Latest news with #RobinsonResearchInstitute
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Budget Reaction – Time To Back Science With Long-Term Investment
A thriving economy rests on four pillars: a strong science and innovation sector, secure property rights, a sound financial system, and efficient transport and communication networks. Science generates the ideas and knowledge that drive the development of new goods and services; property rights protect the fruits of innovation; the financial system enables growth and scaling; and transport and communications systems connect us to global markets. These principles emphasise the significance of public investment in R&D for achieving long-term economic prosperity. Science funding is not a luxury or a cost - it is a core ingredient in economic success. Yet Budget 2025 underdelivers for science - at best holding funding steady in nominal terms, and at worse an actual reduction to health research funding, while inflation continues to erode our national science capability. New Zealand invests approximately 1.5% of GDP in science, while the average expenditure within the OECD sits at approximately 2.7% of GDP. We urgently need a long-term strategic plan, along with associated investment, for science and technology. Agencies like MPI have created excellent roadmaps in areas like biotechnology and climate-smart primary production, but these strategies remain unrealised without funding. Strategic planning without resourcing is not a plan - it's a wish list. We applaud the new investment in advanced technology research at Robinson Research Institute. This kind of targeted funding is precisely what New Zealand needs: it boosts high-tech exports, strengthens connections between research and industry, and generates high-value jobs. But one initiative alone does not build a future. We need to see this approach expanded to other areas of advanced science and technology with the potential to generate real wealth for Aotearoa. Without a step change in science investment, we risk falling further behind not only in global competitiveness but also in our ability to address the complex challenges facing New Zealand.
Techday NZ
08-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Robinson secures $71 million for advanced tech platform
Robinson Research Institute has secured $71 million to establish and manage an advanced technology platform focused on Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies. The funding will be provided over seven years through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Strategic Science Investment Fund portfolio. The initiative was announced by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti, at the Institute's Lower Hutt facility. The new platform aims to support New Zealand's ambitions to expand its hi-tech export sector by applying materials science and engineering expertise across key industries, including space, electric aviation, critical minerals, and fusion energy technologies. By advancing research and development in these areas, the platform is expected to contribute to the country's innovation capability, assist companies in bringing technology to market, and support the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector. The Institute, recognised for its work in high-temperature superconductivity (HTS), will lead the application of these technologies to address real-world challenges. Professor Nick Long, Director of Robinson Research Institute, stated, "It is an honour for the Institute to receive this strategic funding. At Robinson, our focus has always been on how applications of HTS can be leveraged to address real-world issues, ranging from propulsion in space to more accessible Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners." He continued, "With proven capabilities in emerging areas like space and advanced aviation, Robinson is well-placed to drive growth in this area. Initially leveraging our capability in magnetics, the Institute has also developed processing methods for critical minerals from New Zealand resources. This funding will enable us to solve some problems with scaling these methods to commercial levels." The broader objectives of the platform include developing workforce capability by offering internships and postgraduate study opportunities. The initiative will also encourage early career researchers to progress their work beyond the confines of the laboratory. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Magaret Hyland highlighted the value of the new investment for the research community. "Te Herenga Waka has a strong culture of research excellence and the work that our staff undertake has impact on national and international scales," said Professor Hyland. Professor Hyland added, "A valued part of the University community, Robinson Research Institute has a strong track record of projects evolving into pilot projects or commercial enterprises. This new platform is a significant opportunity for Robinson to strengthen collaborations with the wider research community, in a way that delivers stronger outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. With an established network of research and commercialisation partnerships, within New Zealand and abroad, I can see Robinson now playing an even bigger role in enhancing New Zealand's capabilities in advanced technology." Strengthening partnerships both locally and internationally is a key part of the planned activities, with the intention to attract further investment into New Zealand's research and development sector. Projects developed under the platform are expected to foster collaboration and create commercial pathways for scientific innovations. The Robinson Research Institute's receipt of this funding aims to advance the development, scaling, and commercial application of HTS technology and associated material innovations, in line with national objectives to grow high-value technology sectors. The platform's establishment reflects ongoing efforts to enhance New Zealand's global standing in research, commercial partnerships, and workforce development in advanced technologies.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Robinson Research Institute Awarded $71 Million To Host Advanced Technology Platform
Press Release – Victoria University of Wellington Robinson Research Insititute, a pioneer in high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) research, has received funding of $71million towards setting up and hosting an advanced technology platform in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies. The funding for … Robinson Research Insititute, a pioneer in high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) research, has received funding of $71million towards setting up and hosting an advanced technology platform in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies. The funding for the advanced technology platform was announced by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti at Robinson Research Institute's facility in Lower Hutt, and will operate through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-administered Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) portfolio over a period of seven years. In line with the objective to grow New Zealand's hi-tech exports, the advanced technology platform will apply materials and engineering expertise across a range of sectoral themes including space, electric aviation, critical minerals and technologies for fusion energy. The platform will play a crucial role in lifting New Zealand's innovation capacity, enabling companies to take technology to market, and in accelerating the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector. Professor Nick Long, director, Robinson Research Institute, said 'It is an honour for the Institute to receive this strategic funding. At Robinson, our focus has always been on how applications of HTS can be leveraged to address real-world issues, ranging from propulsion in space to more accessible Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. With proven capabilities in emerging areas like space and advanced aviation, Robinson is well-placed to drive growth in this area. Initially leveraging our capability in magnetics, the Institute has also developed processing methods for critical minerals from New Zealand resources. This funding will enable us to solve some problems with scaling these methods to commercial levels.' Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Magaret Hyland is excited by the possibilities that the funding offers. 'Te Herenga Waka has a strong culture of research excellence and the work that our staff undertake has impact on national and international scales. 'A valued part of the University community, Robinson Research Institute has a strong track record of projects evolving into pilot projects or commercial enterprises. This new platform is a significant opportunity for Robinson to strengthen collaborations with the wider research community, in a way that delivers stronger outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. With an established network of research and commercialisation partnerships, within New Zealand and abroad, I can see Robinson now playing an even bigger role in enhancing New Zealand's capabilities in advanced technology.' The objectives of the platform will include developing workforce capability through internships and postgraduate study, and encouraging early career researchers to take their research beyond the laboratory. Projects from the platform will also enhance local and international research and commercial partnerships, and encourage inward investment into the New Zealand research and development sector.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Robinson Research Institute Awarded $71 Million To Host Advanced Technology Platform
Robinson Research Insititute, a pioneer in high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) research, has received funding of $71million towards setting up and hosting an advanced technology platform in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies. The funding for the advanced technology platform was announced by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti at Robinson Research Institute's facility in Lower Hutt, and will operate through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-administered Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) portfolio over a period of seven years. In line with the objective to grow New Zealand's hi-tech exports, the advanced technology platform will apply materials and engineering expertise across a range of sectoral themes including space, electric aviation, critical minerals and technologies for fusion energy. The platform will play a crucial role in lifting New Zealand's innovation capacity, enabling companies to take technology to market, and in accelerating the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector. Professor Nick Long, director, Robinson Research Institute, said 'It is an honour for the Institute to receive this strategic funding. At Robinson, our focus has always been on how applications of HTS can be leveraged to address real-world issues, ranging from propulsion in space to more accessible Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. With proven capabilities in emerging areas like space and advanced aviation, Robinson is well-placed to drive growth in this area. Initially leveraging our capability in magnetics, the Institute has also developed processing methods for critical minerals from New Zealand resources. This funding will enable us to solve some problems with scaling these methods to commercial levels.' Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Magaret Hyland is excited by the possibilities that the funding offers. 'Te Herenga Waka has a strong culture of research excellence and the work that our staff undertake has impact on national and international scales. 'A valued part of the University community, Robinson Research Institute has a strong track record of projects evolving into pilot projects or commercial enterprises. This new platform is a significant opportunity for Robinson to strengthen collaborations with the wider research community, in a way that delivers stronger outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. With an established network of research and commercialisation partnerships, within New Zealand and abroad, I can see Robinson now playing an even bigger role in enhancing New Zealand's capabilities in advanced technology.' The objectives of the platform will include developing workforce capability through internships and postgraduate study, and encouraging early career researchers to take their research beyond the laboratory. Projects from the platform will also enhance local and international research and commercial partnerships, and encourage inward investment into the New Zealand research and development sector.
Scoop
04-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Boosting High-Tech Exports With Advanced Technology
New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. 'Advanced technology research leads to life-changing innovation,' says Dr Reti. 'The breakthroughs that can be achieved through areas like cryogenic and quantum science are hugely significant. 'From developing portable MRI machines, to building smaller and faster engines, this investment will enable innovation that has the potential to improve our daily lives, while boosting economic growth in sectors like health, transport, energy and our space industry.' The Government is investing $71 million over seven years into a new advanced technology science platform hosted by the Robinson Research Institute, based out of Victoria University of Wellington. Dr Reti says this funding will not only support innovation that can be turned into economic gains but also maintain critical staff and develop young scientists into world-class innovators. 'Through this new science platform, the Government is investing in the materials and engineering expertise needed to achieve technological breakthroughs and turn innovative ideas into real-world products and services right here in New Zealand,' says Dr Reti. 'This research platform aims to grow New Zealand's hi-tech exports based on cryogenics, superconductors, magnets and processed materials. 'Robinson Research Institute are known for world-leading expertise in superconductors, magnets and materials technologies and proven experience in commercialisation. 'The team will develop workforce capability through internships and postgraduate study and encourage early career researchers to take their ideas beyond the laboratory. 'Projects from the platform will also enhance local and international research and commercial partnerships and encourage international investment into the New Zealand research and development sector. 'I look forward to the contribution this platform will make to growing and diversifying our economy, supporting the development of world-class scientists and innovators and the creation of high-quality jobs for people in New Zealand.' This investment is part of the Government's work to drive economic growth by reforming and refocusing New Zealand's science, innovation and technology system for the future. It is the first step in establishing the new Advanced Technology public research organisation. Notes: The team at the Robinson Research Institute will be working with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to develop a platform plan and finalise contracting. The investment will be made through the MBIE-administered Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF). A SSIF science platform is a combination of people, facilities, information and knowledge that provide a particular strategic on-going science and innovation capability for New Zealand. Details and decisions about what the Advanced Technology public research organisation will look like, its structure, form and function are to come.
