A new initiative for Pacific Peoples and Māori has been created to establish and progress potential research careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
To make sure this happens, the government is investing $19.3 million into the Ngā Puanga Pūtaiao Fellowship programme.
The fellowships are a short-term, immediate step in the government’s commitment to increasing Māori and Pacific Peoples’ participation in the research workforce through the multi-year Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways science system reforms.
The Fellowships are designed to help research organisations attract, retain and grow an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce.
Ngā Puanga Pūtaiao Fellowships are for researchers who:
- Whakapapa Māori or identify as Pacific ethnicity (or both)
- Are in early-to-mid stages of their research careers (0-15 years research experience)
- Propose research under the Fellowship that relates to a STEM subject, are supported by a New Zealand-based research organisation.
Two types of four-year fellowships will be awarded:
- Early-career fellowships (0-6 years post-PhD research experience)
- Mid-career fellowships (7-15 years post-PhD research experience)
Ngā Puanga Pūtaiao is expected to be open for applications in early September.
