Research funding

Research funding

We invest Building Research Levy funding in research that delivers benefits to the building and construction sector and Aotearoa New Zealand.
We invest Building Research Levy funding in research that delivers benefits to the building and construction sector and Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Read about the funding options available to you.

Building Research Levy funding

We invest the Building Research Levy in contestable funding to meet the sector’s priorities.

Funding pathways

Funding pathways aligned to your research goals, industry impact and area of focus.
Building materials scientist working on building materials research in a lab

Apply for research funding

Funding industry‑focused research tackling priority building challenges with practical outcomes.

Apply for a research scholarship

Supporting the next generation of building researchers.

Successful research projects in 2025

Read about the 22 successful projects in the 2025 funding round
Research funding

Apply for research funding

The call for 2026 funding round applications will be announced in due course.
This funding supports industry-focused research projects that address priority building-system challenges and deliver practical, shareable outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand’s building and construction sector.

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Scholarships

Apply for a research scholarship

The call for 2026 funding round applications will be announced in due course.
BRANZ scholarships support eligible postgraduate students to undertake building and construction research that addresses BRANZ’s Research Investment Priorities and delivers outcomes that benefit the wider sector.

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$11.5m

Levy funding approved in 2025

22

successful research projects in 2025.

65

active research projects
New year, new projects!

Most recent funding

Levy funding awarded to 22 research projects

$11.5 million in Building Research Levy funding to start in FY 2026/27. This year’s funding has been awarded to four projects led by universities, six by industry and Māori research groups, two PhD studies, and seven by BRANZ, as well as three sector resources by BRANZ that turn academic research into practical guidance that designers and builders can use on the job.

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Strategic focus areas

Strategic focus areas

Our strategic focus areas

BRANZ’s science and investment focuses on the biggest challenges facing the building industry.

Affordability

Making it easier to build, live in and maintain affordable housing.

Quality

Improving building performance so buildings meet expectations and perform over time.

Resillience

Strengthening buildings to better withstand hazards and recover faster after disruption.

Sustainability

Supporting the transition to low-carbon, low-impact, circular construction in the building sector.