Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the NRCGD?
• Where is the NRCGD located?
• What is the relationship between the NRCGD and The University of Auckland/Liggins Institute?
• Who funds the NRCGD?
• How much funding does the NRCGD receive?
• I am a scientist in the field of growth and development—how can I collaborate with NRCGD researchers?
• I am not a scientist — how do I learn more about an NRCGD researcher's work?
• How does NRCGD research benefit New Zealand?
• • • • •
The NRCGD is one of New Zealand’s seven Centres of Research Excellence (CoREs). CoREs are primarily inter-institutional research centres that were established by the Government to encourage collaboration in key research areas. More information on CoREs can be found on the Tertiary Education Commission website.
The NRCGD was formally established in 2003, and now comprises researchers from six partner organisations:
• The University of Auckland, incorporating the Liggins Institute (Auckland)
• Massey University (Palmerston North and Albany)
• University of Otago (Dunedin and Christchurch)
• University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
• AgResearch Ltd (Hamilton)
• Landcorp Farming Ltd (Wellington)
The NRCGD is effectively a ‘virtual’ research centre, and its members are dispersed throughout the country. The administrative centre of the NRCGD is located within the Liggins Institute, a research institute of The University of Auckland.
What is the relationship between the NRCGD and The University of Auckland/Liggins Institute?
The University of Auckland is one of the six partner organisations of the NRCGD, and is our Host institution. Currently the University of Auckland has NRCGD members at the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences and at the Liggins Institute. The Liggins Institute was established by the University in 2001 as its first large scale research institute; the NRCGD’s administrative headquarters, and many of its member scientists, are located at the Liggins Institute.
The New Zealand Government provides funding to the NRCGD via the CoRE Fund, which is administered by the Tertiary Education Commission. At establishment, the NRCGD was funded for the period of 2003–2008. It has since had its funding renewed for the 2009–2014 period. Funding for each six-year period is subject to a mid-term review.
How much funding does the NRCGD receive?
The NRCGD was initially awarded $24.44M for the 2003–2008 period. It has subsequently been allocated $40.88M operational funding for the period 2008–2014.
I am a scientist in the field of growth and development — how can I collaborate with NRCGD scientists?
Our raison d'être is to establish and promote multi-site, multidisciplinary collaboration. As part of this, we encourage new collaborations that align with our strategic focus, and interested researchers are welcome to contact individual investigators.
I am not a scientist — how to I learn more about an NRCGD scientist's work?
Do feel free to contact our investigators directly, or alternatively contact our office for more general enquiries.
How does NRCGD research benefit New Zealand?
Our investigations into the fundamental biological processes associated with mammalian development provide insights that inform our clinical and animal science research, which in turn translates into improved human health and agricultural productivity. Some aspects of our work are intended to directly inform government policy, and we are actively involved in outreach initiatives and associated educational research that will transform health awareness and scientific literacy among the general public.
^ Back to top ^