About us
Official publications
Introductory Leaflet
The MacDiarmid Institute Introductory Leaflet describes who we are, what we do and who we connect with. If you would like some of these leaflets, please email us at macd-admin@vuw.ac.nz.
The MacDiarmid Institute Introductory Leaflet
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 1016 KB
Published 1 Jul 2023
Annual Reports
Our Annual reports celebrate our annual achievements, both in the laboratory and throughout society, where the MacDiarmid Institute continues to transform New Zealand culture, science and industry. We see and explore the beauty in science and our annual report stories on research and innovations allow us to share that beauty with others.
Latest Annual Report
Our most recent Annual Report is available in full as HTML pages, as well as in downloadable PDF format.
Annual Report 2023 - HTML version
Annual Reports as downloadable PDFs
Annual Report 2023
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 6.3 MB
Published 31 Mar 2024
2023 was a year full of activity, and we are pleased to share this report on the Institute’s progress across a range of areas, with our research programmes going full steam ahead. Please enjoy these snapshots of the work of our people, scientists who comprise the pipeline of talent that will enable Aotearoa New Zealand to prosper in the face of increasing global sustainability challenges.
Annual Report 2022
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 13 MB
Published 31 Mar 2023
When the MacDiarmid Institute turned 20 years old in 2022, we took the opportunity to celebrate what the Institute has achieved so far, and tolook forward to the next 20 years. This annual report shares our stories and achievements from 2022 and puts them in the context of our 20-year journey so far.
Annual Report 2021
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 7.6 MB
Published 2 May 2022
Alongside the ongoing challenges from the Covid pandemic, 2021 was a year of new directions and growth for the MacDiarmid Institute, with the commencement of our new contract in July. Read here about our people and research exploring materials science for sustainability; material technologies essential to our lives and inextricably linked to the environment we live in.
Annual Report 2020
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 10 MB
Published 31 Mar 2021
2020 was an extraordinarily challenging year worldwide. It came as no surprise to us to find that in the midst of it all of this, the community that the MacDiarmid Institute has become is an amazing resource and support network. We were thrilled to be awarded funding to continue as a CoRE for 2021–2028, addressing some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant emerging challenges. Our 2020 annual report reports on our year, showcasing our people, and their work.
Annual Report 2019
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 8.3 MB
Published 3 Apr 2020
2019 was a significant year for the climate – from the student climate strikes, to Greta Thunberg’s powerful address at the United Nations, and the passing of the Government’s Zero Carbon Act. Our 2019 Annual Report outlines how this year we have, once again, unified NZ materials scientists for a common goal: to make, understand, and use new materials to improve people’s lives.
Annual Report 2018
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 6.1 MB
Published 1 Apr 2019
One of Alan MacDiarmid’s favourite sayings was “Science is People”. We put people in the centre of our science outreach again in 2018 with new and significant partnerships, and more than 50 public engagement activities throughout New Zealand. Our 2018 Annual Report details this engagement along with our many and varied research projects and industry collaborations.
Annual Report 2017
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 5.2 MB
Published 1 Mar 2018
A main achievement of 2017 was our hosting of the Interface challenge, in which MacDiarmid Institute investigators were paired up with industry to solve specific product or service problems. Our 2017 Annual Report gives details of the challenge, along with examples of other transformative research, community partnerships and educational events.
Annual Report 2016
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 12 MB
Published 1 Apr 2017
In 2016 the Nature Index for Australia and New Zealand ranked the MacDiarmid Institute as the top fourth research institute in New Zealand, including all universities. Our 2016 Annual Report details some of the science we undertook that year and information on our industry partnerships, spinout companies and community activities.
Annual Report 2015
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 6 MB
Published 1 May 2016
2015 was a transition year for the MacDiarmid Institute. Director Professor Kate McGrath was appointed Vice-Provost (Research) at the Victoria University of Wellington. Kate left a legacy of collaboration and excellent research outputs across a wide breadth of materials. Read about our 2015 research and other successful activities undertaken that year.
Annual Report 2014
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 6.6 MB
Published 1 May 2015
In 2014 we successfully secured funding for the MacDiarmid Institute until 2020 and initiated the changes for our next phase of our evolution. With renewed commitment, new strategic direction and greatly strengthened links to our stakeholders, we positioned ourselves to make a lasting contribution to the advancement of the country. Many key initiatives began to take real form during 2014 and set the foundation for following years.
Annual Report 2013
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 6.8 MB
Published 1 May 2014
Our 2013 Annual Report was the first to report against the Institute’s strategic plan, which was launched in 2012. The document details progress against four key areas: scientific excellence, leadership, inspiration and the advancement of New Zealand. It gives an overview of the year’s work, the outstanding scientists and students involved and begins to set the scene for what will be achieved in the next few years.
Annual Report 2012
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 1.5 MB
Published 1 May 2013
In 2012, our 10th anniversary year, we initiated a series of programmes to ensure the evolution of the MacDiarmid Institute into a national organisation that transcends the initial goals laid out for the CoREs. We also experienced a considerable loss with the death of our founding Director, Professor Sir Paul Callaghan. Sir Paul’s leadership, guidance and sheer hard work ensured our current national and international standing.MacDiarmid Institute
The challenges facing New Zealand and the world today - clean water, renewable energy, climate change - will be solved by tomorrow's scientists and engineers - sitting in our classrooms right now, ready to be inspired. They need new materials and new technology based on those materials that haven't been discovered yet.
That's what the MacDiarmid Institute does. We are New Zealand's best scientists, engineers and educators, unified for a common goal: to make, understand, and use new materials to improve people's lives.
February 20, 2019
Video transcript
The challenges facing New Zealand and the world today - clean water, renewable energy, climate change - will be solved by tomorrow's scientists and engineers - sitting in our classrooms right now, ready to be inspired. They need new materials and new technology based on those materials that haven't been discovered yet.
That's what the MacDiarmid Institute does. We are New Zealand's best scientists, engineers and educators, unified for a common goal: to make, understand, and use new materials to improve people's lives.
Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan 2015
Adobe Acrobat PDF file, 7.3 MB
Published 1 Apr 2016
Great things start with a great vision. The vision of our founder, Sir Paul Callaghan, was for a vibrant and prosperous New Zealand transformed through science and technology. Our Strategic Plan elaborates on that vision and also outlines our mission, objectives, priorities, partnerships and measures of success. It shows how our research will transform lives, solve big problems and advance New Zealand.
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