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Cutting-edge science rewarded with new funding
The spotlight is on IRL’s work in emerging disciplines in this year’s main Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) funding round, reflected by the four programmes which have recently been successful in their funding applications.
With new funding of $300,000 pa for three years, nanorod materials are being used to develop an innovative microscope with superior technical performance, including the 3D imaging of material stiffness within a product.
Building on an established knowledge platform, a programme to develop new techniques to control nanocrystal growth for applications in materials where nanoscale shape control is crucial – such as nanomaterials for energy and food – has received $1.2 million over two years.
A programme pioneering a step change in the premium coatings industry has received $440,000 pa over four years to develop paints and waterborne surface coating ingredients made from renewable resources.
Funding of $350,000 pa for three years will also assist in the development of a new high efficiency electrolyser which will use hydrogen in remote power systems and make hydrogen energy a cost-effective option to meet the demand for flexible renewable energy systems.
A large portion of FRST[?]’s investment funds are awarded to research organisations – Crown Research Institutes, universities and private research companies – that conduct public good, science and technology (PGST) research projects of benefit to New Zealand.
These funds are heavily contested, with FRST receiving 88 PGST concepts in the 2009/10 funding round. Of those, only 15 successfully reached the proposal stage and were approved for contracting.
Release Date:
5 October, 2010