To 2028 and beyond – zero carbon, low energy computing, zero waste - towards a sustainable Aotearoa

14 May, 2021

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu – the smallest things are the most precious 

From atoms, to molecules, to nanostructures and complex materials: the MacDiarmid Institute brings physicists, engineers, chemists and biologists together to explore the sustainable use of our most fundamental natural building blocks – atoms – in designing materials that add value to our lives. Our expertise in control of atomistic and nanoscale structure has been used since 2002 to create materials with a vast range of new functions.  

From July 2021 through to December 2028, our new research programmes will address some of the greatest challenges facing New Zealand today – the interrelated issues of climate change, economic dependence on carbon, and the energy requirements of the modern world, together with the sustainable use and re-use of materials.  

Our ‘materials science for sustainability’ focus leads to our highly collaborative Research Programmes – Zero Carbon, Low Energy Computing, Zero Waste and Sustainable Resource Use.  

If you’d like to be kept up to date with announcements about the details of our new research programmes, please email macd-admin@vuw.ac.nz with ‘New research programmes email’ in the subject line.