About Us

What is CIBR?

The Centre for Integrated Biowaste Research (CIBR) is a virtual research centre, that combines the expertise of New Zealand research institutes, universities and research partners. Led by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), it brings together a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and researchers from Scion, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Cawthron Institute, University of Canterbury, NIWA, Northcott Research Consultants, Kukupa Research, Massey University, and Lowe Environmental Impact. 

Our Mission

Our goal is to develop safe and sustainable options for reusing biowaste by building a greater understanding of the environmental risks, the benefits of biowaste reuse and recycling to land. Integrating our research skills enables us to offer a full range of biowaste solutions backed up by cutting edge science and innovation. Not only do we solve today’s problems, but we are working to solve the tomorrow’s issues today.

The CIBR team has the core capabilities and innovation to support biowaste beneficial reuse/resource recovery through:

• The development of trans-disciplinary solutions (technical/social/cultural/economic) for beneficial reuse of biowaste.
• Providing NZ’s leading capabilities in utilising field trials, laboratory data and cutting edge experimental science to assess:
  • Environmental fate and effects of contaminants in different waste streams;
  • Waste processing technologies for reducing harm (e.g. reduction in environmental impacts) and economic potential;
  • Technologies and systems to mitigate the environmental and public health impacts of recycling waste to land;
  • Risks of new and emerging contaminants (biophysical/social/cultural science).

Four teams - One aim

The CIBR team comprises of researchers with over 20 years’ experience in: Ecotoxicology, Microbiology, Soil science and Social and Cultural research