iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Streaming info is on our page (and it is the best place to check back for completed video or replacement feed if there are any tech issues. scientists.org.nz/page-18192

scientists.org.nz

New Zealand Association of Scientists - SSC Election Panel 2026

031

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Today 12-1pm Panel Discussion on Science and Research Issues for the 2026 General Election Catch the livestream (or attend - preferably if you've registered). www.youtube.com/live/0yxmHaa...

youtube.com

Pre-Election Forum on Science & Research

YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists

162

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Shaun Hendy @hendysh.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

New Zealand’s government plans to reallocate >$100m in science funding, partly justified by claims NZ “overweights” ag & environmental science vs peers, and underinvests in tech. I checked the numbers behind that claim. Some of it holds up. Most of it doesn’t. 🧵 www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/...

mbie.govt.nz

612070

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Julie Blommaert @drjulieb.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Wait what do you mean none of our currently governing parties are interested enough in science to come talk to scientists

The Save Science Coalition is hosting a pre-election science and research forum, bringing together candidates from political parties to discuss science policies and priorities ahead of the election in November.
The forum is being held in Wellington, but we now have a livestream link available for anyone outside of Wellington who may wish to attend.
We have confirmed attendance from candidates from Labour, Green Party, and The Opportunities Party. While the ACT candidate initially agreed to participate, they have unfortunately since withdrawn from the forum last week. Candidates from the National Party, NZ First, and Te Pati Mãori were also invited.

7349

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

This whole idea of pushing Business R&D at the expense of the public research system in our institutes, universities etc does not appear to be going well if you plot the data sensibly. It's flatlined in terms of the people for a number of years. Why is current policy doubling down on it?

021

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Shouldn't it be more obvious that NZ's Business R&D was lifted successfully, until we tried to grow it at the expense of what fuels it in the long run – government funded research, carried out through our public research institutions?

032

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

So, we've just spent a few years doubling down on policies that aren't working?

131

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

I've been pondering Parliament's Scrutiny Week and other statements where it seem the Minister & officials see Business R&D Growth as a panacea. We rarely plot this data inflation adjusted or as a percent of the economy, and when we do it seems apparent it is not growing.

131

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Dr Alex Bond @thelabandfield.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Protip: nominate your friends and colleagues for awards.

064

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Reuben Davidson asked the Minister about the PM’s quoted intent to “brutally commercialise the research system”. Despite this and opportunities for the PM himself to walk it back at the PM’s science awards, I feel neither enlightened nor reassured. youtu.be/koeINt5pz3A

youtu.be

Question 7: Brutally commercialise the research system?

YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists

2206

NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists @nzscientists.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

We're pleased to announce applications are now open for NZ Association of Science's 2026 Medals. The closing date for all applications is 5pm Monday 3rd August 2026. The medals are ... scientists.org.nz/Awards (1/7)

Picture of the NZ Association of Scientists medal

11211

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

NZAS release on Budget 2026 is out. It wasn't even a nothing burger this year... What is shocking is the long-term trend. scientists.org.nz/news/13636927

02521

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

We've put out a press release drawing a thread through recent concerns, and also provided a Briefing to the Incoming Minister (BIM) earlier in the month that suggests a more coherent approach to reform. 2/4

112

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

The BIM ends with four narrative strategies we think are needed for the research system to be successfully reformed. Read the BIM - scientists.org.nz/news/13632765 4/4

011

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

It includes an improved conceptual diagrams with the needed horizontal layers to complement 'pillars' – so that we focus on the intersection of technology and our existing strengths. Do you agree a new tech pillar isn't the right way to think about it? 3/4

121

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Concerned about the mishmash of bad news hitting research? So are we at New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS). Read the press release – scientists.org.nz/news/13632857 1/4

389

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Dr Lucy Stewart @lcsnz.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

There's either a new fund not yet announced or we're seeing another swingeing cut to science funding. Either way the lack of clarity, given the current stress throughout the system, is...unhelpful.

12515

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

I've never seen anything quite so unclear. Well, except maybe the maths mistake when MoRST eliminated the post-doc scheme that had worked well for a generation. (They tallied up all the postdocs in the country to be 100, and thought we only fund 30. But they funded 30 each year, for 3 years = 90%).

041

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

If you came here looking for answers on what MBIE's Transition Research fund is, we're trying to find out. On the face of it, the $84.8m per year replaces Marsden + Endeavour and more, which currently total 4 times this much?

