Positives and matters to consider for new Research Fund

Statement from: Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland | Chair of the Research Committee, Universities New Zealand – Te Pokāi Tara

September 2: On behalf of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Research), we acknowledge the Government’s decision to replace the Performance-Based Research Fund with the Tertiary Research Excellence Fund.

The move, which was well-signalled, includes a shift from individual evidence portfolios to institutional weighting metrics and a greater priority on income from user-led research, economic impact, and an innovation focus.

We welcome the emphasis on research quality and a programmatic approach, which is more aligned internationally.

We do consider, however, that the change should not be to the detriment of supporting and encouraging fundamental research. An emphasis on short-term results will be damaging in the medium- to long-term as innovation begins with fundamental research.

The contribution of the arts, humanities and social sciences research to innovation and to the development of critical thinking, both of which are essential for a technology-driven economy and society, should be encouraged in the new Fund.

We must retain this area of research expertise, which is one of the strengths of the New Zealand university research system and which is vital for a high-functioning democratic society.

Universities New Zealand look forward to contributing to the final design of the new Fund and ensuring a smooth transition.

Our full response to the decisions on the University Advisory Group report

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

Fiona Clarkson: comms@universitiesnz.ac.nz | 0276365050