5 Sept 2026
Our next case study is ready “International Impact: New Zealand research on the global stage.”
News & Media
1 August 2026
To get electric passenger planes in the skies requires powerful electric motors, but they must also be small and light. Some kiwi scientists think they could have a solution. Claire Concannon visisted us in Petone to learn about the promise of high temperature superconducting magnets to make electric motors for airplanes.
30 July 2026
How do we use new technology to help us travel, without destroying the environment asks Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Dr Yukai Qiao.
12 Dec 2025
This month, two of our workstream leaders and key researchers, Alan and Duleepa were part in the opening and founding members of two new research facilities: Alan, now part of the “University of Canterbury’s Advanced Cryogenics Research Lab”, and Duleepa, now part of “John Boys Transdisciplinary Wireless Power Technology Centre”. Congratulations!
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/12/02/john-boys-legacy-powers-new-research-centre.html
2 Sep 2025
Our next programme case study is ready : Capability building – pioneering the advancement of cryogenic power electronics.
Follow the link to the pdf.
12 Aug 2025
Robinson Research Institute has hosted a two-week visit from three engineers leading AIRBUS’s efforts to develop superconducting electric aircraft motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The aim is to identify how New Zealand’s expertise in this area can help accelerate this technology.
31 Oct 2024
Our recent collaboration with Tauhara North No. 2 Trust gave students an immersive week of activities, exploring a range of disciplines and career opportunities in STEM.
A huge thank you to all the facilitators for their exceptional mahi. Your dedication has inspired our rangatahi, and we’re already seeing past bootcamp students achieve milestones like PhDs and scholarships.
A huge thank you to all the facilitators for their exceptional mahi. Your dedication has inspired our rangatahi, and we’re already seeing past bootcamp students achieve milestones like PhDs and scholarships.
31 Oct 2024
Robinson Research Institute researchers discuss the necessity of superconducting technology to decarbonise large electric aircraft, and their recent partnership with HyFlux (U.K.)
29 Sept 2024
As part of our programme Raynil Ram, a recent graduate of MIT, has secured full-time employment with WM New Zealand (formerly Waste Management New Zealand), thanks to the collaboration of the MIT’s External Engagement and Academic teams. More info’s in the MIT article, link.
12 Aug 2024
Our next programme case study is ready “Building New Zealand’s High-Value Manufacturing Industry for Future Heavy Electrified Transport”. It outlines how we are supporting the growth of existing New Zealand’s industries while scouting for new opportunities. Check out the PDF via the link above.
1 Aug 2024
High-power electric motors and generators are crucial to advancing electric aviation. At the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Electric Aircraft Technology Symposium (EATS) in Las Vegas, Dr. Grant Lumsden, Principal Project Engineer at the Institute, introduced our concept for a 10 MW partially superconducting generator. This design, intended for hybrid aircraft applications, can be directly integrated with a gas turbine. It surpasses the 10 kW/kg power density threshold for its class and is notably easier to manufacture compared to many competing designs.
2 Feb 2024
Comprising a diverse and committed team of scientists and engineers, the Institute aims to apply cutting-edge research findings and advanced engineering to innovative technologies. An example of this work is the homopolar superconducting electric motor that has been designed, built and tested at the Institute.
Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Programme, the prototype superconducting electric motor/generator provides evidence that Paihau–Robinson Research Institute has a workable solution to revolutionise the aviation industry. Developed in association with key New Zealand companies such as HTS-110 Ltd, Llama Engineering, and Fabrum, this prototype benefits from their expertise in superconducting magnet systems, precision engineering, and metal fabrication, respectively. Their collaboration also helps advance the Institute’s research and development efforts in various other projects.
5 Oct 2023
Last week, Professor Rod Badcock of the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington gave a seminar at MIT Tech Park, Manukau.
3 Oct 2023
Robinson Research Institute’s Deputy Director Professor Rodney Badcock won the BNZ Research Entrepreneur award which recognises an experienced entrepreneurial researcher who has made outstanding contributions to research commercialisation impact in New Zealand.
8 Feb 2023
Air New Zealand has teamed up with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Paihau—Robinson Research Institute to help the airline on its mission to replace its Q300 domestic fleet with a more sustainable option from 2030.
29 April 2022, Te Ao Māori News
Nine year-12 and year-13 students, from Tauhara, north of Taupō, recently attended a tech bootcamp at Victoria University of Wellington. Teaomaori.news spoke to coordinator and team member Tahlia Crabtree, from the Robinson Research Institute of Victoria University about the programme.
3 March 2022, Victoria University of Wellington
The Paihau—Robinson Research Institute’s Tech Bootcamps open up pathways to STEM careers for Māori and Pasifika students.
26 October 2021, Wellington UniVentures
New Zealand researchers lead by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington have teamed up with Air New Zealand and Wellington UniVentures to create technology that will make zero-emission electric passenger aircraft a reality.
9 September 2021, Evolocity Careers Special article
Read about Kent’s PhD and Cameron’s Masters work at Robinson Research Institute for simulations of large electric aircrafts and hardware-in-the-loop. Below is a little video showing Cameron’s hardware-in-the-loop setup
16 August 2020, Victoria University of Wellington
University receives funding boost to build high-power electric motors for rail, shipping and aviation