Announcement by the Royal Society of New Zealand
Five Centres of Research Excellence Chosen by the CoRE Fund Committee
The CoRE Fund Committee, chaired by Sir Paul Reeves, has chosen five of the 11
shortlisted proposals to form Centres of Research Excellence. They are:
Alan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Host Institution: Massey University, Directors: Professors D. Penny (06) 350 5033 and
M. Hendy (06) 350 7842
Partners: University of Canterbury, University of Auckland, University of Otago,
Victoria University of Wellington
The Alan Wilson Centre will undertake studies of the ecology and evolution of New
Zealand plants, animals and micro-organisms. Recent research, using new techniques
such as sequencing of whole genomes and the study of ancient DNA, has revolutionised
our understanding of New Zealand’s biodiversity. The simplistic view that New Zealand
is a “Moa’s Ark” of relic species undergoing “ancient and slow “ changes over long
periods of time has been overturned by the information obtained with these new
techniques. The Centre’s vision is to utilise the network of outstanding New Zealand
biologists and mathematicians, who have made significant contributions to developing
new analytical methods and techniques in this area, to address some of the fundamental
questions about our plant and animal life. The Centre will enable a dramatic acceleration
in the progress of our understanding of the processes underpinning the ecology and
evolution of living systems. The knowledge gained will enable us to contribute
internationally to an understanding of the nature of complex biological processes and
fragile ecosystems.
Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery
Host Institution: University of Auckland, Director: Professor E. Baker (09) 373 7599 extn
4415
The Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery comprises a cluster of five leading research
groups at the University of Auckland with complementary expertise in science,
engineering and medicine. The Centre will focus on the use of new technology for
genomic discovery and on the innovative development of new medicines for infectious
disease, diabetes and cancer, based on new findings in molecular biology.
Proteins are molecules that perform essential processes in organisms and affecting their
function is useful in altering disease states. The structure of key proteins will be
determined and used to design and develop new synthetic drugs as well as to enable the
development of models that mimic how they function in cells. The Centre’s links with
major pharmaceutical companies ensure the commercialisation of new discoveries and
consequent economic benefits to New Zealand.
New Zealand Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
Host Institution: University of Auckland, Directors: Professors V. Jones and M. Conder
(09) 373 7599 extn 8879
Partner: New Zealand Mathematics Research Institute
The New Zealand Institute of Mathematics and its Applications will focus on the use of
high-level mathematical and computational techniques to problems in medicine, biology,
engineering, industry and commerce, with particular emphasis in areas of emerging
importance such as bio-engineering, bio-informatics, medical statistics, optimisation and
risk assessment. A key activity of the Institute will be the organisation and presentation
of six-monthly programmes on themes of significant and contemporary importance such
as mathematical biology and its applications. The rest of the science community will
contribute suggestions for these themes. The Institute will accelerate the use of
mathematics across the spectrum of science and engineering through its research
programmes and intensive periods working on particular themes. In an increasingly
complex world, the use of mathematical techniques to enhance good decision-making
will provide New Zealanders with a competitive advantage.
Nga Pae o te Maramatanga (Horizons of Insight)
The National Institute of Research Excellence for Maori Development and
Advancement
Host Institution: University of Auckland, Directors: Professor L. Smith (09) 373 7599
extn 2391, and Associate Professor M. Walker (09) 373 7599 extn 2391
Partners: Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi, Te Wananga O Aotearoa, Victoria
University of Wellington, University of Otago, University of Waikato, Landcare
Research
The National Institute of Research Excellence for Maori Development and Advancement
will focus and build on Maori strengths in education, health and science. It plans to bring
together Maori and western intellectual traditions and experience to generate new
knowledge that will lead to new technologies and significantly improve socio-economic
outcomes for Maori. It will achieve this by (1) drawing on Maori and mainstream
knowledge and thought to raise standards of research; (2) improving uptake of research
through engagement with Maori social structures; and (3) expanding and deepening both
Maori and national research capability. The Institute’s planned research programme
includes expanding current research activities in (1) new building materials for cheaper,
warmer housing; (2) young people’s views of schooling and society; and (3) fundamental
studies of the processes underlying diseases, such as diabetes, to which Maori are
genetically predisposed.
The MacDiarmid Institute
for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
Host Institution: Victoria University of Wellington, Director: Professor P. Callaghan (04)
463 5945
Partners: University of Canterbury, Industrial Research Limited, Institute of Geological
and Nuclear Sciences
The MacDiarmid Institute will be the centre for innovation and discovery in fundamental
and applied materials science and technology in New Zealand. Strong international links
coupled with a multi-disciplinary approach will enable the Institute to discover and
understand new advanced materials and technologies to create new products,
technologies and industries for New Zealand. Materials and technologies currently
attracting world-wide attention that will be addressed by the Institute include: nanoengineered materials and devices, opto-electronics, superconductors, conducting
polymers, functional materials and coatings, energy storage systems, soft materials, biomaterials and complex fluids.
The CoRE Fund Committee was impressed by the diversity of world-class research
represented in the proposals and funded the maximum number of centres possible. Each
centre will receive additional funding for expenditure on equipment.
All of the shortlisted proposals considered by the Committee had been selected by expert
panels for their research excellence and their ability to train researchers. The Committee
had to decide which proposals would bring the greatest benefits to New Zealand, in terms
of economic, environmental and social development.
The five centres are hosted by particular institutions but all involve national
collaborations of researchers. There has always been collaboration among researchers in
different universities and other institutions, but the establishment of centres with
dedicated long term funding (up to six years), will enhance this teamwork and stimulate
greater research activity.
For further information, contact Dr Valda McCann, Manager of Centres of Research
Excellence Fund, 04 472 7421, direct line 04 470 5776, or 025 241 2935, email
(valda.mccann@rsnz.org).