Global science, innovation, and technology (SI&T) connectivity is critical for New Zealand. MBIE’s International Science Partnerships programme supports better connectivity of scientific and technical knowledge between New Zealand and our global partners.
MBIE’s International Science Partnerships programme establishes and maintains a range of bilateral and multilateral relationships to support richer collaborative networks and enable the two-way flow of complementary scientific and technical knowledge between New Zealand and our global partners. Through government-level engagement and direct investment the programme aims to promote and enhance New Zealand’s SI&T expertise and capabilities and enable our researchers to contribute to global science challenges.
We support these bilateral and multilateral partnerships in a variety of ways. One significant tool is the Catalyst Fund, supporting activities that initiate, develop and foster collaborations leveraging international science and innovation for New Zealand’s benefit. Catalyst projects give our researchers the resources they need to engage meaningfully internationally and to create and deepen connections into enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships.
For more information and current funding opportunities:
The below are New Zealand’s most active SI&T relationships.
Australia is a close SI&T partner, and currently our most frequent collaborator in terms of co-publications between our researchers. This relationship is supported by an overarching SI&T Cooperation agreement and a work programme of collaborative activities. Current bilateral programmes are focused on cyber security and space technologies.
To deliver collaboration across the innovation and science systems and between researchers and innovative companies on both sides of the Tasman. It will provide a valuable focal point for collaboratio…
PDF, 52KB, 8 pages
China is an important SI&T partner for New Zealand and is currently our 4th highest partner in terms of co-publications. We have several collaborative mechanisms in place to support cooperation with China in the bilaterally agreed priority areas of food science, environmental science, and health and biomedical science. There are active joint research programmes covering each of these areas.
Our overarching bilateral science, innovation, and technology cooperation agreement with China.
PDF, 435KB, 7 pages
This roadmap sits under the bilateral cooperation agreement and outlines the funding and priority areas for the New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance joint funding programme.
PDF, 717KB, 3 pages
An arrangement to support jointly beneficial research cooperation and encourage the participation of researchers from across New Zealand’s science system and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in relevan…
PDF, 273KB, 9 pages
A memorandum of cooperation establishing the framework for bilateral science and innovation research cooperation between MBIE and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
PDF, 5.1MB, 11 pages
New Zealand has a Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement with the European Community signed in 2008. In 2022 New Zealand associated to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s largest-ever research and innovation programme. Our association means that New Zealand-based researchers can join or lead Horizon Europe projects and receive funding on equal terms with their European counterparts.
For more information about our Association and Treaty documents:
Our overarching bilateral science, innovation, and technology cooperation agreement with the European Union.
PDF, 1.9MB, 10 pages
New Zealand and Germany enjoy a strong and long-standing research relationship, underpinned by the 1977 New Zealand-Germany Science and Technology Agreement. The agreement is administered by MBIE and the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). There are a range of current joint investments with Germany in the areas of green hydrogen, biomedical engineering, and space technologies.
Our overarching bilateral science, innovation, and technology cooperation agreement with Germany.
PDF, 186KB
Germany Coordinator |
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Dr Regina Eisert is our Germany Science and Innovation Coordinator. She is responsible for establishing and strengthening bilateral collaboration in a wide range of mutually beneficial research fields. |
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New Zealand and Japan have a long-standing research relationship, underpinned by the 2009 New Zealand – Japan Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. Recent joint funding calls have been in the area of advanced technologies for disaster mitigation.
Our overarching bilateral science, innovation, and technology cooperation agreement with Japan.
PDF, 106KB, 6 pages
The science and research relationship between New Zealand and Korea is underpinned by a Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement signed in 1997. We regularly hold joint funding rounds, most recently in 2021 focused on artificial intelligence, new materials, and health technologies.
Our overarching bilateral science, innovation, and technology cooperation agreement with the Republic of Korea.
PDF, 53KB, 8 pages
New Zealand and Singapore are strong partners, with a relationship underpinned by a 2019 Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Arrangement and supporting the broader bilateral New Zealand – Singapore Enhanced Partnership. Current joint activities are in the areas of future foods and data science.
Our overarching bilateral science, innovation, and technology cooperation agreement with Singapore.
PDF, 87KB, 13 pages
In 2022, New Zealand and the United Kingdom signed a Research, Science, and Innovation Cooperation Arrangement, providing a framework and focus for the bilateral relationship following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. In 2024, a work programme of cooperative activities was agreed to sit under this Arrangement, providing a pathway to deepen the integration and alignment of our science systems. The United Kingdom is a priority partner for New Zealand’s Quantum Technology Research Programme.
An agreement between New Zealand and the United Kingdom which provides a framework for deepening science, innovation, and technology cooperation between our countries.
PDF, 124KB, 8 pages
An agreed work programme of cooperative activities to sit under, and give support to, the New Zealand – United Kingdom science, innovation cooperation arrangement.
PDF, 134KB, 2 pages
The United States is an important SI&T partner and currently our second most frequent collaborator in terms of co-publications between our researchers. This relationship has both an overarching S&T cooperation arrangement and an SI&T agreement focused on security capabilities. Current bilateral programmes are in space technologies, and the United States is a priority partner for New Zealand’s Quantum Technology Research Programme.
The Agreement provides the overarching framework to support joint research cooperation. The Agreement was originally signed in 1974 and updated in 1991.
PDF, 1.2MB, 4 pages
Agreement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the United States of America on science and technology cooperation contributing to domestic and external security capabilities.
PDF, 124KB, 29 pages
We also strengthen New Zealand's science and innovation links at the multilateral level through participation in the following international organisations and groups.
In addition, the Royal Society Te Apārangi manages the country’s representation in and membership of over 40 international scientific unions, supported with funding from our Catalyst: Leaders Fund. These memberships facilitate the sharing of New Zealand’s expertise worldwide.
Further information about the scientific unions to which New Zealand belongs can be found on the Royal Society’s website.
We have 3 science and innovation representatives based overseas. They are responsible for fostering collaborations between New Zealand and their regions of responsibility – Europe, China and North America (USA and Canada).
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Mary MulhollandCounsellor, Science and Innovation, Europe New Zealand Mission to the European Union, Brussels, Belgium |
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Marta MagerCounsellor, Science and Innovation, USA and Canada |
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Dr Ron XavierCounsellor, Science and Innovation, China |
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Our overseas science and innovation representatives are responsible for making an important contribution to advancing the internationalisation of New Zealand’s science and innovation system by supporting the implementation of major projects on the work programme of the Science, Innovation and International Branch.
As part of our International Science Partnerships Team, they are responsible for developing connections with governments, science and policy organisations as well as businesses to advance opportunities for New Zealand’s science and innovation.
Our European and US Counsellors also represent the New Zealand Space Agency overseas.
To find out more about New Zealand’s International Science Partnerships or to get in touch with one of our counsellors, contact us by email at Internationalscience@mbie.govt.nz
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https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/international-opportunities/international-science-partnerships
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