Science and university funding in focus amid warnings

09:05 am on 28 March 2024

Listen

Different laboratories had used differing criteria to define and assess the risk of heritable diseases determined by genetic testing, Associate Professor Logan Walker said. (file picture) Photo: Tek Image / Science Photo Library / ABO via AFP

Fears of a looming crisis across the science and university sectors is set to get a closer look by the Government.

Two new advisory groups, led by Sir Peter Gluckman, will focus on the way the sectors are funded and operated. Concerns are growing within the science community about a slow erosion of funding, and cuts to hundreds of jobs in tertiary education.

The 10-year multi-million dollar fund known as the National Science Challenges is set to dry up in this year, with no clarity on whether it will continue. Major reform plan Te Ara Paerangi, which included a $450m investment to turn Wellington into a 'science city', has also been scrapped.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins speaks with Kathryn Ryan.