Humanities and social science researchers have been banned from the New Zealand Government’s Marsden Fund.
However, Science Minister Judith Collins says “blue-sky research” stays; “the type that advances new ideas and encourages innovation and creativity and where the benefit may not be immediately apparent.” And only 50% of projects must have an immediate economic objective. But HASS has been prohibited from competing for grants; “real impact on our economy will come from areas such as physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences.”
The new terms of reference for the Fund states it, “fosters creativity and innovation within the science innovation and technology system. Exploring new ideas results in greater potential to develop of new technologies, products, boost economic growth, and enhance New Zealand’s quality of life.”
Projects funded this year ahead Ms Collins’ decision appear to include NZ$870 for a demographic database of 19th century colonisation and $868,000 on “building understanding about intersex children’s bodily integrity and human rights.”
The Minister also announced a new focus for the small innovation and tech focused Catalyst Fund which will now assist, “clear growth areas”. Ms Collins nominates quantum technology, health, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, space, and Antarctic research.
None of the news should have come as a surprise. In September, Ms Collins said this year’s grants from the $236m, Endeavour Fund were “focused in economic growth and commercial outputs.” She is acting ahead of the now behind-schedule two-part report of the Science System Advisory Group, commissioned by the government in April
However Universities New Zealand called the Marsden announcement, “astonishing.”
“Whilst investment in STEM disciplines is important for shorter-term economic benefit, longer-term transformation of innovation and the lifting of productivity requires social and cultural change also.”
Working with what it has no longer got, the local Royal Society, which administers Marsden, states it “will continue to work to support the social sciences and humanities through a range of mechanisms in addition to funding.”
But much of the protest from humanities academics focused on the danger of silencing dissenting voices. “In a period of climate catastrophe and authoritarianism on the march, research in the humanities has never been more important,” Miranda Johnson wrote in The (Wellington) Post.
The Australasian Council of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities demanded “an immediate reversal.”
HASS researchers “improve agricultural productivity, build resilience to natural disasters, support those living with dementia, provide financial guidance to elderly New Zealanders and support the creative arts industries,” the Council said.
New Zealand research funds include;
- Strategic Science Investment Fund ($348m) research and infrastructure with “long-term beneficial impact on New Zealand’s health, economy, environment and society
- Endeavour Fund (NZ$343m): “create economic and social benefits”
- Health Research Council ($170m)
- Marsden Fund ($70m) previously open to all discipline
- Catalyst Fund (NZ$30m): “create international relationships and impact New Zealand’s economy, environment, and society.”
- Science for Technological Innovation Fund: ($22m): university-business collaboration
