Thursday, 23 January 2025 13:39

Major shakeup for the NZ science system

Written by Peter Burke

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The government has announced a major restructure of New Zealand's seven crown research institutes.

The government has announced a major restructuring of the country's seven crown research institutes (CRIs), which will see them merged into three public research organisations (PROs).

This will see the creation of a PRO called Bioeconomy, which will bring together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion.

The creation of an Earth sciences PRO which will bring together NIWA and GNS and as already signalled will see MetService become a wholly owned subsidiary of NIWA.

The former ESR will become the Health and Forensic Science Services PRO with a ‘new’ focus. Finally, a new advanced technology PRO will deliver research, capability, and commercial outreach around advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and quantum.

Gone is Callaghan Innovation with the government saying its functions will be spread amongst other PROs.

As part of the reforms a new Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council will provide strategic direction and oversight of the system, advise on priorities and identify the biggest opportunities to leverage science, innovation and technology for economic growth.

A new agency, Invest New Zealand, will be set up as a one-stop-shop for foreign direct investment, to help the Government reach its goal of doubling exports by 2034. The existing NZTE will refocus on driving export growth, facilitating trade and access to international markets.

Science Innovation and Technology Minister, Judith Collins says while the changes are extensive, they will ensure a science system that generates maximum value for the economy and, therefore, for New Zealanders.

“This work, along with our move to overturn what has effectively been a 30-year ban on gene technology, will unlock enormous opportunities for our science sector and New Zealanders and maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into the science sector each year,” she says.

Legislation creating the reforms is expected to be passed by the end of this year and new organisations are expected to be up and running 2026

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