The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is deeply concerned to learn that humanities and social sciences research will no longer be funded through the Marsden Fund.
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson considers the move a significant step backwards for science in New Zealand.
"This decision is disastrous and a major step backward in supporting the foundational research that drives critical social change," Mr Robertson says.
"Experts in social sciences and humanities are at the forefront of work on some of the biggest issues of our time including Artificial Intelligence and the societal impact of climate change.
"It is a false economy to cut this support and to narrow the focus of the fund. Any refocusing of funding will be insignificant compared to opportunities lost by not investing in the brightest minds to explore, innovate and deepen their expertise."
The humanities and social sciences encompass a broad spectrum of vital fields including sociology, Māori and indigenous studies, psychology, public health, education, political science, law, linguistics, philosophy, history, architecture, media studies and more.
Recent Otago recipients of Marsden funding from the humanities and social sciences have worked on issues including provision of acute mental health services, smokefree policies, impacts of genetic cancer mutations, quality of housing, child protection, care of war veterans and data analysis. Many of these researchers come from health disciplines as well as humanities and social sciences.
Mr Robertson says research in these areas is crucial to understanding and addressing societal issues and shaping our future.
"Marsden Fund support plays a vital role in fostering groundbreaking, blue skies research that challenges societal assumptions and spurs progress.
"New Zealand needs people who will hold a mirror up to our society and challenge our assumptions, if we are to prosper as people and as a country."
Mr Robertson says the University will continue to do its best to support researchers across all disciplines, including the Humanities and Social Sciences.
