About Us

Welcome to IRANZ, the association of New Zealand’s Independent Research Organisations (IROs). Established as a non-profit incorporated society in 2009, IRANZ was formed to foster communication among member organisations and broader interest groups, highlighting the vital scientific and research contributions of our members. Our mission is to advocate for common interests, particularly those impacting government research funding and member access to financial support.

Our Mission and Vision

IRANZ aims to create a positive operating environment for Independent Research Organisations in New Zealand. We represent our members’ collective interests, ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making circles. Our vision is to see independent research thrive, driving innovation and economic development across diverse scientific fields.

Benefits of Membership

Membership in IRANZ offers numerous benefits. We provide a Wellington-based Executive Officer who, alongside the IRANZ Executive, keeps members updated on government developments and educates policymakers about the contributions of IROs. Our members meet regularly in Wellington, offering opportunities to engage with key figures in government and the science sector. These meetings include interactions with the Minister for Science and Innovation, the Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, and leaders from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and other funding agencies. Throughout the year, IRANZ also provides an informal forum for discussing sector issues.

Our members

IRANZ member organisations are diverse, covering a broad range of scientific fields. Our members:

  • Conduct high-quality research, development, or technology transfer;

  • Employ active researchers, not just research brokers or consultants;

  • Have strong linkages with end-users;

  • Work in diverse settings and subject specialties;

  • Derive a significant portion of their work from government research contracts;

  • Collaborate with universities, Crown Research Institutes, and industrial research departments; and

  • Operate with various governance and ownership arrangements.

Activities and initiatives

IRANZ undertakes numerous activities to support our members and the wider research community:

  • Regular Meetings: We hold at least four meetings a year, often meeting with key figures in Government, Universities NZ, Science NZ, and the SIT team at MBIE.

  • Government Engagement: IRANZ serves as a point of contact for Ministers, MBIE, and other government science investment agencies. We represent our members on various working panels and advisory groups.

  • Communication and Outreach: We publish up to six electronic newsletters annually, reaching over 1000 recipients, and maintain an active presence on our website, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Our Ngā Mahi Ngātahi IRANZ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Programme helps build stronger connections with Māori. Led by our Kaitohutohu Māori, and supported by Te Ruruku, this initiative enhances our engagement with Māori members and staff.

  • Support for STEM: We sponsor the Royal Society Speaker’s Science Forum for MPs, giving our members opportunities to present to parliamentarians. We also support Rotary initiatives promoting STEM careers to college students.

Te Ruruku – IRANZ Kāhui Māori

Te Ruruku, our Kāhui Māori, is open to all Māori kaimahi within IRANZ member organisations. Established in August 2023, Te Ruruku aims to align IROs and IRANZ with Te Tiriti principles. Te Ruruku’s position statement acknowledges He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti as foundational documents for Aotearoa’s governance and legal systems. Te Ruruku promotes:

  • Distribution of resources to hāpori, whānau, hapū, and iwi;

  • Research outputs that consider colonial impacts;

  • Understanding the value of mātauranga Māori and a Māori workforce;

  • Partnerships between IROs and Māori communities;

  • Protection of Māori taonga and intellectual property;

  • Good governance and policy within IROs to support Māori kaimahi and communities; and

  • Whanaungatanga for Māori working in IROs.

Conclusion

IRANZ stands as a pillar of support for New Zealand’s independent research sector, advocating for our members, promoting excellence, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment. Join us in our mission to advance scientific research and innovation, driving positive change for New Zealand and beyond.

For any membership enquiries, please email: information@iranz.org.nz