The new science funding body has been announced - pooling what was previously three separate funds and there are moves to add in health research funding. Research Funding New Zealand was announced yesterday by Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti.
It replaces the Endeavour, Marsden and Strategic Science Investment Funds. This was one of the key recommendations from the Sir Peter Gluckman-led Science System Advisory Group which put its report out earlier this year. As well as taking the role of the previous three science funding bodies, there is an 'in-principle' decision for the Health Research Council's funding capability to be moved to Research Funding New Zealand. Minister Reti says the new model will be phased in over the next four years and all current contracts will continue.
Lucy Stewart, co-president of the New Zealand Association of Scientists, speaks to Kathryn.
Photo: 123RF
