Paihau-Robinson Research Institute

The Paihau–Robinson Research Institute is advancing the frontiers of science by exploring new possibilities in cutting-edge technology. Recently, Paihau-Robinson secured a pivotal $9 million grant from the Endeavour Fund, enabling it to position Aotearoa, New Zealand, as a key player in the future of high-performance computing. Read more about the initiative from the article below.

We are happy to announce that Dr. William Holmes-Hewett, a valued member of our team at Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, has been awarded the prestigious Aotearoa New Zealand Tāwhia te Mana Future Leader Fellowship (Mana Tūāpapa)! This fellowship, administered by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, recognises Dr. Holmes-Hewett’s groundbreaking work in developing new materials for advanced quantum computing components. His research focuses on leveraging the unique electronic and magnetic properties of rare-earth nitrides to address critical challenges in superconducting technology—paving the way for future innovations in quantum computing. This achievement highlights Dr. Holmes-Hewett’s remarkable potential as a future leader in science, innovation, and technology in Aotearoa New Zealand. Join us in congratulating Dr. Holmes-Hewett on this incredible milestone! #Innovation #QuantumComputing #SuperconductingTechnology #FutureLeaders #ResearchExcellence #PaihauRobinsonResearchInstitute https://lnkd.in/gBj3hwBv

We are hiring an intern to work in Airbus UpNext to contribute to the development of a superconducting link for electric aircraft propulsion. I am maybe a bit biased... but I sincerely think that it is a great opportunity for a student who is looking to contribute to research and technology in an industrial environment in Toulouse in a dynamic and international team. Please share, spread the word and feel free to drop me a message! ❄️ ⛷️ ⚡ #internship #appliedphysics #engineering #electricpropulsion

Paihau-Robinson Research Institute’s advanced energy technology platform is accelerating the electrification of New Zealand’s aviation and heavy transport fleets, critical to reducing New Zealand and the world’s carbon emissions. Professor and Principal Engineer Rodney Badcock has been leading the convoy for almost 5 years. 🔋⚡ “We’ve been addressing the technology challenges, but we’re also addressing the infrastructure, maintenance, and operational requirements needed for New Zealand to transition to sustainable heavy transport and aviation successfully and permanently,” says Rod. 🔌🛫 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gDAQtWjU 📸 : Victoria University Professor Rod Badcock has been with the Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington for almost 20 years.

The Hēki team and colleagues at Voyager Space (formerly Nanoracks) recently completed the final safety review and approval for the Hēki technology demonstration payload, scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2025. NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s expert panel assessed Hēki’s materials, structures, and electronics design and performance to ensure that they are safe for flight.   Hēki will validate that several novel technologies are compatible with launch and operations in space. These experimental components will improve the efficiency of spacecraft ion thrusters and include a high-temperature superconducting magnet, its “flux pump” power supply, and custom control electronics. Testing included shaking to validate that key parts of the system will survive a rocket launch, thermal cycling of the entire experiment to verify that Hēki can stay within its operational temperature range in the vacuum of space, and electromagnetic compatibility testing to ensure that Hēki will be a “good neighbour” to the experiments around it. Once testing was complete, engineers packed Hēki safely for shipment to Voyager Space, as shown below.   Hēki was designed, built, and tested at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, with team members from IDS Consulting, Asteria Engineering Consultancy, The University of Auckland, and of University of Canterbury contributing to its successful completion. Voyager Space will coordinate Hēki’s launch, deployment, and operations with the ISS. #spaceresearch #NASA

🎉 We're delighted to announce our 2024 Awards. Find out all the details on our Awards Page. https://lnkd.in/gZzJAEYq Congratulations to: Professor Mike Dragunow – Marsden Medal Associate Professor Miro Erkintalo – Hill Tinsley Medal Professor Chris Bumby – Shorland Medal Dr Colin Miskelly – Cranwell Medal 🎉

