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    • Front entrance of the Cawthron Institute building on Halifax Street, Nelson, New Zealand.

    About Cawthron

    Cawthron Institute is New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation. Based in Nelson, Aotearoa New Zealand, Cawthron has been carrying out scientific research for more than 100 years.

    The Institute was established through the legacy of Nelson businessman and philanthropist Thomas Cawthron, who died in 1915. His bequest, the largest single bequest in New Zealand at the time, provided for the creation of a technical school, institute and museum in Nelson. Cawthron Institute was officially established in 1921.

    From its earliest years, Cawthron has been closely connected with practical science. Its early work included research in chemistry, soil science, agriculture, horticulture, entomology and public health.

    Over time, the organisation’s scientific focus has evolved in response to the needs of New Zealand’s communities, environment and primary industries.

    Today, Cawthron is home to scientists, laboratory technicians, researchers and specialist staff working across a range of disciplines. Our work spans marine and freshwater science, aquaculture, seafood safety, analytical testing, biosecurity, algae and biotechnology, environmental monitoring and restoration.

    Cawthron’s main campus is located on Halifax Street in central Nelson. The organisation also operates the Cawthron Aquaculture Park at Glenduan, a specialist research facility supporting aquaculture science and innovation.

    Historical portrait photograph of Thomas Cawthron, Nelson philanthropist and founder of Cawthron Institute.
    Nelson philanthropist and businessman, Thomas Cawthron.

    Our facilities include laboratories, controlled research environments, a PC2 laboratory and nationally significant culture collection, as well as field-based science capability. These facilities support work with iwi, hapū, government, councils, industry, research partners and communities throughout New Zealand and internationally.

    Cawthron Institute is owned by a charitable trust established in accordance with the Thomas Cawthron Trust Act 1924. The Cawthron Institute Trust Board is responsible for protecting Thomas Cawthron’s legacy and appoints Cawthron’s governing Board of Directors. The Board of Directors oversees the Institute’s strategic objectives and policy framework and appoints the Chief Executive.

    As a profit-for-purpose organisation, Cawthron reinvests surplus income into science, education and outreach, helping to support research capability and public benefit over the long term.

    More than a century after its establishment, Cawthron remains an independent research institute with deep roots in Te Tauihu and a long record of applied science in support of New Zealand’s environment, communities and economy.

    Cawthron Institute staff gathered on the Halifax Street campus, Nelson.
    Staff gather at Cawthron's Halifax Street Campus.