Productivity Commission cites MacDiarmid Institute as key organisation contributing to low emissions materials and technologies

27 April, 2018

MacDiarmid Institute welcomes Productivity Commission Report on Low Emissions Economy

MacDiarmid Deputy Director Dr Geoff Willmott today welcomed the Productivity Commission Report on Low Emissions Economy. The report notes the MacDiarmid Institute has research strength in this area.

“We welcome the Commission’s call for more research into low-emissions research and development. The report correctly identifies the MacDiarmid Institute as a key organisation undertaking research in New Zealand that contributes to low-emissions materials and technologies.”

Dr Willmott said that MacDiarmid Institute research fed directly into new and innovative technologies for low-emissions.

“MacDiarmid Institute researchers are working on carbon dioxide capture and storage, new solar technologies, and new types of batteries that will store solar energy for longer for use in vehicles and in home.”

Dr Willmott noted that materials research was at the basis of all hi-tech manufacturing.

“Over the past 16 years, the MacDiarmid Institute has spun-out 14 new hi-tech companies based on materials science research.”

Dr Willmott also corrected the report’s statement about the amount of funding the MacDiarmid Institute received.

“The extent of Institute’s contribution is greater than recorded in the report: our annual funding is in excess of $6M, and “Energy” is one of our three major research themes.” 

Dr Willmott said the high quality of the MacDiarmid’s contribution in relevant areas of materials science was best exemplified in this report by the Emerging Scientist Prize awarded to Dr Carla Meledandri.

“We are well-placed to lead innovation in this area for NZ into the future. We look forward to working with the government  and New Zealanders from all walks of life and using new materials science research to achieve a productive, low-emissions economy.”

(Watch our 4 minute video on why materials science underpins hi-tech manufacturing here)

Contact info:

• Dr Geoff Willmott, Deputy Director MacDiarmid Institute (and University of Auckland Senior Lecturer) 021 567 034
• Vanessa Young, Strategic Engagement Manager, MacDiarmid Institute 027 426 3453