Budget Boosts Marsden Fund to $47 million

Media release - 28 May 2009
 

                    
Budget Boosts Marsden Fund to $47 million

Today's Budget has provided a $9 million yearly boost to the Marsden Fund, taking total funding to its highest ever level of $47 million per annum (excl GST). The increase means that over a dozen extra projects will receive funding each year.

The Marsden Fund, which supports fundamental research in the sciences, social sciences and humanities, has continually grown in size since its creation in 1995.  However, this is the largest single increase to the Fund, since its inception.

Professor Peter Hunter, Chair of the Marsden Fund Council, is thrilled with the Budget announcement. “The Marsden Fund has repeatedly shown its importance to the New Zealand’s science system, through its support of emerging researchers under the Fast-Start scheme and from the high level of regard from the science community. This welcome increase to the Fund means that at least five more Fast-Start projects will be funded this year along with another eight standard projects.”

The Marsden Fund currently has 360 active research contracts, spanning world-class fundamental research in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, mathematics and engineering. Recent highlights from Marsden-funded researchers include: research into the structure of muscle contraction, studies of polymers that are nitrogen and phosphorous based, and research on the language of leadership within Māori and Pākehā organisations.

ENDS

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