Calling all China research specialists

Since its inception in 2005, the Tripartite Fund supports the development of strategic research relationships between New Zealand and China.

Universities are invited to submit proposals for the latest round, with up to $30,000 available per application to support quality, high-level research and collaboration. The fund seeks to initiate new tripartite partnerships and facilitate the development of existing partnerships between a New Zealand university and two Chinese “Two Brother” partner universities.

Eligible Tripartite Fund subjects now include the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences and applied sciences. These are now in addition to the original categories of agriculture, food safety, conservation, forestry, advanced materials engineering and environmental science.

The Tripartite Fund has enabled many high-achieving New Zealand academics to develop relationships with Chinese research partners.

Shihezi University, Peking University and Massey University signed the first Tripartite Agreement in China in 2005. Professor Hugh Blair of Massey University was awarded a prestigious China Friendship Award in 2016 for his research and collaboration on animal science with Chinese universities and institutions. The initial relationship has expanded to now include the Chinese Academy of Science, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science and the Hebei Agricultural University.

“My working relationship with China has grown out of the Tripartite Fund and helped make longstanding partnerships possible,” said Professor Blair.

The deadline for applications is 2 March 2018, with a project start date of 1 May 2018, and end date of 30 April 2019.

Please download and complete an application form and submit it to china@enz.govt.nz