ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research) is New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science for communities. ESR uses world-leading science to safeguard our health, keep our communities safer, protect our food-based economy, and improve the health of our water and natural environment.

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About us
Mō mātau

ESR is the CRI that plays a critical national role in public health and forensics, and is a key contributor to environment and biosecurity outcomes. The services we provide through our expertise in health, forensic, food, water and radiation sciences allows communities to thrive and prosper.

We identify infectious diseases and we strengthen New Zealand’s pandemic and infectious disease preparedness and contribution to global pandemic readiness.

We provide world-class genomics science in the areas of wastewater testing, food genomics, antimicrobial resistance, COVID-19 and infectious disease.

We provide cutting edge forensic science analysis and toolkits to support fairness and equity in the justice system and remove drug harm.

We provide the science that detects and eliminates contamination to water and food to ensure healthy wai and kai.

As a science leader in Aotearoa New Zealand, we also recognise that mātauranga, science and research solutions are enabled by equally valuing Māori knowledge and science.

We aspire to be at the forefront of attaining the lowest possible burden of crime, environmental contamination and infectious diseases in New Zealand. Reducing inequities and improving wellbeing outcomes now and for the future are at the centre of ESR’s thinking.

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Working at ESR

Keeping people safe and healthy through science is our focus and our staff bring a wealth of different experiences and backgrounds to deliver this expertise.

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Growing ESR's impact with Māori

ESR is working to actively co-design with Māori in research, science and innovation to improve Māori economic, social and wellbeing outcomes and impacts.

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Latest news

Browse our news articles to find out what ESR scientists are up to across New Zealand.

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Corporate publications

Read more about ESR and our achievements in ESR's corporate publications such as our Profile publication, Annual Reports, and Statement of Corporate Intent.

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ESR's Quality Policy

ESR is committed to continual improvement and excellence in the science, consulting, calibration and testing carried out for internal and external customers. Our aim is to perform this work to a quality that meets or exceeds customers’ requirements.

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