Has BRANZ’s investment process changed since 2023?
This year’s Investment Priorities Statement is a single guidance document for BRANZ INC’s investment in all research (both internal and external). We have set out the investment criteria in pages 2 and 5 of the Investment Priorities Statement.
Do I need to attend the online seminar?
It is strongly recommended that you register and attend the seminar. Applicant feedback has shown that this an especially useful source of information.
What if I cannot attend the seminar?
A video recording will be published after the seminar. The BRANZ Research Investment team will also be available for several weeks to answer any remaining questions and to discuss potential proposals. Please email researchinvestment@branz.org.nz to organise a meeting.
Is there a minimum/maximum project duration?
There is no minimum or maximum project duration requirement. Projects typically range from a few months to three years. The project duration is usually determined by the industry need (when results are required), the nature of the research and the level of funding sought.
Is there a minimum amount of funding that can be requested?
There is no minimum amount of investment that needs to be requested. See the Investment Priorities Statement 2024, page 3 for indicative funding available.
Can projects apply to more than one topic?
Yes, integration across the investment signals is strongly encouraged. Proposals should reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the systems challenges.
How can I check topic alignment for my project?
See the Investment Priorities Statement 2024, page 4 for research questions and context to help you determine alignment. If you need further support, please contact the BRANZ Research Investment team researchinvestment@branz.org.nz.
I have a great idea, but it does not align with the themes proposed this year. Do I have to wait for the next funding round?
The current process seeks to capture great ideas that align with our investment priorities. However, BRANZ also provides agile investment for projects (out of cycle proposals) that respond to urgent industry issues or take advantage of opportunities that may emerge outside our planned investment rounds. If that is the case, please contact the BRANZ Research Investment team researchinvestment@branz.org.nz.
The applicant must demonstrate that the proposal responds to an urgent and critical systems issue. The funding sought should not exceed $100,000 and the project duration should be more than 12 months. See page 5 of the Investment Priorities Statement for more information.
How specific do I need to be about who would be the members of the research team?
Demonstrating the ability to deliver is one of our investment criteria. This helps BRANZ to understand the proposed work to be undertaken, and to consider if the research team contains the right expertise and capacity. Please specify the individuals, the roles they will play, the skills they will provide, the organisations they represent and their availability. Please also ensure you consider the size of your team to meet project deliverables.
Can a PhD student be part of the research team?
Yes, but the project idea cannot be the subject for their PhD thesis. We encourage research proposals to consider students (particularly Masters and PhD scholars) to be part of the project team.
Do I need to specify how our stakeholders contributed to this idea?
Proposals must demonstrate effective engagement with relevant stakeholders. This includes co-design and explanation of their involvement, as appropriate to the size and nature of the project. Proposals should show evidence of support secured or required from key stakeholders. Please include details of individuals and businesses and the nature of any collaboration (for example, whether collaboration is hoped for or confirmed).
Is co-funding required?
While co-funding is not a mandatory requirement, we ask you to demonstrate how you have investigated additional sources of funding. We will consider co-funding (cash or in-kind contributions) during the assessment process. Co-funding conditional to BRANZ project approval is accepted, but we strongly advise you to notify your co-funder of the timeframes for communication with applicants.
What are the tax implications of my project being funded by BRANZ?
BRANZ cannot provide tax advice. Government guidance can be found at Inland Revenue – Te Tari Taake.
Does BRANZ have a position on intellectual property?
Intellectual property pertaining to the goods and services supplied through the research effort will be owned by BRANZ. With this approach, BRANZ ensures actionable, accessible insights can be applied and shared as widely as possible with the industry. We strongly recommend that external research providers refer to the terms and conditions on page 6 of the Investment Priorities Statement. For more information, please contact the BRANZ Research Investment team researchinvestment@branz.org.nz.
What happens if my organisation wishes to make profit out of this research?
BRANZ invests in research for industry good. Applicants are required to identify any potential private gains within the proposal, which will be reviewed by the Assessment Panel. BRANZ will then assess the extent of ‘private gain’ (if any) that exists in any proposal. If private gain exists, we will review the importance of the proposal and consider whether any private gain risk can be appropriately managed or mitigated.
How is intellectual property for external research managed?
Please refer to the terms and conditions on page 6 of the Investment Priorities Statement. For more information, please contact researchinvestment@branz.org.nz