National Science Challenge
Eleven National Science Challenges were created in 2014 to answer some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest science questions. The Challenges bring together the country’s top scientists to work collaboratively across disciplines, institutions and borders to achieve their objectives.
In total they were given just over $680 million by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This was to fund research from 2014 – 2024, with a review period at the end of ‘Tranche 1’ (2014 – 2019).
New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge was allocated $63.7 million of this to facilitate research and impact in the areas of biosecurity and native biodiversity. We are hosted by the Crown Research Institute Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, with our offices in Lincoln, just south of Christchurch.
Leading our mahi (work) are Co-Directors Daniel Patrick and Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, as well as a dedicated Leadership Group.
You can keep up-to-date by checking out our research programmes or following us on social media.
Follow us on social media
You can keep up-to-date by checking out our research programmes or following us on social media.
Our National Science Challenge Programmes
Science Excellence and Impact
Te Aho Mātauranga
Crazy & Ambitious Think Tank
Ngā Pī Ka Rere – Early Careers Network
Freshwater for our Taonga
Adaptive Governance and Policy
Pathways to Ecosystem Regeneration
Supporting a Predator Free 2050
Invertebrates
Novel Tools and Strategies
Predicting and Preventing Ecosystem Decline
