1. 9 February 2015 1

2. Purpose of today’s presentation Reinforce key principles of the National Science Challenges Learn from the experience of others Respond to your questions 2

3. Learning from the experience of others Rob Murdoch, NIWA 3

4. Recap of principles 4

5. Principles of the National Science Challenges Mission-led Each Challenge has a clear, plain-English objective: focus on the objective Address the Challenge themes and outcomes Present a convincing case if you choose to pursue different themes and/or outcomes 5

6. Principles of the National Science Challenges (cont…) High-quality science focused on the mission Science must be squarely aimed at the Challenge objective – it’s not science for science’s sake Science must be outstanding, world-leading, ground-breaking Not just business as usual The Challenges are a step up in all aspects: research, methods, collaboration, governance, engagement etc 6

7. Give effect to the Vision Mātauranga policy Vision Mātauranga is to be integrated across all aspects of the Challenge – it is not an optional add-on or after- thought Best team - collaborative, multi-disciplinary, across organisations It’s not just about sub-contracting and sharing notes – it’s about assembling New Zealand’s best team Strong governance and management An excellent research programme will fail if it is not well governed and managed 7 Principles of the National Science Challenges (cont…)

8. Assessment process MBIE receives proposal Independent assessment panel reviews proposal and makes recommendation to the Science Board Science Board makes funding decision Many possible outcomes 8

9. Assessment process (cont …) Four assessment criteria: 1.The proposal is collaborative and will respond to the most important, national-scale issues for New Zealand 2.The research, science, and technology will be excellent quality 3.The governance, management, and financial arrangements are sound and enduring 4.The proposal is focused on delivering impact Check: does your proposal address these criteria and provide adequate information about how it addresses these criteria? 9

10. Writing tips 10

11. 1. Cover all the content 1.High-level 10-year research plan (more detail on activities for the first funding period to 30 June 2019) 2.10-year business plan Total = 50 pages + references, CVs of key personnel, copies of IP management and governance agreements No other information can be provided except for a copy of your presentation to the panel Do not present new information at your presentation – if it’s worth saying, say it in your proposal 11

12. 1. Cover all the content (cont …) Read the entire RfP The RfP is there to help The RfP is clear on what we want to see Apply a check list, eg: have you included a risk management plan? have you stated why you have not included any researcher who would otherwise be considered a leading investigator in the Challenge area of research? have you outlined how you will share infrastructure across Challenge parties? 12

13. 1. Cover all the content (cont …) Have you addressed the key principles? Have you outlined the additional value that the Challenge will deliver above existing activity? Have you outlined how you will create impact? Have you outlined how you will achieve collaboration across multiple researchers, disciplines, and organisations? Have you outlined how you will unlock Māori science and innovation potential? Will this information be clear to the assessment panel and Science Board? 13

14. 2. Provide sufficient detail For example: 1. Provide names Who will be the members of your governance and management teams and advisory group(s) and who will appoint them? What will be their role? Who are your key researchers? (the international science experts on the assessment panel may know them) Provide bio details for both key researchers and key governance and management personnel 2. Provide key performance indicators (specific indicators to achieve the Challenge objective) 14

15. 2. Provide sufficient detail (cont …) For example: 3. Contestable funding process How much $ funding will be allocated through the contestable pool? How often will you run contestable processes? How will you run contestable processes? 4. Linkages with other Challenges How will you work with other relevant Challenges? (this goes beyond just listing other Challenges) 15

16. 3. Use direct language Be specific and direct, avoid vagueness, use ‘we’ – for example: Before Traffic congestion in Wellington is a major issue. Strategies are required to address this issue and to reduce congestion. After Traffic congestion in Wellington is a major issue. We will carry out research to find a means to reduce congestion. Before Leveraging the existing body of knowledge will be important to address the issue of vehicle safety. After We will search databases and we will analyse results of past research to develop technology that makes vehicles safer. Before The key question that research needs to address is why some drivers run red lights. After As our main priority in Year 1, we will carry out research to understand why some drivers run red lights. 16 Make it clear what you plan to do – when, who, how etc

17. 4. Provide evidence Which stakeholders have you consulted? What commitments have they given? If you’ve held hui with Māori, which iwi or other groups attended? 17

18. 5. Admit and address the gaps Be upfront: if you don’t have the answers or are still working on something, say so and say how you intend to address the gaps Lack of information = assessment panel and Science Board may consider your proposal deficient or suspect you’re hiding something 18

19. 6. It’s not just about the science Write a good research plan … but don’t underestimate the business plan You can’t have one without the other Proposals can be declined if the governance, management, and financial arrangements are not good enough … regardless of how good the science is 19

20. Finally … The test is: Does your proposal address the Challenge objective? The objective is approved by Cabinet and set in stone Missions, vision statements, Challenge goals etc must align with the objective Do you know the objective of your Challenge? 20

21. MBIE’s role (for Building Better Homes, Towns, and Cities) Two separate teams Science Investments manages the MBIE portal and assessment process, and interacts with assessment panels and Science Board can answer questions about the RfP and National Science Challenges cannot give advice on a proposal Building/construction-related teams can be research partners/co-funders in a proposal can discuss government building/construction programmes, standards etc cannot answer questions about the RfP or process cannot give advice on a proposal We both work for MBIE but – when it comes to the Challenge – treat us differently 21

22. Contacts and information General enquiries about all Challenges: contactNSC@mbie.govt.nz Enquiries about the Building Better Homes, Towns, and Cities Challenge: Kennie Tsui, Lead Contact, kennie.tsui2@mbie.govt.nz, 04 901 3953kennie.tsui2@mbie.govt.nz Enquiries about the MBIE portal: investmentemailaccount@mbie.govt.nzinvestmentemailaccount@mbie.govt.nz, 0800 693 778 Information about the National Science Challenges, including Q&A: www.msi.govt.nz/update-me/major-projects/ national-science-challenges/ 22

23. Thank you Any questions? 23