Climate change research boost
Hon Megan Woods
Minister of
Research, Science and Innovation PĀNUI
PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
5 November 2019
Should we plan for drought or deluge and how is CO2 released from the ocean’s floor? Several climate change projects were given a boost in the latest Marsden Fund investment of $83.6 million, Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods said today.
“Climate change is long-term challenge that requires
out-of-the-box thinking and that’s why the Government has
made more progress in two years than the last Government did
in nine.
“Science and research have been critical
in the progression of our Zero Carbon Bill that returns to
parliament today, as well as giving New Zealanders more
choice on electric cars, and drives our work alongside
businesses to reduce emissions.
“We welcome
today’s investment that tackles head-on both climate
change and our goal of running the country exclusively on
renewable electricity by 2050.
The Marsden Fund has
invested in projects including: • How CO2 releases
from the ocean floor • How rainfall patterns
changed in the Pacific during the Glacial Period •
Whether airborne microplastics play a role in climate change
• Three programmes of work to increase solar panel
technologies “Supporting New Zealand’s top researchers
to find new and innovative solutions to tough problems is
key to creating a strong future for New Zealand.
“The knowledge and solutions that will be created because
of this research will put us in good stead towards creating
a productive, sustainable and inclusive New Zealand. I
congratulate all of the recipients announced today,” Megan
Woods said.
The Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a
Marsden is New Zealand’s most prestigious fund that
supports excellent research across science, mathematics,
engineering, social science and the humanities. A total of
125 new projects were awarded this year.
Notes to editor Projects aimed at addressing climate change • Geologic champagne: What controls sudden release of CO2 at glacial terminations on the Chatham Rise? (The University of Auckland) - $952,000 • Drought or Deluge? How did Rainfall in the Tropical South Pacific Respond to Sudden Climate Change During the Glacial Period? (Victoria University of Wellington) - $960,000 • Could airborne microplastics play a role in climate change? (University of Canterbury) - $300,000 Projects aimed at renewable energy issues • Molecular wiring of graphene with organic films (University of Canterbury) - $960,000 • Photon multiplying light harvesting antenna systems for luminescent solar concentrators (Victoria University of Wellington) - $278,499 • Can enhanced exciton diffusion propel organic photovoltaic cells beyond the bulk heterojunction? (Victoria University of Wellington) – $891,197 The Marsden Fund • The Marsden Fund is New Zealand’s premier fund for investigator-led research. Since 1995, it has supported excellence in research across science and the humanities.
• The Marsden
Fund is administered by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Proposals are evaluated by independent assessment panels and
the final recommendations for funding are made by the
Marsden Fund Council, which is chaired by Professor David
Bilkey.
• The different funding categories
include: • Fast-Start proposals
– targeted at early career researchers. It is designed to
establish independent research and create research momentum
for these individuals. Up to $100,000 p.a. for programmes
lasting up to 3 years.
• Standard
proposals – larger grants open to established
researchers as well as emerging researchers. Up to $240,000
-$320,000 per year (varies by discipline).
•
Marsden Fund Council Awards – a larger
award category specifically for interdisciplinary proposals.
Awards of up to $1 million per year for up to 3 years. The
2019 round saw the first successful awards for this
category.
2019 funding
round • $83.671m (excl. GST) over 3 years
• 125 successful proposals: o 74 Standard
proposals o 49 Fast-Start proposals o 2 Marsden Fund
Council Awards Further information
including the full results and researcher contact details
for media comment are on the Royal Society Te Apārangi’s
website.
ends