Rate My Professor Josh Bristowe

Josh Bristowe is a Taonga Natural Products Chemist at Plant & Food Research in Dunedin, working within the Food Innovation portfolio and now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute following its merger with other research organizations. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Otago. During his studies, Bristowe completed a summer studentship in 2020-21 on the project “Harakeke: Isolation and identification of potentially bioactive compounds,” conducted in collaboration with the Māori weavers group in Karitane. This initiative was supported by the University of Otago Te Ngaru Paewhenua programme and the Ti Rito Plant & Food Research Māori summer studentship programmes. In November 2021, he joined Plant & Food Research as staff, based on the fourth floor of the Science II building, and became a key member of Professor Nigel Perry’s natural products research group in the University of Otago Department of Chemistry.

Bristowe’s professional focus lies in taonga natural products chemistry, emphasizing the exploration of bioactive compounds from culturally significant plants such as harakeke (New Zealand flax). Of Ngāti Porou and Ngāpuhi descent, he actively contributes to the University of Otago Chemistry Outreach programme, delivering engaging science practicals to schools and marae, particularly in rural New Zealand and regions like Northland. His efforts include developing school experiments that integrate mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) with western scientific principles to foster rangatahi (youth) engagement and co-innovation. Notable activities encompass visits to schools such as East Otago High School for Year 7 and 8 classes, Palmerston Primary School for Year 5 and 6 students on harakeke science, and multiple Northland schools in trips spanning five schools in five days in November 2023. Bristowe presented “Harakeke, science and mātauranga: A conduit for education” at the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry conference. He supports graduate research within the group, which has led to thesis completions in natural products chemistry. Listed in the University of Otago staff directory under Sciences and Chemistry Dunedin contacts, Bristowe bridges traditional knowledge and contemporary science, enhancing educational outreach and research collaboration.