The Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) is a key government funding mechanism managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) that provides long-term, stable funding to New Zealand’s Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and other research organizations.
Key Features:
Purpose:
- Provides baseline funding for core research capabilities
- Supports long-term research programs of national importance
- Enables research organizations to maintain critical infrastructure and expertise
- Allows strategic planning and capability development over 10-year periods
Who Receives SSIF Funding:
Crown Research Institutes (CRIs):
- AgResearch
- ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research)
- GNS Science
- Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
- NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research)
- Plant & Food Research
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute)
Other Organizations:
- Universities (in some cases)
- Independent research organizations
- Research consortia
Funding Model:
- Long-term contracts (typically 10 years)
- Approximately NZ$180+ million annually across all recipients
- Complements contestable funding (like Endeavour Fund)
- Based on Strategic Science Investment Plans (SSIPs)
Focus Areas:
SSIF supports research in areas such as:
- Primary industries and food production
- Environmental management and biosecurity
- Natural hazards and climate
- Health and social wellbeing
- Māori development and mātauranga Māori
Strategic Approach:
- Organizations develop 10-year Strategic Science Investment Plans
- Regular reviews and refreshes
- Alignment with national science priorities
- Emphasis on building enduring capability