumococcal disease
Improving norovirus detection in shellfish to protect public health and industry
Small plastics, big consequences: the impact of microplastics on Aotearoa
From the archives
25 Years of ESR: 1992-2017
ESR to become PHF Science
ESR performs first New Zealand genome sequencing on COVID-19
It’s all in the genomes: New study reveals scale of Havelock North campylobacteriosis outbreak
PHF Science's Lumi™ Drug Scan wins major international award
ESR Scientists lead the way on Coronavirus wastewater testing
Drug lab tests 10,000th sample
PHF Science scientists showcase benefits of collaboration for rapid-DNA sequencing
ESR team take supreme award at science awards
Top scientists explore life below the surface of the Earth
30th Anniversary of STEC discovery in Aotearoa
