Research
We are at the heart of science and engineering discovery in New Zealand, with world-leading research taking place in our schools, centres, and institutes.
- Research in our schools
- Research in our centres and institutes
- Research in affiliated institutes
- Commercialisation
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FoSE) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington brings together a dynamic research community. Our researchers are advancing knowledge, innovating, and making a real-world impact.
We champion academic freedom by encouraging bold and independent inquiry. Through sustained investment in people, infrastructure, and partnerships, FoSE is shaping a better future through transformative and inclusive research.
We provide tailored support for our researchers at every stage of their careers—offering development opportunities, mentoring, and resources that reflect their goals and areas of research.
We value our trusted partnerships with Māori and constantly strive to strengthen these relationships for shared and impactful outcomes.
Our Faculty's strength lies in the diversity of its research, allowing us to break down siloes to address complex challenges and change the world.
Research in our schools
Our world-class research is conducted across six schools. Each of these schools contributes to the Faculty’s diverse and collaborative research environment, spanning fundamental discovery to applied innovation.
School of Biological Sciences
Our researchers have expertise in biochemistry, botany, cell biology, ecology, evolution, immunology, marine biology, and microbiology.
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Combining our expertise in chemistry and physics gives us an edge in science research, and collaborations take our discoveries from the lab to the world.
School of Engineering and Computer Science
Researchers in the School of Engineering and Computer Science are contributing to important advances in science, technology, and engineering.
School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences
Our researchers focus on some of the most challenging and deeply interconnected issues facing contemporary society.
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Staff and postgraduate students in the School of Mathematics and Statistics collaborate in cross-disciplinary research projects across a range of subjects.
School of Science in Society
Researchers interested in the relationship between science, scientists, society, the history of science, and the communication of scientific information.
Research in our centres and institutes
The Faculty also hosts several research centres and institutes that foster disciplinary and cross-disciplinary excellence.
Centre for Biodiscovery
Our research aims to enhance human health and wellbeing through discovery of unique natural products and biological pathways and processes.
Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology
Our research focuses on the restoration of species, communities and ecosystem functions impacted by human activity.
Centre of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
We offer expertise across several technology themes in the AI and machine learning space, with a wide variety of applications to real-world industries.
Research in affiliated institutes
The Faculty of Science and Engineering also maintains strong affiliations with other research centres and institutes. These partnerships enhance our impact across scientific, environmental, and technological domains.
Antarctic Research Centre
The Antarctic Research Centre builds knowledge about the Antarctic's response to climate change and the consequences of that response.
Ferrier Research Institute
The Ferrier Research Institute does fundamental, applied, and commercial research alongside graduate teaching and student supervision.
MacDiarmid Institute
The MacDiarmid Institute partners with industry and government to research global challenges such as clean water, renewable energy, and climate change.
Paihau—Robinson Research Institute
The Robinson Research Institute does industry-relevant research in areas such as robotics, magnetic sensors, and superconductor technologies for MRI scans.
Commercialisation
The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a vibrant centre of innovation, where research excellence drives the creation of startup ventures in a wide range of science and engineering fields.