The Government has today announced changes to the science funding system.
Following recommendations from the Science System Advisory Group, a single, independent board, called Research Funding New Zealand, will be established to make most funding decisions.
Under the new model, public investment in science will be focused on the economy, the environment, health and society, and technology.
The Endeavour, Marsden and Strategic Science Investment Funds will transition to Research Funding New Zealand.
An in-principle decision has also been made to transfer health research funding from the Health Research Council (HRC) to Research Funding New Zealand, with existing funding continuing be invested in critical health research.
This decision requires a legislative and operational transition plan, outlining how the system will meet the existing statutory and operational functions of the HRC.
The transition to Research Funding New Zealand will be phased carefully over four years.
All current research contracts will continue.
The HRC will work closely with officials at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the next steps. We will keep you updated as this work progresses.
You can read the full announcement here.