Infectious Disease Research Platform
The Government is investing $36 million excluding GST over 3 years in an Infectious Disease Research Platform to ensure New Zealand has world class research capability to respond to serious infectious disease threats.
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research are partnering with the University of Otago to develop and co-host an approved Infectious Diseases Research Platform Plan. $1.5 million (excl GST) will fund the platform’s development. The remaining $34.5 million will be granted on approval of the platform to implement it over a 3-year period.
Below is the public statement from our contract with the Institute of Environmental Science and Research.
Read the public statement
New Zealand’s response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic has presented opportunities for improvement in our research response to future infectious diseases. The Government wishes to ensure that New Zealand has world-class research capability in place to respond to infectious disease threats into the future.
The aims of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform are to:
- build New Zealand’s research capability for greater strength and scale
- ensure New Zealand is better prepared for known and emerging infectious disease threats, including future pandemics
- meet our obligations under Te Tiriti and the aims of Pae Ora (healthy futures for Māori)
- prioritise research to address health inequities
- link with international research.
We will achieve these aims whilst continuing our work to address COVID-19 and other serious infectious diseases. We will use a Te Ao Māori framework, recognising Rangatiratanga and Pātuitanga consistent with NZ Health Strategies and Action Plans.
The outcome will be that New Zealand’s research effort is co-ordinated and well prepared to meet the challenges of future threats from infectious diseases.
The Platform will be hosted in partnership by The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and the University of Otago, engaging communities and researchers through a nation-wide network.
Last updated: 23 June 2022
A guide to preparing an infectious diseases research platform plan [PDF 745KB]