Early Career Researcher Forum: Response to Funding Cuts to Support the Advanced Technology Institute

The Royal Society Te Apārangi Early Career Researcher (ECR) Forum represents researchers within ten years of achieving their highest qualification, navigating the challenges of building a career in Aotearoa New Zealand’s research system.

We are deeply concerned by the government’s recent decision to cut research funding to help establish the Advanced Technology Institute. From 2028/29, these changes include: a $15 million reduction to the Marsden Fund (29% over three years), $13 million from the Endeavour Fund (almost 25%), $11 million from the Health Research Fund (10%), and a $38 million reprioritisation from the Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) between 2025/26–2028/29. These cuts come on top of previous cuts to science funding announced through the current budgets and the removal of humanities and social sciences panels from the Marsden Fund.

For ECRs, these measures are devastating. The Marsden Fund—particularly its FastStart grants—is one of the few credible entry points into independent research. The funding cuts also severely impact ECRs in the newly formed Public Research Organisations (PROs). For many ECRs working within PROs, SSIF has been a key source of support for noncommercial research opportunities. While applied and translational research with commercial partners is encouraged and valued, the reduction in SSIF funding limits the ability of ECRs to pursue independent, creative ideas and build capability. These changes limit opportunities for ECRs to build a research track record, develop innovative ideas, and form the collaborations that underpin our science capability.

Cuts of this magnitude also send the wrong message to emerging researchers: that publicgood, curiosity-driven research is undervalued, and that there is no viable long-term career path in Aotearoa New Zealand’s research system. This erodes morale, discourages talent from entering or staying, and risks accelerating a brain drain to countries with more supportive environments.  

We recognise the importance of technology development and commercialisation, but not at the expense of foundational research. Blue-sky, investigator-led research fuels the innovation pipeline, delivers long-term economic returns, and addresses societal needs that private industry rarely prioritises. Without a robust base of fundamental research and strong early-career participation, Aotearoa New Zealand will lose capability, expertise, and its reputation as a trusted international research partner.

We urge the government to reverse these cuts and reinvest in the proven strengths of Aotearoa New Zealand’s research system. Supporting ECRs and curiosity-driven research is an investment in the leaders, discoveries, and solutions that will shape our nation’s future.

If you are an Early Career Researcher with specific concerns or suggestions on how to respond to these decisions, please feel free to get in touch with the ECR Forum Committee: rsnzecrforum@gmail.com and sign up for our listserv.