Notice to the Research Funding New Zealand Board for the 2027 Transition Research Fund

In the notice published in the New Zealand Gazette, 14 May 2026, Notice No. 2026-go2597, I specified that the Research Funding New Zealand Board (“Board”) is to make funding decisions on proposals for the 2027 Transition Research Fund under section 10(3)(b) of the Research, Science, and Technology Act 2010 (“RS&T Act 2010”). That notice also specified that the total value of funding available to the Board for the 2027 Transition Research Fund was up to $84.8 million (excluding GST) and set out the three mechanisms available under the 2027 Transition Research Fund. These are:

• Talent Development;
• Projects Mechanism; and
• Programmes Mechanism.

1. In this notice, I:

1. set the criteria for the eligibility and assessment of proposals for the 2027 Transition Research Fund under section 8(1) of the RS&T Act 2010; and
2. provide more information on the funding mechanisms to be used, and the value and duration of investments under those funding mechanisms.

General Policy Objectives

2. As outlined in the notice (New Zealand Gazette, 14 May 2026, Notice No. 2026-go2597), 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.

Interpretation

3. For the purposes of this notice and the Schedules to this notice, the terms:

1. 2027 Transition Research Fund means the call for proposals made in 2026 and for which funding decisions are announced in 2027.
2. Investment Plan means the 2027 Transition Research Fund Investment Plan issued by the Minister dated June 2026 and published on MBIE’s website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-opportunities/investment-funds/transition-research-fund-2027.
3. Science Investment Plan means the Government’s strategic direction for public investment in Science Innovation and Technology over the period 2026–2030, published on MBIE’s website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/agencies-policies-and-budget-initiatives/science-investment-plan-2026-2036.
4. National Pillar Priorities means the key priorities that are labelled as ‘opportunities’ for each of the four pillars in the Science Investment Plan. The four pillars are:
• Technology for Prosperity;
• Primary Industries and Bioeconomy;
• Environmental Sustainability and Resilience; and
• Healthy People and a Thriving Society.
5. Vision Mātauranga policy means the government policy which aims to enable the distinctive research, science and innovation potential of Māori people, knowledge and resources.
6. Research Organisation means an organisation that is able to demonstrate that it has:
1. sufficient internal capability for carrying out research, science or technology, or related activities; and
2. at least two years of experience in successfully delivering substantive, externally funded research projects.
7. Cap means the cap on the number of proposals that may be submitted by a Research Organisation in relation to each mechanism set by the Minister and available on MBIE’s website https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-opportunities/investment-funds/transition-research-fund-2027.

Funding Available

4. As specified in the notice (New Zealand Gazette, 14 May 2026, Notice No. 2026-go2597), there is up to $84.8 million (excl. GST) annual funding available distributed across three funding mechanisms.

5. The table below outlines indicative new annual funding by pillar priorities and funding mechanisms available under the 2027 Transition Research Fund:

Funding Decisions

6. The Board must make funding decisions on proposals for the 2027 Transition Research Fund in accordance with:

1. the Public Finance Act 1989 and the relevant Appropriation Acts for Vote Business, Science and Innovation;
2. the eligibility and assessment criteria specified in this notice and the relevant Schedules to this notice;
3. the investment signals set out in the Investment Plan; and
4. the Government’s Vision Mātauranga policy, if applicable to the proposal.

Eligibility Criteria

7. For a proposal to be eligible under the 2027 Transition Research Fund, it must:

1. be made under an investment mechanism specified in the Schedules to this notice;
2. align to one of the pillars, and to one of the pillar priorities listed as opportunities, as outlined in the Science Investment Plan;
3. be made by an applicant who is not in material breach of any Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) science funding contract and who does not have any outstanding remedial actions associated with any termination of any MBIE science funding contract;
4. be submitted in Pītau (MBIE’s Investment Management System) and meet any applicable timing, formatting, content, or other administrative requirements set by MBIE;
5. not name a person as Principal Investigator for a Talent Development proposal who is named as Principal Investigator on another Talent Development proposal submitted for the 2027 Transition Research Fund Talent Development mechanism;
6. be made by a New Zealand-based Research Organisation or a New Zealand-based legal entity representing a New Zealand-based Research Organisation;
7. be designed so that the new knowledge created is broadly disseminated for public benefit outside of the Research Organisation or legal entity that represents the Research Organisation;
8. not be made by:
1. an entity listed in any of the parts of Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020;
2. a local authority as defined in section 5 of the Local Government Act 2002;
3. the New Zealand Police;
4. New Zealand Defence Force; or
5. the Parliamentary Counsel Office;
9. be for research, science or technology, or related activities, the majority of which are to be undertaken in New Zealand, unless the Board considers that there are compelling reasons to consider the proposal, despite the amount of research, science or technology or related activities being proposed to be undertaken overseas;
10. not benefit a Russian state institution (including but not limited to support for Russian military or security activity) or an organisation outside government that may be perceived as contributing to the war effort;
11. advise that the proposed funding recipient will, and the Board must be of the view that it can, adhere to the terms and conditions of funding set out in an investment contract determined by the Board;
12. not be for activities already funded from another external source;
13. come within the total organisational funding Cap that applies to the proposal;
14. not include out-of-scope research outcomes related to defence that amount to 50% or more of the proposal’s outcomes.

