Submit

The Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) will proceed in several phases with submissions sought during each phase. Phase 1 submissions considered high-level sectoral questions that considered the role of science and innovation in New Zealand to inform the interim report.

Phase 2 submissions will consider questions relating to the funding tools and mechanism and broader aspects of the science, technology, and innovation system (e.g., workforce, and infrastructure).

We are now seeking public submissions for Phase 2 of the Science System Advisory Group. Submissions will close at 5.00pm, Friday 4 April 2025. 

Submission guidelines

Submission questions for Phase 2

Make a submission

Submission guidelines

Submissions are publicly released.

There are two steps to the submission process.

Step 1: Fill in the online submission form. Any contact details in the online form will NOT be made public.

Step 2: At the bottom of the form, upload your submission document. Any information in the submission document WILL be publicly released.

Please only upload one PDF document. It can be up to four A4 pages, as well as a cover page. The cover page needs to contain the following details:

• Your first and last name
• Specify if you’re making a submission as an individual or on behalf of an organisation
• The name of the organisation (if applicable)

Any information that you include in the uploaded submission document will be publicly released (and available to public search engines) as part of your submission. Your submission will be published under your or your organisation’s name.

If you have any questions about your submission or the submission process, please contact info@ssag.org.nz

Key points

• Please fill in the online form and upload a submission in PDF format.
• You may answer all questions or as few as one.
• Please number your response to the questions.
• Only one document can be uploaded (up to four A4 pages as well as a cover page.)
• We will only accept one submission per individual per phase. During the submission round, if you have submitted your application and want to update your submission, please email info@ssag.org.nz

How to name your document

• Please name your document using this file naming convention:

[First name]_[Last Name]_[Organisation if named]_Phase2

• Do not use macrons or special characters.

Further guidance on making a submission can be found on the Submissions section on the FAQ page.

Submission questions:
Phase 2

Phase 2 consists of high-level questions regarding the funding tools and mechanisms for the science, innovation and technology sectors. 

Where possible it may be useful to distinguish short-term issues from longer-term desired outcomes.

Questions

1. In what areas must New Zealand have or develop in-depth research-based expertise over the next two decades?

1. At what levels should research prioritisation occur?
2. What are some criteria for research selection?
3. What is the value of research roadmaps in priority areas?

2. Does New Zealand need to rationalise its funding mechanisms?

1. Should we have multiple funding agencies or combine them into a single entity?
2. What kind of funding instruments should be used and in what circumstances?
3. How would a funding agency balance these different expectations?
4. How should high- intellectual risk but potentially high-reward research applications be identified and funded?
5. How should research involving the study of or the application of Mātauranga Māori be managed and funded?
6. How should New Zealand address expensive research infrastructure needs such as access to supercomputing, bespoke lab equipment or spaces, and data requirements?

3. What does New Zealand do to improve workforce retention and develop the research workforce from the early career to the mature? How does New Zealand ensure the retention of research/innovation leaders?

4. Are there other key issues (beyond the quantum of funding) that should be considered in the science and innovation system not yet addressed in this or the previous report and consultation?

Further guidance on making a submission can be found on the Submissions section on the FAQ page.