Longitudinal studies infrastructure platform
The Government is investing in a Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) infrastructure platform for two nationally significant longitudinal studies, the Christchurch Health and Development Study, and the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study.
On this page
Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou – the University of Otago are the host of the platform which includes the 2 long-standing studies.
MBIE funding
The Government is investing $13.3 million (excluding GST) over seven years in longitudinal study infrastructure from 1 October 2024 to 30 June 2031.
These 2 studies have a long history of providing critical inputs into social policy both in New Zealand and overseas. Government investment in longitudinal studies will enable broader public benefits such as input into social policies that can maximise returns on social investment. Stable infrastructure funding will ensure continuity and efficiency in data collection, storage and sharing and allow a more strategic approach to those activities.
About the research
This investment will support people and equipment costs for core operations of the University of Otago’s nationally significant longitudinal study databases. Key activities include:
- collecting and storing data and biological samples from the studies’ participants
- maintaining and administering databases and biobanks
- improving methods for collecting data and samples, and for sharing data with other researchers.
Below is the contracted public statement from the University of Otago.
Read the public statement
Annual updates
Recipients of SSIF funding report yearly on the progress of their work programme. University of Otago will have a public update published from their 2024/25 annual report in 2025.
More information
Dunedin Study(external link) — Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health & Development Research Unit
Christchurch Health and Development Study(external link) — University of Otago