Research, Science & Technology (RS&T) sector overview

Each year the government sets aside, or ‘votes’, a certain amount of money for research, science and technology in its budget.

This money is called Vote RS&T and the Foundation invests the majority of the Government's Vote RS&T funds, working alongside the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Health Research Council.

The government announced its investment in RS&T in Budget 2010 on 11 May.

How funding is allocated

In December 2009 Cabinet set out the new science priorities for the Government’s investment in RS&T.

These included research priority areas and additional capabilities and infrastructure priorities to meet the needs of a successful science system. The new priorities will come into effect on 1 July 2010 and underpin the Foundation’s investment strategies.

Priority research areas

• High value manufacturing and services: Research to develop new technologies, materials, products, processes and services for the manufacturing and technology sectors. 
• Biological industries: Research to support productivity growth and sustainability in primary industries, and the development of premium food and industrial biological products and technologies that meet global demand. 
• Energy and minerals: Research to improve mineral extraction and energy security, and on efficient and affordable energy use. 
• Hazards and infrastructure: Research to support hazard management and improve building and infrastructure durability. 
• Environment: Research to underpin the management, protection and improvement of ecosystems, land and freshwater resources, climate and atmosphere – both in New Zealand and Antarctica. 
• Health and society: Research to improve health and social well-being.

Additional priorities

• Fellowships for Excellence: To provide a supply of excellent researchers by encouraging the career development of talented early and mid-career researchers. 
• The Marsden Fund: For excellent basic research initiated by researchers. 
• Research infrastructure: To improve the quality of science infrastructure and access to it. 
• International science relationships: Strong international partnerships and other links. 
• Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund: Developing and supporting skilled researchers and organisations doing research relevant to Māori innovation and communities.

Diagram of funding priorities

The following diagram maps the proportion of RS&T funding that has been spent on each priority research area and includes the list of additional priorities. Work that relates to Vision Mātauranga will be supported in all research areas. This diagram includes funding in the 2010 Budget.