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Scientists Hail Research Fund

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 May 2004, 06:00 CDT

THE Government's creation of a fund for scientists involved in international research collaborations has been welcomed by the science community.

Research, Science and Technology Minister Pete Hodgson on Monday announced the formation of the International Investments Opportunities Fund, which will have $3 million available in 2004- 05, $4 million in the following year and $5 million in each year from 2006-07.

"I expect this fund will help increase productivity in the research sector and help create more jobs in science, technology and medical research," Mr Hodgson said.

The fund would also act as a catalyst to increase foreign investment in science and innovation.

He said it would help research organisations to compete in global markets by enabling them to offer matching funds for joint projects.

Royal Society chief executive Steve Thompson said though New Zealand was still spending "a pittance" on international linkages, the new fund was a step forward.

"We've got to start somewhere. This country is becoming more aware that we are responsible for only 0.2 per cent of the world's science," Dr Thompson said.

"We need to work out where we go on the international science stage. We have to turn a series of small instruments into a coherent policy."

Crown Research Institutes Association executive director Anthony Scott said the fund was needed to help retain top scientists.

"There is a global war for scientific talent and this is a welcome acknowledgment from the Government.

"Science is global, and unless we pay our dues New Zealand will be left behind."

Though $3 million was a drop in the bucket compared with the billions of euros the European Union put into scientific research, Mr Scott was not concerned.

"That's $3 million more than we had yesterday."

National Party science spokesman Paul Hutchison said the Government's investment was welcome but was insignificant in comparison with drug company Pfizer's decision last week to withdraw from a $40 million cancer research programme in Auckland.

He said tax and regulatory issues were impeding investment and he was not confident the Government would deal with them.

The new fund will be jointly managed by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and the Health Research Council.

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