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Thanks for joining us at the 2025 Life Sciences Summit
The Life Sciences Summit 2025 brought together leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore biotechnology’s role in shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s future.
We look forward to continuing these important conversations at the Life Sciences Summit 2026. Stay tuned for dates and details!
2025 Summit takeaways
Aotearoa’s Global Opportunity
By leveraging its unique strengths in biotech, New Zealand can position itself as a leader in sustainable and cutting-edge life sciences on the world stage.
Regulatory Reform & Innovation
The establishment of a biotech regulator marks a pivotal shift, enabling Aotearoa to embrace gene technologies and drive innovation.
Collaboration is Key
Cross-sector partnerships between researchers, industry, and government are essential to translating biotech advancements into real-world impact.
Bridging Science & Society
Effective communication and public engagement are crucial to ensuring that scientific progress aligns with societal needs and is widely accepted.
Check out the 2025 summit highlights
Thanks to our 2025 speakers
William Rolleston
Co-Founder, South Pacific Sera Limited
John McIntyre
Principal, Athfield Architects
Robert Veale
Corporate Development Manager, Aroa Biosurgery
Dr Stephen Webb
CEO, RTDS Group
Dr Angus Forster
Chief Technology Officer, Vaxxas
Will Charles
Executive Director – Investment, UniServices
Livia Esterhazy
Programme Director, A Lighter Touch
Dr Greg Pringle
Independent Consultant – Biological Crop Protection
Ella Reshef
R&D Solutions Specialist – Biotechnology, Callaghan Innovation
Travis Glare
Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Agritech
Arun Luthra
Founder & CEO, Amerging Technologies
Dr Sam Adamson
Director – Strategic Development (Australia & New Zealand), Harvest Integrated Research Organization (HiRO)
Neil Ellis
Acting Gene Technology Regulator, Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
Michael Leader
Head of Regulatory Scientific Affairs, APAC, Bayer CropScience
Dr Sarah Herridge
Director of Research and Scientific Affairs, BioNTech SE
Ruth Leary
Head of Strategy & Engagement, AgriZeroNZ
Jack Bobo
Executive Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies
Dr Carl Ramage
Managing Director, Rautaki Solutions
Dr Linda Rhodes
Independent Consultant
Dr Kate Rubins
Astronaut, NASA
Hema Sridhar
Strategic Advisor -Technological Futures | Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures
Dr Robert Weinkove
Clinical Director | Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
Serge van Dam
Software Investor
Dr Linda Johnson
Science Team Leader, Agresearch
Professor James Dale
Banana Program Lead, Queensland University of Technology
Dr Chris Nave
Founding Partner & Managing Director, Brandon Capital
Dr Amanda Caples
Lead Scientist, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
Jodie Kuntzsch
Chief Executive | Moananui
Matthew Cossey
CEO, CropLife Australia
Manya Sabherwal
National Account Manager, Cytiva
Chair, BioTechNZ
Dr Victoria Metcalf
Principal Advisor, Ministry of Education of New Zealand
John (JR) Robson
Managing Director BioOra Limited, General Manager, Bridgewest Ventures
Duncan Mackintosh BVSc
Senior Investment Manager, Brandon Capital
Dr Axel Heiser
Chief Scientific Officer, Agresearch
Dr Alec Foster
GM (Acting) – Forest to Biobased Products, Scion
LIFE SCIENCES SUMMIT
Thanks to our 2025 sponsors
