The decision to release $422.5 million in research funding for New Zealand’s 11 National Science Challenges, which are working to address some of our biggest challenges like climate change, housing and mental health, has been welcomed by Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods.

The Science Board, which is responsible for investing Government funds in research, science and technology, approved the second tranche of funding bringing the total investment to $680.8m following a positive mid-way review.

Funding for the National Science Challenges was allocated for ten years in two five-year periods, so that the performance and future direction could be reviewed, Dr Woods said.

The review has shown that the Challenges are fundamentally changing the way science is being undertaken in New Zealand.

The Minister said:

“This approach brings our top scientists and researchers together to work collaboratively across disciplines and alongside Māori to develop science – something that is truly world-leading.

“While the Challenges are at different stages of development, each is delivering excellent, collaborative research programmes that will have enduring benefits for New Zealand.”

More than 150 projects are now under way across the 11 Challenges, already delivering over 400 publications since 2014.

This research has the potential for tangible impacts in a number of wider Government priority areas such as biosecurity, child well-being, mental health, resilience to hazards, climate change, sustainable land-use, and housing and urban development, Dr Woods said.

To read more about the National Science Challenges, visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website.

Source:  Minister of Research, Science and Innovation