Research Funding New Zealand

Research Funding New Zealand is a new independent board, being established to consolidate funding decision makers across the science, innovation and technology system.

This will simplify processes and improve transparency. It will also ensure funding is aligned with the Science Investment, which will set out strategic research priorities, and with the four pillars of national importance focused around the economy, environment, health and society, and technology.

Read more about the strategic approach to the science system:

A new strategy for the science system

Research Funding NZ will replace most existing decision makers across the system, including the Marsden Fund Council, the Science Board, some of MBIE’s decision-making functions and in the future, the Health Research Council.

The transition to Research Funding NZ will be phased over time. The Health Research Council operates under the Health Research Act. We’re working through the details of next steps to include health research funding under Research Funding NZ. The decision to move to a single funding body is in no way a reflection of the existing funders in the system.

Research Funding NZ will oversee the development and implementation of Pillar Investment Plans detailing the mix of funds and their criteria required to achieve strategic objectives. The Pillar Investment Plans will be informed by the Science Investment Plan. Research Funding NZ will also be required to monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of investments. This will ensure public investment is delivering value for New Zealanders.

Research Funding New Zealand Board members

The Board will be appointed by and report to the Science, Innovation and Technology Minister and consist of 8 members. Members will provide a mix of academic, government and industry expertise and strong strategic and governance expertise.

The recruitment process for Board Members is underway. Appointments will be made over the coming months.

Current board vacancies