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Overview
The Pivot Award supports research projects and research translation initiatives with the potential to influence the future of agriculture and/or veterinary science and effect change in the Taranaki region.
A catalyst for research-informed regional benefit, the Pivot Award is a joint initiative between the Bashford-Nicholls Trust and Massey University. It focuses on researchers working alongside stakeholders to undertake research and apply research findings in order to create change for communities, businesses, industries and the environment in the Taranaki region.
Value
Funding may be a single award for $100,000 or two awards of up to $50,000 each. The research project must be designed to be completed within a 12 or 24-month period, starting when the funds were awarded.
Background
The Bishop’s Action Foundation (BAF) is a charitable organisation that works throughout Taranaki researching, collaborating and supporting projects that help the Taranaki community to flourish.
It manages scholarships provided by the Bashford-Nicholls Trust (The Trust), which operates two dairy farms in South Taranaki with the aim of generating surpluses to enable scholarships for agriculture and veterinary science study and research.
Massey University is internationally recognised for its research in agri-food, veterinary medicine and sciences and engineering. Its researchers in these areas, and within the fields of environmental and resource management, Māori knowledge development and social and health sciences, significantly contribute to New Zealand’s social, economic and environmental wellbeing.
The Massey University and BAF partnership fund aim to advance the objectives of the University and Trust as managed by BAF. This partnership fund provides the opportunity to advance the objectives of all three organisations.
Applying for the award
Timeline
Applications open on Tuesday, 6 June 2023 and close on Thursday, 28 September 2023. Decisions will be announced in November 2023.
Eligibility
To be considered, applications must meet all the applicant and project eligibility criteria. The information must be provided to allow the Committee to assess whether the application meets the eligibility criteria.
Applicant eligibility criteria
Applications are welcome from all eligible Massey researchers in collaboration with an organisation, industry, community group or individual in the Taranaki region.
This award is for:
- Massey University researchers who wish to undertake and lead research-aligned projects, or employ their research knowledge and expertise, with an organisation, industry, community group or individual in the Taranaki region where there is a clear ‘regional fit’ and value for Taranaki, and/or
- organisations or individuals seeking to work with Massey University researchers to develop economic, social or environmental benefits for the Taranaki region and/or where that work may be nationally significant and of benefit to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a genuine connection with the Taranaki region and the ability to deliver positive economic, social or environmental outcomes from their research. The intention is that all members of the team will be based within New Zealand. However, consideration will be given to teams that include international experts.
To apply
You must complete the application using the Community Force online application portal. To complete an application, click on the online application button below.
We recommend using Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari browsers to complete the application.
Supporting documentation templates
As part of the online application process, you will upload a Research Proposal, Project Plan and budget. In addition, Massey University staff members applying as team leaders must complete and upload a signed declaration of support from their Head of School.
Research Proposal and Project Plan
Download the Pivot Award Research Proposal and Project Plan template.
This template is also available on the Community Force Online Application Portal.
Budget template
Download the Pivot BNT-MU Premier Research Award budget template.
This template is also available on the Community Force Online Application Portal.
Team Leader role approval — Massey University staff only
Massey staff applying for research funding and the Team Leader role must always complete a Research Proposal Request through RIMS for approval by the Head of School first.
a) Log in to RIMS.
b) Enter your Massey network user name and password.
c) Navigate to Start a new eForm and select Research Proposal Request (RPR) v1.0.
d) Complete the form in RIMS.
e) Refer to the training guides and online modules for assistance.
Previous winners
2022 – Measuring impacts of regenerative agriculture
Massey University is working alongside the Taranaki Regenerative Agriculture community to measure on-farm and environmental benefits of innovations to improve their farms environmental health, resilience and prosperity.
2021 – The Juniper Berry
The Juniper Berry is the focus of Massey's research to evaluate and identify suitable strains and propagation methods with the potential to give New Zealand-made gins a unique sensory signature.
The project will also explore the potential for other uses of juniper berries, including in meat and pickle flavouring and pharmaceutical uses.
Media links
2020 – Farming to Flourish
This project investigated the role of small-scale growers and regenerative food networks in creating sustainable livelihoods and generating thriving communities in Taranaki. The network of localised food chains, Farm Next Door (FND), led by urban farmer Carl Freeman, was central to the research.
Media links
Contact us
For assistance with fund suitability, idea development, application feedback and technical queries or to connect Massey researchers with Taranaki businesses, email Haifa Albostami.