Supporting collaborative science with China

2 projects are focussed on food science, another 2 on environmental science. The fifth project focuses on health and biomedical science and was awarded funding through a parallel process managed by the Health Research Council. 

Each project involves partnering with a research organisation in China. The successful New Zealand research teams receive $300,000 over 3 years, with their Chinese partners applying for their own funding through China’s Ministry of Science and Technology. 

Key technologies for online detection of milk powder quality with image analysis technique

– The University of Auckland and Wuhan University

This project aims to improve the quality and sustainability of the dairy industry in New Zealand. By improving real-time quality control measures, the project looks to reduce waste in milk powder production, which will improve sustainability and efficiency across the industry. 

Implementation of AI-powered analytical techniques for ensuring wine authenticity and traceability

– The University of Otago and Sinolight Technology Innovation Center Co. Ltd. 

This project aims to protect the Aotearoa New Zealand wine industry by developing a portable and non-invasive technique for authenticating wine. This will strengthen the integrity of our wine industry and help to combat fraud and ensure product safety.

Single atom catalysts for low-cost proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

– University of Auckland and the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. 

This project seeks to significantly lower the cost of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. These PEMFCs support hydrogen to electricity conversions which is significant to supporting our goals to lower emissions. This project brings together some of New Zealand’s and China’s leading researchers in the field of nanocatalysis, with the goal of creating manufacturing opportunities for NZ businesses to produce low-cost catalysts and complete PEMFCs systems for the emerging green hydrogen economy.

Preparing fit-for-purpose wetland buffers to increase coastal resilience

– University of Auckland and Hohai University. 

Both China and Aotearoa New Zealand have large coastlines, which are becoming more vulnerable to the effects of the rising sea level. This project will explore a theoretical framework to provide a more holistic approach to managing the coast. The project will consider the entire ecosystem and measure the framework in sites in China and Aotearoa New Zealand.

This is the ninth funding round since the New Zealand China Strategic Research Alliance was established in 2010 to support collaborative research.