[3][4] Its early research included work on timber drying, preservation and fibre production that remains relevant in the 21st century.

[4] In the 1960s the organisation undertook intensive forest pathology research following the spread of red band needle blight among New Zealand pine trees.

[10] In 2023 Scion collaborated with iwi-based organisation Rotoiti 15 to work with rangatahi (young people) on protecting native species of trees from myrtle rust,[11] and with Lincoln University scientists on the ability of forest floor microbes to absorb agriculture-produced methane.

New Zealand's pine forests have been experiencing outbreaks of red needle cast since 2008, and Scion has undertaken research into the influence of temperature and moisture on the disease.

[18] As of 2023[update] Scion employs approximately 300 full-time equivalent staff at its main office in Rotorua, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata,[1] which was opened by then prime minister Jacinda Ardern in 2021.

[4] The office is sited at Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park, and Scion has entered into a memorandum of understanding with local tangata whenua Ngā Hapū e Toru.