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Centres of Research Excellence making satisfactory progress on work programmes
Seven CoREs were established in 2001 and 2002 to support leading-edge, international standard research that fosters excellence and contributes both to New Zealand’s national goals and to knowledge transfer. The CoREs are primarily, but not exclusively, inter-institutional research networks, with the researchers working together in a commonly agreed work programme.
All CoREs have reported satisfactory progress against the research and operation targets they have identified each year. A mid-term review of the CoREs is to be completed during the first half of 2005. This review will more closely assess progress to date prior to a decision being made to commit the remaining three years’ funding.
| The National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies |
| The National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies was established in February 2003 as one of the seven CoREs. Its goal is to conduct internationally recognised research into the management of New Zealand’s weeds, plant pests and diseases and to develop systems for improved biosecurity. |
| It is hosted by Lincoln University and comprises four partner organisations: Lincoln University, Massey University, AgResearch, and Crop and Food Research. It collaborates with eight other research and academic institutes. The majority of personnel are in Canterbury, with others located around the country. |
| The Centre supports both laboratories and field facilities, as well as the Biotron, a purpose-built plant growth facility that enables observation and measurement of plant microbe and physical interactions above and below the ground. |
| The research conducted by the Centre is divided into four major themes: biosecurity, biocontrol, agri-biotechnology and mātauranga Māori bio-protection. Two of these areas are highlighted below. |
| Biosecurity: detecting unwanted organisms at the border using sensor technology and molecular diagnostics and developing intelligent computing systems to predict the potential of new organisms to become pests. |
| Progress to date: This area of research uses the Biotron, which is able to provide answers to questions about the likely host range of invasive species, their ability to tolerate diurnal and seasonal extremes and likely damage potential. With research in this area, the Centre should be able to provide significant research information for biosecurity agencies in New Zealand and overseas. |
| Mātauranga Māori bio-protection: researching bio-protection techniques that are acceptable to Māori growers by incorporating Māori perspectives and tikanga into bio-protection strategies. Māori knowledge of horticulture has been developed over the past 1,000 years in the many and varied soil types and climates of New Zealand and therefore inclusion of this knowledge and tikanga, where appropriate, will add value to existing scientific research into the management of pests and diseases. |
| Progress to date: A network of Māori growers has been established to identify case study groups. This includes selected growers from a broad range of crop production systems, from ‘traditional’ crops such as kumara and taewa (Māori potato) through to more contemporary crops. This activity uses varied production methods and philosophies such as organic, spray-free and conventional. |
| Development of databases on Māori in the agriculture/horticulture sector provides important baseline information for ongoing research. The information to date has identified gaps in the knowledge bases as well as issues and problems associated with crop production and protection. There are also issues around decision-making for Māori land with multiple owners and other collective assets and around product development and marketing of crops produced by Māori growers. There is emerging a diverse range of views within the Māori community as to what constitutes Māori horticulture and recognition of the importance of both mātauranga Māori and western science in developing the industry. |
Building Research Capability in the Social Sciences
Building Research Capability in the Social Sciences is an initiative to build the capability of the tertiary education social science sector, and promote greater quality and relevance in social science research. The initiative is intended to:
- support targeted basic research which meets high standards of excellence and has the potential to improve the ability of stakeholders such as industries, communities or the government to understand and tackle issues of national significance
- help build a critical mass of research capability and knowledge in the social sciences
- develop advanced human capital and skills, particularly by engaging research postgraduates and providing research, mentoring and structured development opportunities for emerging researchers.
The TEC has begun funding a collaborative initiative that draws together a group of leading social science researchers from six research organisations (five universities and one private organisation). Over the next five years this formal network of researchers will run a co-ordinated programme of research activities that will provide insight into New Zealand’s social future by exploring a set of research themes of emerging strategic importance to New Zealand, including:
- social dimensions of participating in a global knowledge-based economy
- social justice and development for all New Zealanders
- New Zealand’s demographic trends and their effects on our society
- sustainability of diverse households, communities and settlements.
The network will also focus strongly on developing New Zealand’s future social science research capability not only by explicitly including participation by new and emerging researchers, but also by enhancing connections between researchers and practitioners.
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