The transformative science leadership provided by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has kept Aotearoa New Zealand safe, well and prosperous through challenging times. We are proud to present ESR’s 2021/22 Annual Report. It records our achievements and outcomes for the year against the plans and objectives set out in our Statement of Corporate Intent 2021–2026.
Our dedicated OneESR team make transformative science possible. Several of our people have been recognised this year with national or international awards. We are proud of the dedication, spirit and professionalism of all our people to deliver outstanding contributions in a challenging year. Our science leadership in genomics, wastewater and data science has provided the science-based insights necessary for New Zealand to implement effective responses to COVID-19. This has kept people safe, enabled positive economic performance and opened borders without causing Aotearoa’s health system to collapse.
We have continued to push the boundaries in science excellence to reduce drug harm, and, with the creation of Lumi™, we have implemented a world-first frontline tool to help reduce drug harm and support drug intervention. ESR’s ground breaking forensic science software, STRmix™ celebrates its 10th anniversary continuing to demonstrate the value of this service to the global forensic community. These are but a few of the many transformative science initiatives ESR has delivered over the past year.