Celebrating Excellence in Science: Congratulations to Professor Chris Bumby for his award! We are thrilled to celebrate our Professor Chris Bumby, whom the New Zealand Association of Scientists has awarded the prestigious 2024 Shorland Medal. This medal recognises Professor Bumby’s groundbreaking contributions to materials science and engineering, highlighting his leadership in two transformative fields: High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Flux Pumps and Hydrogen Steelmaking. Professor Bumby has pioneered the development of HTS flux pumps, a key enabling technology for next-generation superconducting systems. These novel devices drive innovation in electrified transportation, such as high-speed trains, electric aircraft, and propulsion systems for spacecraft like satellites. His research has laid the foundation for global collaborations and cutting-edge applications in fields critical to the future. Separately, Professor Bumby’s team has also developed a new scalable method to eliminate CO2 emissions from steel production in New Zealand, through hydrogen-reduction of indigenous ironsand. This breakthrough aligns with Aotearoa New Zealand’s decarbonization goals, offering transformative potential for sustainable industrial growth and a cleaner environment. This award celebrates not just the profound scientific and societal impact or Professor Bumby’s work, but also its strategic importance to the prosperity and sustainability of Aotearoa New Zealand. His innovations exemplify the role of science in addressing global challenges—building a stronger economy, supporting environmental stewardship, and securing a better future for generations to come. Join us in congratulating Professor Bumby on this well-deserved honour and celebrating the power of science to shape a brighter tomorrow! https://lnkd.in/giHDB8uH #ResearchExcellence #Innovation #HTS #SustainableSteel #FutureFocused #VictoriaUniversityWellington #ScienceForImpact

The Paihau—Robinson Research Institute is thrilled to co-organise and participate in the 5th Joint Workshop between Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and Kyoto University, hosted in wellington. These workshops are a gateway to practical and conceptual growth for New Zealand science. On a tangible level, they enable sharing cutting-edge technologies, facilities, and resources. On an intangible level, they foster international collaboration, inspire fresh ideas, and bring world-leading scientific thinking to Aotearoa—and vice versa. For New Zealand to thrive on the global stage, we must continue to trailblaze and collaborate. Together, we advance knowledge for the benefit of all. In this video Professor Nick Long discusses the benefits of the workshop: https://lnkd.in/g4wTyZsv #GlobalCollaboration #NewZealandScience #Kyoto2024 #TrailblazingScience

Paihau-Robinson Research Institute had the pleasure of hosting a group of passionate biology and chemistry teachers. We kicked off with an introduction to our institute's mission, followed by a fascinating tour showcasing some of the “coolest” science in action! From superconducting magnets, cables, motors and MRI applications to our work in space research and electron microscopy, teachers have taken a close look at cutting-edge technology and global research that is making an impact. Visits like these are vital to us. We believe in informing teachers to inspire future generations by making the paths to science and research clear, local, and accessible. We want to show young students that with passion and dedication, they can reach for the stars with us at a world-leading institute right here in New Zealand. Having students and teachers visit us is a privilege because our future lies in the new generation of brilliant talents who can come to study and work with us. #STEMeducation #FutureScientists #ResearchInstitute #Inspiration

Exciting News from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Paihau—Robinson Research Institute! The team has just boxed and shipped Hēki to the United States, marking a significant milestone toward the April 2025 launch to the International Space Station. The Hēki Mission will test groundbreaking superconducting magnet and power supply technologies in space, which will pave the way for new plasma thruster applications for satellites and spacecraft. This significant advancement in space research underscores New Zealand’s commitment to pioneering scientific innovation. This is a proud moment for our institute and Aotearoa, New Zealand, as it highlights our place as an emerging key player in global space research—special thanks to MBIE for their support and faith in this endeavour. With the dedication and talent of our Space Research team, the sky is no longer the limit—together, we’re reaching for the stars. #SpaceResearch #HēkiMission #InternationalSpaceStation #ISS #Superconductors #Magnets #spaceexploration #MBIE