Government refocuses science funding for economic growth.
Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins has announced significant changes to the Marsden Fund. The fund, previously dedicated to supporting a wide range of scientific research, will now prioritize projects with economic, environmental, or health benefits for New Zealand.
The new Investment Plan focuses on supporting research in key areas such as physics, chemistry, maths, engineering, and biomedical sciences. Approximately 50 per cent of funds will go towards proposals with economic benefits to the country. The remaining 50 per cent will support blue-skies research that advances new ideas and encourages innovation.
Collins emphasized that the fund's shift is aimed at driving high-tech, high-productivity, high-value businesses and jobs in New Zealand. The changes will apply to projects funded from the 2025 round of the Fund. While the humanities and social sciences panels have been disbanded, Collins assured that excellent researchers in these fields will continue to receive support.
The move is seen as a key step towards rebuilding New Zealand's economy through science-led innovation.