Four research projects partnering with China funded

About the projects

Environmental science projects

Identifying key genetic regulators of abiotic stresses to meet climate change extremes - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited

This project will use advanced genetic tools to pinpoint the most important genes in apples, to breed new varieties that are naturally better at handing tough conditions.

Innovative Wood Waste Recycling: Developing Green Technologies for a Circular Economy - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited

This project aims to reduce the amount of wood waste from construction and demolition by finding safe, affordable ways to reuse and recycle wood.

Food science projects

Nervonic acid-enriched structured phospholipid tailored for elderly nutrition - University of Auckland

This project is looking into nervonic acid (NA), a special fatty acid that helps build and protect the brain’s nerve cells. This project aims to create NA-based ingredients that can be added to foods designed for older people.

Distribution characteristics and migration of antimicrobial resistance genes in dairy farm environments - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited

This project will analyse how antimicrobial resistance shows up in different sized dairy farms. The goal is to understand how antimicrobial resistance spreads and offer practical advice on how to use antibiotics responsibly.

Further information

Read the public statements for the projects on the MBIE website.

Catalyst: Strategic – New Zealand-China joint research partnerships 2024

A long history of research collaboration

New Zealand and Chinese scientists have been cooperating for more than 40 years. In 1987 the first government-level Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement was signed, and this was renewed in 2003. In 2010, the relationship was strengthened further with the signing of the Strategic Research Alliance. Five-year roadmaps enable New Zealand and China to agree on research and relationship priorities. The focus of the 2024 round was food science, environmental science, and biomedicine and health.

The Alliance is a bilateral initiative between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). It supports joint research projects that foster scientific collaboration and address shared challenges. Funding is provided through MBIE’s Catalyst Fund, with Chinese partners receiving support from MoST.