Applications Open for Landmark University Research Funding
The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake has opened its University Research Programme (URP) contestable funding round for the 2027-2030 period. This triennial initiative provides substantial support for university-led research programmes focused on reducing the impacts of natural hazards across New Zealand.
Up to $4.5 million is available to fund as many as 10 programmes, with each receiving $450,000 excluding GST over three years. The funding supports projects that align with the commission’s strategic priorities and contribute to building national resilience.
Understanding the University Research Programme
The URP operates as a competitive, single-stage application process held every three years. It targets New Zealand tertiary education providers that offer postgraduate study and maintain dedicated research support functions. Eligible applicants include universities, wānanga, and other qualifying tertiary institutions.
Funded programmes must primarily take place in New Zealand, produce publicly available outputs, and satisfy the legislative benefit test related to insured persons and future costs of natural hazard cover. Research activities cannot duplicate existing funding from other sources.
Key Dates and Application Timeline
Applications opened on 31 March 2026 and close at 12pm on 21 May 2026. An information webinar took place on 8 April 2026, with a recording available for those unable to attend. Assessment occurs through August 2026, with notifications expected by 21 September 2026. Contracting begins thereafter, and projects are scheduled to start on 1 February 2027 and conclude by 31 January 2030.
Applicants must submit full proposals directly through the SmartyGrants portal without a preliminary expression of interest stage.
Funding Scale and Research Focus Areas
Each successful programme receives $150,000 per year for three years. The commission invests approximately $10 million annually across its broader research portfolio, of which the URP forms a key component. Proposals should align with the Resilience Strategy for Natural Hazard Risk Reduction 2024–2029, the Research Strategy 2024, and the Research Investment Priorities Statement 2025.
Priority themes include resilient buildings, quantifying hazards, supporting people and decisions, and smarter land use. Programmes need not address every priority but should demonstrate expertise and potential for meaningful impact in selected areas.
Eligibility Requirements for Tertiary Providers
Only New Zealand tertiary education providers meeting specific criteria may apply. Institutions must offer postgraduate study and possess a dedicated research support function. Proposals require evidence that research will benefit insured persons or reduce future cover costs, while ensuring outputs remain publicly accessible.
Activities must occur predominantly within New Zealand unless compelling reasons justify otherwise. Budgets cannot exceed the $450,000 cap excluding GST, and projects must avoid overlap with other funded work.
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Support for Emerging Researchers and Students
Beyond advancing knowledge, the URP creates structured opportunities for PhD and master’s students. Successful programmes provide mentorship under leading researchers, helping develop the next generation of natural hazards experts in New Zealand universities.
This aspect strengthens the higher-education pipeline by embedding student training within large-scale, multi-year research efforts aligned with national priorities.
Assessment Process and Expert Panels
Proposals undergo review by theme-based expert panels covering resilient buildings, quantifying hazards, supporting people and decisions, and smarter land use. A Research Advisory Committee then provides strategic moderation and final funding recommendations.
Panel membership draws from commission staff, university academics, and sector experts, ensuring rigorous, multidisciplinary evaluation.
Previous Rounds and Demonstrated Impact
In the 2024-2027 round, nine University Research Programmes received funding. These projects addressed topics such as earthquake seismology, tectonic geodesy, and other hazard-related areas, contributing to New Zealand’s growing body of publicly available research outputs.
The programme continues a long-standing commitment to contestable funding that complements the commission’s biennial grants and other initiatives.
Broader Context Within New Zealand Research Ecosystem
The URP sits alongside the commission’s biennial grants, which award up to $100,000 per project for shorter-term work. Together these mechanisms form part of a $10 million annual research investment aimed at practical risk reduction.
University-led programmes benefit from institutional infrastructure while delivering outputs usable by practitioners, policymakers, and the public.
Implications for University Administrators and Researchers
University leaders can view the round as an opportunity to secure multi-year funding that supports strategic research strengths. Administrators should ensure proposals meet all eligibility and documentation requirements, including budget templates and curriculum vitae formats.
Researchers are encouraged to review the full guidelines and templates available on the commission website before preparing submissions.
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Future Outlook for Natural Hazards Research
With projects running through 2030, successful URP programmes will generate data, models, and insights that inform policy and practice well beyond the funding period. The emphasis on public outputs and student involvement positions New Zealand universities to maintain leadership in natural hazards research.
Interested parties should monitor the commission’s site for any updates to dates or requirements.
