$100K research award to boost innovation in Taranaki

Wednesday 3 July 2019

A premier research award that will encourage innovation in the Taranaki agricultural sector was launched today.

$100K research award to boost innovation in Taranaki - image1
Last updated: Tuesday 13 September 2022

Back: Bishop’s Action Foundation chief executive Simon Cayley, Massey University dean enterprise Gavin Clark, Massey University business development manager (Taranaki) Eve Kawana-Brown. Front: Bishop’s Action Foundation deputy chair Mary Bourke and Massey Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes.

A premier research award that will encourage innovation in the Taranaki agricultural sector was launched today. The award is jointly funded by Massey University and the Bashford-Nicholls Trust (managed by Bishop’s Action Foundation).

Applications are now open for the Pivot: Enabling Innovation in Agriculture Research Award. The maximum value of the award is $100,000 per annum, equally funded by the Trust and Massey.

The award supports research projects, or the application of new research, to benefit communities and industries in Taranaki. Projects must have the potential to influence the future of agriculture or veterinary science, and effect change. To be eligible, applicant teams must comprise at least 50 per cent Massey researchers – either staff and/or students studying at postgraduate level.

Massey University Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says the award offers a significant opportunity for stakeholders in Taranaki to collaborate with Massey researchers to address challenges or create new opportunities in the agricultural and veterinary science sectors.

“Massey University is internationally recognised for its research in agrifood, veterinary science, engineering, environmental science and resource management,” she says.

“Through this award, we are looking to deepen strategic collaborations between the University, industry and the Taranaki community. Strong partnerships are needed if we are to deliver sustainable social and economic benefits to the region, but they also have the potential to solve bigger challenges for New Zealand and the world. This award aligns with our research strategy here at Massey.”

Bishop’s Action Foundation deputy chair Mary Bourke says, “the award is well-timed as Taranaki heads towards its 2050 goals and responds to the government-led Just Transition Summit held recently in New Plymouth. It reflects the commitment of both organisations to enable rural innovation in Taranaki.”

Chief executive of the Bishop’s Action Foundation Simon Cayley says, “The Trust is excited about the partnership with Massey University which will enhance the impact of the scholarships offered.”

Applications close September 30 and the first projects are expected to be announced in late 2019. For more information, click here.

About the Bashford-Nicholls Trust

The Bashford-Nicholls Trust operates two dairy farms in South Taranaki with the aim of generating surpluses to enable scholarships for agriculture and veterinary science study and research. The Bashford-Nicholls Trust is managed by the Bishop’s Action Foundation, a charitable organisation that works throughout Taranaki, researching, collaborating and supporting projects that help the Taranaki community to flourish.