University of Canterbury Partners with KnowYourStuffNZ for Groundbreaking NMR Drug Checking Trial

The University of Canterbury (UC) has announced a pioneering collaboration with KnowYourStuffNZ (KYSNZ) and PHF Science to trial advanced benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology for analyzing illicit drug samples. Announced on February 26, 2026, this initiative marks a significant step in enhancing drug harm reduction efforts in Aotearoa New Zealand. The trial leverages Magritek's Spinsolve benchtop NMR spectrometer, which promises superior quantitative analysis compared to current field methods. This partnership underscores UC's commitment to community-engaged research, bridging chemical engineering innovation with public health imperatives.

Hosted at weekly clinics run by KYSNZ in partnership with the University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA), the trial will process real-world samples, including those from the upcoming Electric Avenue festival on February 27-28, 2026, in Christchurch's Hagley Park. Initial results from NMR tests will not be shared with clients to focus on validating the technology against established infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the current gold standard for portable drug identification.

Drug Harm Reduction in New Zealand: A World-Leading Approach

New Zealand stands at the forefront of drug harm reduction globally, becoming the first country to legalize drug checking services in 2020 through the Drug and Substance Checking Legislation Act, made permanent in 2021. This legislation allows licensed providers like KYSNZ to offer free, confidential testing, empowering users to make informed decisions and reduce risks associated with adulterated or misrepresented substances.

The impact is evident in service utilization. In the 2024-25 season, KYSNZ tested 3,943 samples at 165 events, with 91% matching user expectations—the highest consistency rate since 2016. The New Zealand Drug Foundation reported testing 3,123 samples in 2024, a 23.5% increase from 2023, reflecting growing public trust and demand. These services have influenced behaviors, with 50% of users discarding or altering plans for inconsistent samples, contributing to fewer hospitalizations from novel psychoactive substances (NPS).

UC's involvement aligns with national priorities, as drug-related harms cost NZ $1.8 billion annually. By partnering with KYSNZ, the university contributes to a ecosystem that includes five licensed providers, supported by confirmatory lab testing from organizations like PHF Science.

Current Drug Checking Methods: Strengths and Limitations of FTIR Spectroscopy

Drug checking in NZ primarily relies on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a portable technique that identifies substances by their molecular 'fingerprint' in minutes. Devices are rugged, requiring minimal sample preparation, making them ideal for festivals and clinics.

FTIR excels at qualitative identification but struggles with quantification, complex mixtures, or trace contaminants like nitazenes—potent synthetic opioids detected at low levels. Reagent tests and fentanyl strips supplement, but confirmatory analysis via lab methods like HPLC-UV or GC-MS is needed for ambiguities, delaying feedback.

• Portable and durable for field use.
• Results in under 5 minutes.
• Limited to major components; poor for low concentrations (<5%).

This gap motivates advanced tools like NMR, which UC researchers aim to adapt for real-world application.

Benchtop NMR: The Next Frontier in Drug Analysis

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy examines atomic nuclei in a magnetic field to reveal molecular structure. Traditional high-field NMR requires large, expensive cryogen-cooled magnets, but benchtop versions like Magritek's Spinsolve use permanent magnets for compact, affordable operation at 60 MHz.

In drug checking, NMR provides:

• Quantitative purity assessment (1-2.5% accuracy with standards).
• Mixture deconvolution via multinuclear (1H, 13C, 19F, 31P) and 2D spectra.
• Differentiation of isomers, salts, and degradation products—key for NPS.

Process: Dissolve sample, insert tube, acquire spectrum (minutes), model for composition.

UC's Research Legacy in NMR for Illicit Drug Detection

UC's Chemical and Process Engineering department has invested three years in NMR for forensics. Prof. Daniel Holland leads, focusing on process insight via advanced techniques. His team published a 2025 study in Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry comparing benchtop NMR to HPLC-UV on methamphetamine mixtures, showing comparable accuracy for quantification.

PhD candidate Shallu Verma built the pure drug database and tested 70+ street samples, demonstrating feasibility for harm reduction. Simon Winship handles trial testing, excited about 'street' sample identification.

This builds on 2023 UC developments for rapid, accurate testing to track trends and alert users.UC News on NMR Tool

The Trial Protocol: From Clinic to Festival

Samples from UCSA clinics (weekly, free/confidential) and Electric Avenue are split: standard FTIR for clients, portion for NMR evaluation. Focus: suitability for field use with limited material/facilities.

"This trial is significant because we will have to process real samples, with limited quantities," says Prof. Holland. Dr. Jez Weston notes FTIR's strengths but NMR's potential for details.

PHF Science provides lab support, analyzing complex cases.

Insights from Recent Drug Checking Data

2024-25 data reveals MDMA dominance (60% presumed, 2/3 found), but risks persist: 101 high-dose pills (4.2%), novel nitazenes, G-family surges linked to harms. 5% inconsistent, often with benzos or cathinones.

NMR could quantify doses, detect traces, aiding precise advice. For careers in this field, explore higher ed research jobs.

Challenges in Field Implementation

Benchtop NMR requires power, shelter, ~10-20 min per sample vs FTIR's 2-5 min. Cost (~$100k) and training needed, but portable potential grows. Trial assesses logistics, accuracy on mixtures.

Stakeholders: Users (96% take consistent; 50% discard inconsistent), policymakers, police (non-prosecution for checking).

Stakeholder Perspectives and Public Health Implications

"Being able to test substances circulating in the community will help us understand... how it can benefit public health," says Verma. Potential: Early NPS alerts, dose guidance, reduced overdoses.

Links to UC's Te Puna Toiora lab on nutrition/mental health; career advice at higher ed career advice.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Scaling NMR for Nationwide Impact

If successful, NMR could integrate into labs/providers, expanding to steroids/SARMs. UC eyes commercialization, multi-use (food/pharma). Explore NZ university jobs.

This trial exemplifies UC's role in translational research, fostering PhD talent for postdoc opportunities.

In conclusion, UC-KYSNZ NMR trial advances safer communities. Check rate my professor, higher ed jobs, career advice.