Global relationships: United Kingdom
The UK has always been one of New Zealand’s most important research partners. New Zealand has had strong science links with Britain since the visits of Joseph Banks, the botanist on James Cook’s voyages around the Pacific in the 1760s and 1770s. As a major player in global, as well as European R&D, Britain will remain a key partner in terms of RS&T, as well as economically and politically, for the foreseeable future.
New Zealand-United Kingdom RS&T links
There is a great deal of collaborative activity between UK and NZ researchers. MoRST data indicates that about 30% of New Zealand researchers have a UK partner, with the biological sciences, education, medical and health, biotechnology, and the physical sciences being particularly strong co-operative research fields, although valuable cooperation is seen across all areas. Over 150 Memoranda of Understanding between New Zealand Tertiary Education institutions and their British counterparts were identified in a 2002 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade survey.
The strong bilateral research relationship has also led to significant collaboration through the European Framework programmes. MoRST’s Science Counsellor for Europe also contributes to the New Zealand – UK research relationship. Karla is also working with the UK Research Councils who have indicated an interest in New Zealand as a partner. A senior official from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) visited New Zealand in early 2008 to scope potential for collaboration.
Despite the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship, there are no formal government level bilateral arrangements to support RS&T links. However, the NZ-EU STC Agreement provides a useful framework for collaboration. The UK has long been a ‘best practice’ model for science and higher education policy in New Zealand, and bilateral linkages in this domain remain active.
New Zealand-United Kingdom activities
In early 2009, the NZ RS&T Minister, Hon. Wayne Mapp, made a visit to the UK where he met with Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Science and Innovation. Minister Mapp also visited the University of Cambridge where he took part in a roundtable discussion on university/industry innovation.
A visit to New Zealand by seven UK biofuel and biotechnology specialists took place in early 2009. This mission was organised by the UK Science promoter, based in and funded by the British High Commission in Wellington in conjunction with the UK Department of Trade and Industry. The intent of the mission was to pursue collaborative research agreements that should lead to commercial exploitation within a reasonable time frame.
For more information
Check the international funding opportunities page for information about funding and collaboration opportunities.
More information on New Zealand-United Kingdom links and opportunities can be found on the RSNZ’s Co-Lab website or obtained from Rick Petersen, MoRST’s desk-officer for UK linkages.