PHF Science

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

As the national Lead Public Health Laboratory, PHF Science provides authoritative scientific, clinical, technical and research leadership across clinical and public health microbiology. The organisation strengthens microbiology capability and contributes directly to the health, safety and wellbeing of communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. PHF Science works closely with national decision-makers, clinicians, infectious disease specialists, public health physicians, laboratory leaders and research partners to support outbreak preparedness and response, surveillance of emerging infectious threats, infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance monitoring and the translation of science into policy and practice.