Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety

What do we do?

INBI is engaged in assessing whether and how various products of biotechnology may pose risks to humans and the wider environment. Our focus is biosafety (or, biosecurity as the term is most commonly used in New Zealand). We make the results of these assessments available freely to the public.

We are also involved in biosafety capacity-building in developing countries under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This has taken the form of independent advice and courses in the assessment and evaluation of biotechnologies. 

About us

We are a multidisciplinary team, with a wide range of professional backgrounds and diverse nationalities. Expertise in the Centre includes molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, post-genomics, political science, social studies of science and technology, participatory technology assessment, and the social dimensions of risk.

The Director of INBI is Professor Jack A. Heinemann, a professor of molecular genetics with interests in biosafety, risk assessment and education. The Deputy Director is Dr Joanna Goven, a social scientist with expertise in the areas of risk assessment and public participation.

International Students

Who should Apply

INBI welcomes project students from France and Germany. Arrangements can be made, funds permitting, for students from France, Germany and the universities listed on http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/communities/international-students. Our goal is to secure funding to provide short-term research opportunities of undergraduate and postgraduates from the third world, particularly our neighbours in and around the Pacific. At this time, the Centre cannot provide stipends (per diems) or contribute to travel, accommodation costs or fees. On a case-by-case basis, the Centre may be able to provide support for research costs.

How to Apply

1. Contact the Director of the Centre (director-INBI@canterbury.ac.nz) who can advise you on the ability of the Institute to support your project. In this first contact,. provide a brief description of why you want to work at the Institute and the type of research you plan to do (eg, molecular biology, social science etc.).
2. Provide the Director with the names and contact details, including email addresses, of two referees from your university.
3. Upon confirmation of a place at the Institute, you will need to make application for enrolment at the University of Canterbury. The Institute cannot support project students who do not enroll. Usually, students enroll for a COP.
4. Apply for a student VISA to enter New Zealand (this may be done after arriving in New Zealand, but it is recommended that you apply before leaving your country).
5. When you arrive at the University of Canterbury, the Department in which you work can apply for a scholarship to cover your domestic fees. (The agreements between the New Zealand and both France and Germany allow French and German students to study in New Zealand under the same fee structure as New Zealand students. Relief from these fees is normal, but not guaranteed.)

Need More Help?

You can contact the International Students Office at any time to assist you with applications, scholarships, VISA and accommodation needs. Write to them at international@canterbury.ac.nz.

Press Release

GE high lysine corn - 20 December 2007

LY038, high lysine corn, is an animal feed. It is the first GE corn overtly designed to be substantially different in its nutritional profile; a profile designed for animals and not people.

Brochures and promotional material

• Information brochure about INBI (PDF 153kb)

Reports

• Regional Biosafety Course, Solomon Islands 2005 (PDF 230kb)

A549 is an application to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to amend the Food Code to allow foods derived from corn line LY038 to be sold in Australia and New Zealand. LY038 has been genetically modified to accumulate higher levels of the amino acid lysine compared to non-GM corn.

In July 2007 the Centre calls for NZ to opt out of impending adoption of FSANZ recommendation to allow high lysine corn into the human food supply.

See INBI's position regarding the pending approval of LY038 (PDF/44KB)

In June 2006 INBI (NZIGE) wrote a submission on LY038 as part of the consultation process for the FSANZ Draft Assessment Report. For more information see:

Press release (PDF 25kb)

• Final Submission DAR (PDF 1.2mb)
• Non-technical Summary (PDF 130kb)

In February 2005 INBI (NZIGE) wrote a submission on LY038 as part of the consultation process for the FSANZ Initial Assessment Report. For more information see:

• Full submission (PDF 634kb)
• Lay summary (PDF 50kb)
• Initial Assessment Report by FSANZ

Centre for Integrated Research on Biosafety

School of Biological Sciences
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand

inbi@canterbury.ac.nz

Phone +64 3 364 2500