Scion and the University of Waikato have agreed to work together to enhance their contribution to Waikato and Bay of Plenty, iwi and New Zealand.
The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding at a function in Rotorua on Monday attended by the university's chancellor, Jim Bolger, vice-chancellor Professor Roy Crawford, Scion chairman Tony Nowell and chief executive Dr Warren Parker.
Scion, a Crown Research Institute (CRI) with its head office in Rotorua, specialises in research, science and technology development for the forestry, wood product and wood-derived materials and other biomaterial sectors.
The agreement covers collaborative research programmes, commercialisation of research where possible, student projects and internships, and the creation of executive education courses.
Professor Crawford said the agreement with Scion would also benefit the two regions.