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Toka Tū Ake EQC calls for University Research Programme proposals

Toka Tū Ake EQC is calling for Expressions of Interest for its 2024-26 University Research Programme (URP) funding round. funding1

Up to 10 programmes will be awarded, starting 1 January 2024 and running through to 31 December 2026.

“Since the 1990s, Toka Tū Ake has provided funding to tertiary institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand to help support research capability in natural hazards, disaster risk reduction, and resilience. NZ has world leading researchers in these fields, and we get many excellent applications for our limited funds,” says Head of Research Dr Natalie Balfour, noting that the allocation this next round has been increased (from $125,000/annum to $150,000/annum) to assist with recent changes in Postgraduate Scholarship stipends.

Since 2020, funding for tertiary institutions has been based on the delivery of a 3-year research programme that aligns with the Toka Tū Ake Resilience Strategy and research priorities. In addition to research that targets our goals and priorities, other key elements include:

•             researcher capability development

•             contribution to better outcomes for New Zealanders

•             end user and/or stakeholder collaboration and partnerships

•             a greater partnership approach with Toka Tū Ake EQC.

In its last round in 2020, Toka Tū Ake EQC funded eight 3-year university research programmes.

“Last year we published our latest Research Priorities Investment Statement [PDF, 1.4 MB] and this gives researchers clarity on what research areas are important to Toka Tū Ake EQC. We want to make sure our funding is focused on research that gives the best results for our resilience goal of seeing New Zealanders have stronger homes on better land, connected by resilient infrastructure – and access to home insurance,” says Dr Balfour.

Funding for these programmes is up to $450,000 per programme over three years. Overall, Toka Tū Ake EQC funds around $20 million of research and data each year. 

Expressions of Interest for this round close at 5.00pm on Friday 11 November 2022, and successful applicants will be notified on 20 January 2023. 

Visit our University Research Programme information page here for more details and how to apply.