New Zealand Invests $80 Million in Breakthrough Research to Boost Economy and Innovation

107 Marsden Fund projects to drive new discoveries across science, health, and environment.

New Zealand’s science sector has received a major boost, with the Government announcing over $80 million in new research funding through the Marsden Fund. The investment, revealed on 5 November 2025 by Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti, will support more than 100 projects aimed at strengthening the economy, improving public health, and protecting the environment.

Photo: Webfit News / Science and Innovation Portfolio

Background / Context

The Marsden Fund is New Zealand’s leading competitive research funding programme. It focuses on “blue skies” science – investigator-led research driven by curiosity and creativity rather than commercial goals. Since its inception, it has been a springboard for innovation, helping New Zealand researchers make global contributions across medicine, climate science, and advanced technology.

This latest investment marks a continuation of the Government’s commitment to building a stronger, future-focused research ecosystem that balances academic excellence with real-world impact.

Key Details

Minister Reti said the new round of grants reflects the Government’s vision for a resilient, knowledge-based economy.

“The Marsden Fund invests in investigator-led, innovative research to foster breakthrough discoveries with the potential to deliver lasting benefits for our economy, environment, and wellbeing,” Dr Reti said.

The 2025 Marsden Fund round will support 107 projects over the next three years. These include:

• 37 Fast-Start grants for emerging scientists.
• 68 Standard grants for established researchers.
• 2 Marsden Fund Council Awards for large interdisciplinary collaborations.

Projects funded under this round span key areas such as biomedical research, renewable energy, climate resilience, agriculture, and advanced mathematics.

Notable Research Initiatives

• Cancer breakthroughs: Developing new cell therapies for improved treatment outcomes. (Malaghan Institute of Medical Research)
• Clean energy innovation: Turning geothermal waste heat into electricity for more efficient industry use. (Earth Sciences New Zealand)
• Health equity: Tackling drug-resistant tuberculosis with a focus on Māori and Pasifika communities. (University of Otago)
• Agricultural resilience: Harnessing native plant microbiomes to strengthen crop resistance to pests and climate change. (Bioeconomy Science Institute)

Dr Reti said these projects highlight the strength of New Zealand’s research community.

“These initiatives show the breadth and ambition of New Zealand science and our commitment to supporting ideas that shape a better future,” he said.

Expert and Policy Perspective

The Marsden Fund’s focus on long-term, curiosity-driven research complements the Government’s broader science system reform, which aims to integrate academic research with industry needs. Dr Reti said the new approach balances fundamental “blue skies” science with applied, commercial, and mission-led projects to ensure both innovation and impact.

Research leaders have praised the funding as a critical signal of confidence in the scientific community. Universities and research institutes say it will help attract top talent and foster partnerships that turn laboratory breakthroughs into practical solutions for industries and communities.

Public Impact and Future Outlook

The $80 million investment is expected to strengthen the national innovation pipeline, support young scientists, and generate high-value jobs in research and technology sectors.

As the country faces challenges such as rising healthcare demands, climate adaptation, and economic transformation, experts say strong science funding is essential for building resilience and competitiveness.

The full list of 2025 Marsden Fund projects is available on the Royal Society Te Apārangi website.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s latest science funding round underscores the Government’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and long-term growth. By backing both emerging and established researchers, the Marsden Fund continues to shape a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable future for Aotearoa.