New eligibility criteria restricts science research funding that could contribute to Russia's war effort

The criterion has been gazetted for research funding programmes administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The criterion is part of New Zealand’s ongoing response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The criterion is not a broad ban on collaborations with individual Russian researchers – the Government remains committed to the principles of academic freedom and to preserving New Zealand’s open and collaborative science system. However, any dealings with Russian entities sanctioned under the Russia Sanctions Act, including research institutes, are prohibited. Researchers are encouraged to check the Russian Sanctions register on MFAT’s website.

Russian sanctions(external link) — New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade

In applying these measures, New Zealand joins other nations that have prevented funding being granted to science research funding that could contribute to the Russia war effort.

Read the gazette notice(external link)