Review of support for top researchers

Support for New Zealand’s top early to mid-career researchers is to be examined by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI), which will be reviewing the Rutherford Discovery Fellowships as part of a broader assessment of assistance for postdoctoral researchers.

The Rutherford Discovery Fellowships were established in 2010 to support the career development of top researchers, three to 10 years after they have completed their PhD.  The Fellowships are intended to help accelerate the development of research leaders and enable New Zealand to retain more of its best research talent.

A full review of the Rutherford Discovery Fellowship scheme was planned to take place before December 2012, as set out in MSI’s 2011 Statement of Intent, to ensure they are achieving their intended purpose.

MSI is aware that there are concerns in the research sector about support for early to mid-career researchers, including those who have recently finished their doctorates.  In the light of these concerns in the research sector, MSI will be bringing the review forward.

MSI chief executive Murray Bain says it is crucial that government support for researchers is targeted where it can deliver the most benefit.

“Retaining and attracting research talent is vital for New Zealand’s future. These top researchers make many of the discoveries and insights that help grow our economy and enhance our environment and society.

“We need to be sure that our support for our best researchers is geared to helping them build great careers and keeping as many of them working in New Zealand, for New Zealand, as possible.  When we review the Rutherford Discovery Fellowships in the context of wider support for postdoctoral researchers, we will be engaging with the research sector to hear the views of a wide range of researchers.”

The second round of Rutherford Discovery Fellowship recipients will be announced tomorrow by the Royal Society of New Zealand.

“This review should not be seen as a reflection on the calibre of the recipients of the Fellowships.  They are some of New Zealand’s brightest early-to mid-career researchers, and their achievements should be celebrated,” Mr Bain says.

About the Rutherford Discovery Fellowships
The Rutherford Discovery Fellowships provide support for ten early- to mid-career researchers (as defined by being between three and ten years post-PhD) each year.

The Fellowships provide funding of up to $200,000 a year for five years. More information is available on the Royal Society's website.