8. Proposals determined to be ineligible by the Board under clause 7 cannot be awarded funding.

Portfolio Approach

9. Where the Board takes a portfolio approach to funding decisions on proposals for the 2027 Transition Research Fund, this should include:

1. ensuring each proposal funded has sufficient merit as assessed against the assessment criteria in the relevant Schedules to this notice;
2. considering how the overall mix of investments made meets the investment signals in the Investment Plan and Science Investment Plan, with particular regard to the funding amounts set out in the table at clause 5 above;
3. ensuring that the best proposals are funded within each pillar to the extent that is practical within funding amounts set out in the table at clause 5 above;
4. considering the value offered by the largest Programme proposals; and
5. meeting general policy objectives set out in clause 2 of this notice and specific policy objectives set out in clause 1 of each Schedule to this notice including the Vision Mātauranga policy.

Effective Date

10. The Investment Plan will come into effect on 23 June 2026.

11. This notice will come into effect on 23 June 2026.

Dated at Wellington this 23rd day of June 2026.

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

Schedule 1

Talent Development

Specific Policy Objectives

1. 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.

Value and Duration of Funding

2. Investments made under the Talent Development mechanism will have a duration of two years and a total contract value of $0.5 million (excl. GST).

Assessment Criteria

3. In making funding decisions, the Board must assess proposals for Talent Development on the following criteria:

1. Impact (weighting 33%). The extent to which the proposed research has the potential to deliver meaningful outcomes for New Zealand’s economic, social or environmental benefit, appropriate to the applicant’s discipline and career stage. Assessment must have regard to the extent the proposal:
1. aligns with the National Pillar Priorities;
2. articulates credible potential impact benefits and potential pathways to impact from the proposed research, science or technology or related activities, even where impacts are uncertain, longer-term or indirect;
3. will build individual, institutional, or system capability that strengthens New Zealand’s ability to realise impact over time; and
4. has identified and appropriately considered potential impacts for Māori where relevant.
2. Science Excellence (weighting 33%). The extent to which the proposed research is fit for purpose, rigorous innovative, ethically conducted and internationally benchmarked, and addresses areas of clear national need. Assessment must have regard to the extent the proposal:
1. is ambitious, new to New Zealand, and fit for purpose; it must be able to advance New Zealand beyond the current state of knowledge and practice to deliver the intended outcomes;
2. will generate and disseminate new knowledge, data, or methods or deliver scientific, technical, or innovative outcomes;
3. has a well-designed, coherent, and credible research plan, including appropriate identification and management of risk (noting that higher levels of uncertainty may be appropriate for exploratory research);
4. is well positioned within the domestic and international research context; and where applicable, demonstrates clearly how the proposal builds on, complements, or differentiates from existing national and international research; and
5. appropriately considers the relevance of the Vision Mātauranga policy and, where relevant, demonstrates a fit-for-purpose approach; where not relevant, this is clearly stated.
3. Talent Potential (weighting 34%). The extent to which the Principal Investigator demonstrates existing research capability and future potential, and the likelihood that the proposed outputs will be achieved. This will be considered relative to opportunity and their research discipline and career stage. Assessment must have regard to:
1. the Principal Investigator’s skills, experience, and capability to undertake excellent research and contribute effectively, including the quality and relevance of research contributions to date;
2. the clarity and credibility of the Principal Investigator’s career development intent, including potential to build research capability and leadership; and
3. appropriate organisational support, such as access to appropriate mentorship and appropriate facilities, space, equipment, and other necessary resources.

4. Once proposals have been assessed against the Impact, Science Excellence and Talent Potential assessment criteria in this schedule, the Board must assess for alignment to the four pillars and their priorities (“opportunities”) to meet the funding amounts set out in the table at clause 5 of the main notice and may apply the portfolio approach described in clause 9 of the main notice.

Schedule 2

Projects

Specific Policy Objectives

1. 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.

Value and Duration of Funding

2. Investments made under the Projects mechanism will have a duration of three years and a total contract value of $1.5 million (excl. GST).

