The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has announced the launch of the Transition Research Fund for 2027, a new initiative designed to support innovative research while aligning science investment with national priorities. The fund aims to create continuity within New Zealand’s research sector during ongoing science system reforms while encouraging ambitious and impactful ideas that can contribute to the country’s long-term development and economic growth.
The newly established fund consolidates several investigator-led research funding mechanisms into a single streamlined framework. According to MBIE, the Transition Research Fund will support projects across the entire research lifecycle, ranging from early-stage discovery and talent development to large-scale collaborative programmes addressing complex national challenges. The initiative was developed based on recommendations from Research Funding New Zealand, the country’s newly created science funding decision-making body.
The fund introduces three major funding pathways. The Talent Development stream is intended to help emerging researchers build skills, test innovative concepts, and establish independent research careers. The Projects stream will support bold and high-potential research initiatives capable of delivering meaningful benefits to New Zealand, while the Programmes stream is focused on long-term collaborative projects that tackle significant societal, technological, and environmental challenges.
The government has identified several broad priority areas for science and innovation investment under the new framework. These include strengthening primary industries and the bioeconomy, advancing technology-driven prosperity, promoting environmental sustainability and resilience, and supporting healthier communities and social well-being. Officials stated that these priorities are expected to be formally confirmed in the upcoming Science Investment Plan scheduled for release later in 2026.
The Transition Research Fund will make up to NZD 84.8 million available annually across its funding streams. Final investment decisions will be made by Research Funding New Zealand, with funded projects required to demonstrate clear alignment with government science, innovation, and technology priorities. Applications for the fund are expected to open later in the year, and MBIE has indicated that additional guidance, webinars, and implementation details will be released in the coming months.
