Notice to Research Funding New Zealand Board (“Board”) for the 2027 Transition Research Fund.

In this notice, I:

1. specify, under section 10(3)(b) of the Research, Science, and Technology Act 2010, that the Board is to make funding decisions on proposals to the 2027 Transition Research Fund;
2. specify the total value of funding available for the Board to award to proposals under the 2027 Transition Research Fund; and
3. specify the funding mechanisms to be used under the 2027 Transition Research Fund.

General Policy Objectives

The general policy objectives of the 2027 Transition Research Fund are to advance excellence, capability, and continuity across the research system during a period of change, supporting high quality foundational and applied research, across all disciplines aligned with national pillar priorities. It will strengthen future research leadership and workforce diversity while enabling New Zealand to develop bold, innovative research that addresses complex challenges and delivers long-term benefits for New Zealand and give effect to the Vision Mātauranga policy if applicable.

The three-mechanisms available under the 2027 Transition Research Fund are:

1. Talent Development – To develop future research leaders and specialist capability through excellent research with the potential to deliver benefits for New Zealand aligned with national pillar priorities.
2. Projects Mechanism – To enable the testing of bold and innovative research ideas through excellent research that are deemed likely to deliver meaningful benefits for New Zealand aligned with national pillar priorities.
3. Programmes Mechanism – To support ambitious, excellent, and well‑defined research programmes that address complex challenges, involve multiple partners and collaborations, grow specialist expertise, and are considered to have a high potential to positively transform New Zealand’s future aligned with national pillar priorities.

Investment Plan for the Overarching Fund and Further Gazette Notices

The Minister will issue an Investment Plan for the 2027 Transition Research Fund and a Gazette Notice covering each mechanism under the fund later this year.

The Gazette Notice will set:

• the criteria for the eligibility and assessment of proposals under each funding mechanism;
• the value and duration of investments under each funding mechanism, and including any information on the expected number of fundable applications, and any caps under each mechanism;
• the timing and process for application.

Funding Available

The Board may invest up to $84.8 million of new annual funding (excluding GST) through the 2027 Transition Research Fund.

Interpretation

2027 Transition Research Fund means the call for proposals made in 2026 and for which funding decisions are announced in 2027.

Vision Mātauranga policy means the government policy which aims to enable the distinctive research, science and innovation potential of Māori people, knowledge, and resources.

National pillar priorities means the four key priorities set out by Government through the Science Investment Plan that will guide future investment and fund design, namely:

• Primary Industries and Bioeconomy
• Technology for Prosperity
• Environment and Resilience
• Healthy People and a Thriving Society

Effective Date

This notice will come into effect on 14 May 2026.

This notice will be revoked on 1 January 2028.

Dated at Wellington this 14th day of May 2026.

Hon PENNY SIMMONDS, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.