New RS&T funding priorities
In December 2009 Cabinet set out the new science priorities for the Government’s investment in RS&T. These include priority areas for research outcomes and additional capabilities and infrastructure priorities to meet the needs of a successful science system. The new priorities came into effect on 1 July 2010.
Priority research outcome areas
- High value manufacturing and services: Research to develop new technologies, materials, products, processes and services for the manufacturing and technology sectors.
- Biological industries: Research to support productivity growth and sustainability in primary industries, and the development of premium food and industrial biological products and technologies that meet global demand.
- Energy and minerals: Research to improve mineral extraction and energy security, and on efficient and affordable energy use.
- Hazards and infrastructure: Research to support hazard management and improve building and infrastructure durability.
- Environment: Research to underpin the management, protection and improvement of ecosystems, land and freshwater resources, climate and atmosphere – both in New Zealand and Antarctica.
- Health and society: Research to improve health and social well-being.
Additional priorities
- Fellowships for Excellence: To provide a supply of excellent researchers by encouraging the career development of talented early and mid-career researchers.
- The Marsden Fund: For excellent basic research initiated by researchers.
- Research infrastructure: To improve the quality of science infrastructure and access to it.
- International science relationships: Strong international partnerships and other links.
- Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund: Developing and supporting skilled researchers and organisations doing research relevant to Māori innovation and communities.
Further decisions
The amount of funding for each priority area will be announced with the Budget on 20 May 2010. The mechanisms used to deliver the funding in each area are still to be confirmed and will be subject to the Government’s decisions on the report of the CRI Taskforce and its business support work, as foreshadowed in the New Zealand’s research, science and technology priorities feedback document.
Diagram of funding priorities
The following diagram maps the proportion of RS&T funding that has been spent on each priority research area and includes the list of additional priorities. Work that relates to Vision Mātauranga, which is designed to unlock the potential for innovation in Māori knowledge, resources and people, will be supported in all research areas. This diagram has been updated and includes the funding in the 2010 Budget.
For simplicity, areas of funding that relate to administration and other support areas are not included in this diagram, nor is one-off capital funding. They include:
- Global Expert: Enables New Zealand firms to access information about international RS&T markets and expertise.
- National Measurement Standards: Funding to meet the Minister of Research, Science and Technology’s obligations under the Measurement Standards Act 1992.
- Research and Development Facilitation and Promotion Service: For purchasing services that promote the commercialisation of research and development, and facilitate linkages between New Zealand firms and New Zealand and international research organisations.
- Engaging New Zealanders with RS&T: Supporting activities that engage New Zealanders with the RS&T community to enhance and facilitate the role of RS&T in supporting innovation.
- Research Contract Management: Purchasing services from funding agencies to select, manage and monitor contracts with research organisations and individuals.
- Advice on Shaping the Science System (MoRST funding): This comprises two components, contract management and policy advice.