By In a recent budget announcement, the New Zealand government addressed the future of the country’s science sector. While the budget has implications for various areas, the science community has been notably absent from the coalition government’s messaging. Let’s delve into the details and explore the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The National Science Challenges, a significant funding source, are wrapping up after a decade of operation. At the same time, the science and university sectors remain under review. Experts have weighed in on the implications of this budget for research, innovation, and education.
The Challenges
Professor Nicola Gaston, Co-Director of The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, highlights the budget’s challenges. She points out that the long-term trend shows attrition in the science sector due to inflation relative to flatlined baseline funding. Over the last decade, inflation has led to a 25% cut in real terms. Additionally, the loss of National Science Challenge funding further exacerbates the situation. While some of this funding was reallocated to the challenges, its removal from the system represents a significant cut relative to 2014, even before adjusting for inflation. Professor Gaston emphasizes that science and innovation form an ecosystem, and the health of this ecosystem impacts various outcomes, including tech skills development, commercialization, business investment in R&D, and economic contributions.
Dr. Lucy Stewart, Co-President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists, echoes the concern. She notes that assessing this budget is less about identifying bright spots and more about understanding the damage caused by previous cuts. While there is a welcome extension of funding for Geonet, the National Seismic Hazard Model, and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre, the forecast for 2027 includes actual cuts to critical funds such as the Marsden Fund, Health Research Fund, Strategic Science and Innovation Fund, and Endeavour Fund. These cuts may impact researchers’ ability to continue their work within New Zealand.
The Way Forward
As New Zealand grapples with the challenges posed by this budget, it’s essential to recognize the interconnectedness of science, research, and innovation. While the immediate funding landscape may appear challenging, the long-term vision for a thriving science sector remains crucial. Researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders must collaborate to ensure that New Zealand continues to contribute to global knowledge and innovation.