New Board to streamline research funding

Research Funding NZ is an independent board that brings together accomplished leaders in science, innovation, health, technology, and public service. Chaired by Emma Blott, it includes members with experience on the Marsden Fund Council, MBIE Science Board, Health Research Council as well as international funding bodies in Australia, Singapore and Europe.

The Board’s collective expertise will ensure funding decisions for major investments including the Marsden Fund, Endeavour Fund, and Strategic Science Investment Fund are robust, transparent, and focused on real-world outcomes.

MBIE will provide secretariat support and administer research funding in accordance with Research Funding NZ decisions.

Board Members

The RFNZ Board includes:

• Dr Emma Blott (Chair): Senior executive in commercial science and innovation, with board experience in agriculture and technology. PhD in Clinical Biochemistry, with previous leadership roles at Livestock Improvement Corporation and Fonterra.
• Professor Aidan Byrne: Physicist and senior academic leader, Chair of the MBIE Science Board, and former CEO of the Australian Research Council, with deep expertise in research governance and science policy.
• Professor Amanda Barnard: Internationally recognised computational scientist, pioneering nanotechnology and AI for biotech. Senior leadership at the Australian National University (ANU) and Australia's national science agency CSIRO, with global research strategy and governance experience.
• Professor Brett Cowan: Clinical health sciences and biomedical engineering leader, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), board member of the Health Research Council, and previously Chief Scientist at PHF Science (formerly ESR), with expertise in research commercialisation, infrastructure, and translational innovation.
• Professor Dianne Gleeson: Professor of Ecological Genetics at the University of Canberra and Director of the National eDNA Reference Centre and an expert in molecular tools for biodiversity and biosecurity, with extensive research leadership in Australia and New Zealand.
• Dr Meika Foster: Nutrition scientist and entrepreneur, director of Edible Research, bridging science, law and mātauranga Māori for sustainable food innovation and research impact.
• Distinguished Professor Sir Peter Hunter: Distinguished bioengineer, founding director of Auckland Bioengineering Institute, global leader in computational physiology, and former Chair of the Marsden Fund Council.
• Dr Sue Bidrose: Experienced science and public sector leader, former CEO of AgResearch and Dunedin City Council, with deep expertise in governance and stakeholder management.

A simpler, more strategic approach

Over time, Research Funding NZ will replace most existing decision makers across New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system, including the Marsden Fund Council, the Science Board, the Health Research Council (HRC) from 2028, and some MBIE decision-making functions.

The transition to Research Funding NZ will be phased over four years to ensure continuity and minimise disruption. All current research contracts will continue, and MBIE and Research Funding NZ will work closely with the sector to ensure the new approach delivers for scientists, industry, and the country.

For more information about Research Funding NZ and the Board, visit Research Funding New Zealand.