Assessment Criteria

3. In making funding decisions, the Board must assess Projects on the following criteria:

1. Impact – Benefit to New Zealand (total weighting 33%). The extent to which the proposed research is likely to deliver meaningful outcomes for New Zealand’s economic, social or environmental benefit. Assessment must have regard to the extent the proposal:
1. aligns with the National Pillar Priorities;
2. will generate knowledge, insights, or capabilities that enable future potential applications, pathways to use, or downstream impact;
3. will build individual, institutional, or system capability that strengthens New Zealand’s ability to realise impact over time
4. articulates credible potential impact benefits and potential pathways to impact from the proposed research, science or technology or related activities, even where impacts are uncertain, longer-term or indirect; and
5. identifies the indicative end or next-users, beneficiaries, and stakeholders (including Māori where relevant), and demonstrates an understanding of the enablers and barriers to uptake.
2. Science Excellence (weighting 33%). The extent to which the proposed research is fit for purpose, rigorous, innovative, ethically conducted, internationally benchmarked, and addresses areas of clear national need. Assessment must have regard to the extent the proposal:
1. is ambitious, new to New Zealand, and fit for purpose; it must be able to advance New Zealand beyond the current state of knowledge and practice to deliver the intended outcomes
2. will generate and disseminate new knowledge, data or methods or deliver novel scientific, technical, or innovative outcomes;
3. has a well-designed, coherent, and credible research plan, including appropriate identification and management of risk (noting that higher levels of uncertainty may be appropriate for exploratory research);
4. is well positioned within the domestic and international research context; including how it builds on, complements, or differentiates from existing work; and
5. appropriately considers the relevance of Vision Mātauranga policy and, where relevant, demonstrates a fit-for-purpose approach; where not relevant, this is clearly stated.
3. Team Excellence (weighting 34%). The extent to which the proposed team has the mix of complementary skills, knowledge, and resources to deliver the proposed research, science or technology or related activities, and to manage risk. Assessment must have regard to whether:
1. the mix of skills is appropriate for the research;
2. the team has the skills, knowledge and resources that give confidence in their ability to deliver the research; and
3. if applicable, the team has the appropriate Mātauranga Māori expertise for the project.

4. Once proposals have been assessed against the Impact and Excellence assessment criteria in this schedule, the Board must assess for alignment to the four pillars and their priorities (“opportunities”) to meet the funding amounts set out in the table at clause 5 of the main notice and may apply the portfolio approach described in clause 9 of the main notice.

Schedule 3

Programmes

Specific Policy Objectives

1. 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.

Value and Duration of Funding

2. Investments made under the Programmes mechanism will have a duration of five years and a minimum contract value of $1 million (excl. GST) per annum.

Assessment Criteria

3. In making funding decisions, the Board must assess Programmes proposals on the following criterion:

1. Impact (total weighting 50%)
1. Benefit to New Zealand (weighted 25%). The extent to which the proposed research has the potential to deliver meaningful outcomes for New Zealand’s economic, social or environmental benefit, including:
1. the scale and extent of potential benefits to New Zealand from the proposed research, science or technology or related activities;
2. the extent of alignment with the National Pillar Priorities; and
3. if applicable, the extent to which the project has identified and evaluated the potential impacts for Māori.
2. Implementation Pathway(s) (weighted 25%). Research should have an indicative implementation pathway(s) to deliver public benefit to New Zealand that is not limited to a single firm or end-user, and an understanding of the barriers to impact. Assessment must have regard to:
1. the degree to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the enablers and barriers in potential implementation pathway(s) to deliver public benefits to New Zealand;
2. the credibility of indicative implementation pathway(s) to deliver public benefits to New Zealand, not limited to a single firm or end-user;
3. identification of the indicative end- or next-users, beneficiaries, and stakeholders;
4. the mix of complementary skills and experience, within the team, relevant to achieving impact in the proposed impact areas; and
5. where there is Mātauranga Māori, assess whether there is sufficient input from Māori at the appropriate stage(s) of the project, that is adequately resourced, to ensure effective implementation.
2. Excellence (total weighting 50%)
1. Science Excellence (weighted 25%). The extent to which the proposed research is fit for purpose, rigorous innovative, ethically conducted and internationally benchmarked, and addresses areas of clear national need. Assessment must have regard to whether the proposal :
1. progresses and disseminates new knowledge;
2. has a well-designed, coherent, and credible research plan, including appropriate identification and management of risk (noting that higher levels of uncertainty may be appropriate for exploratory research);
3. c. is ambitious in terms of scientific risk, technical risk, novelty and/or innovative approaches;
4. demonstrates a clear, well-justified rationale for conducting the research in New Zealand;
5. is fit for purpose: it can advance New Zealand beyond the current state of knowledge and practice to deliver the intended outcomes
6. is well positioned within the domestic and international research context, including how it builds on, complements, or differentiates from existing work; and
7. considers the relevance of Vision Mātauranga policy and, where relevant, demonstrates a fit-for-purpose approach; where not relevant, this is clearly stated.
2. Team Excellence (weighted 25%). The proposed team should have the mix of complementary skills, knowledge and resources to deliver the proposed research, science or technology or related activities, and to manage risk. Assessment must have regard to whether:
1. the mix of interdisciplinary skills is appropriate for the research;
2. the team has the skills, knowledge and resources that give confidence in their ability to deliver the research;
3. the extent to which the proposed partnerships and collaborations strengthen the delivery, impact, and relevance of the research, including through enhancing international connectedness; and
4. if applicable, the team has the appropriate Mātauranga Māori expertise for the project.

4. Once proposals have been assessed against the Impact and Excellence assessment criteria in this schedule, the Board must assess for alignment to the four pillars and their priorities (‘opportunities’) and to meet the funding amounts set out in the table at clause 5 of the main notice and may apply the portfolio approach described in clause 9 of the main notice. The Board will make final awards to those proposals that they consider will deliver the greatest impact for New Zealand.