3133

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Newsroom NZ @newsroom.co.nz · 11/04/2026

Comment from Victoria University: The Govt’s science overhaul prioritises commercial outcomes, but risks narrowing the very research pipeline that fuels long-term innovation.

newsroom.co.nz

NZ's science reforms all shell, no substance

23419

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

We left the Green Paper Submission on line. It, along with our call for renewal before it, has stood up better than the reforms and their reports, don't you think? (3/3) scientists.org.nz/GreenPaperSu...

scientists.org.nz

New Zealand Association of Scientists - Our Green Paper Submission

0132

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

From PRO reform that still lacks underlying strategy, to our concerns about the Prioritisation Report scientists.org.nz/news/13616237, to the recent webinar, it looks like our nightmare scenario of managerialism meets the machinery of government along with the worst of politics. (2/3)

scientists.org.nz

New Zealand Association of Scientists - 'Prioritisation' Report Could Cost NZ Dearly

1133

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

What worries me most about the directions of NZ's science reform is that it now matches closely what our extensive 2022 Te Ara Paerangi submission highlighted as 'what to avoid'. (1/3)

26428

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

You can't have successful missions like the government wants science to be organised into without sufficient social science research.

1114

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

The government has adamantly cut social science research. It claims we should be more like small advanced economies (SAEs) - even those not dependent on primary/bioeconomy exports. But SAEs fund much more social science research than we do. scientists.org.nz/news/13616237

scientists.org.nz

New Zealand Association of Scientists - 'Prioritisation' Report Could Cost NZ Dearly

1115

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Our initial reaction to the Prioritisation Report, that would cut existing science areas by up to 22% to pay new Tech development, expresses deep concerns. Do you think the report has strayed into policy-based evidence making? scientists.org.nz/news/13616237

1106

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

We're filling the gap that was once a pillar of the previous science reform. What happened to it? Need for Workforce Strategy as Job Losses Escalate scientists.org.nz/news/13605014

066

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Te Ara Paerangi Com - Research Advocacy Capability @te-ara-paerangi.community · 26/02/2026

FFS. Another year, another round of cuts to our public education and research system. This hurts everyone over time. Remember friends, never repeat the propaganda. It is not 'savings' it is cuts. And shame on ODT for repeating the 💩. They should know better. 🤡 #NZPOL

12411

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

The reform is failing... (1/5) NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases." Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?" NZAS: "In some of our PROs." NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.

173

NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists @nzscientists.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Co-President Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon this morning about the continued failure of the government's science sector reforms to make necessary change (or provide desperately needed funding increases)

rnz.co.nz

Is stagnating science funding leaving NZ more exposed to hazards?

The scientists' association says reform of science funding has stagnated, and leaves the country exposed to worsening hazards.

11814

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

The current reforms of the research system are now on track for another failure. They double down on mistakes that undermine long-term growth, well being & safety. We must ask for accountability and transparency about three key issues as we go into the election year. scientists.org.nz/news/13593197

12117

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Motu Research @moturesearch.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

🔥 Our Affiliate Troy Baisden was on RNZ's Mediawatch recently, discussing misinformation about EV's malfunctioning and causing fires. The story was in the context of the Goverment slashing by 80% the clean car standard - which incentivised sales of low- or zero-emission vehicles. 🚗

rnz.co.nz

Mediawatch: Angst over EVs blows up in headlines

EV uptake boomed with incentives in place, but this week, the government made traditional cars cheaper instead.

133

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

We hope to see you tomorrow at our conference and awards, in person in Wellington. If you can't make it, we'll have some limited streaming including the opening session and awards. Check the webpage for details. scientists.org.nz/nzas-confere...

022

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

A cocktail of stories in recent weeks has made me deeply concerned our information ecosystem around electric vehicles (EVs) as a pathway to emissions reduction has been undergoing "rapid disassembly." This RNZ Mediawatch piece is a great compendium. (14 min) (1/3) www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...

rnz.co.nz

Mediawatch: Angst about EVs blows up in the headlines

EV uptake boomed with incentives in place, but this week the government made traditional cars cheaper instead. And have reports of EVs on fire sparked safety fears fuelled by bad information?

131

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Nice to see Research, Science, Innovation and Technology getting a little airtime with two oral questions, and subsequent supplementary exchanges, in Parliament today. There are some extreme snippets on socials but here is full session (7 min). youtu.be/s2rz84uo2JQ

youtu.be

Parliament Oral Questions 10 and 11 on 13 Nov 2025

YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists

193

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Now also on RNZ! A personal perspect on how the #BatshitBudget for science undermines and drives away the top science talent that helps us build a great nation. www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...

rnz.co.nz

Top scientist calls out woeful funding arrangements

A recent government science funding announcement hasn't impressed one of the country's top scientists, who says the country's best researchers are being driven overseas.

094

NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists @nzscientists.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Quick reminder - the NZAS 2025 conference is happening on 26 November in Pōneke, more information at this link. We will be talking about our 2025 survey of NZ scientists, the Save Science Coalition, priorities for public good science, and more!

scientists.org.nz

New Zealand Association of Scientists - NZAS 2025 Conference

122

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Te Ara Paerangi Com - Research Advocacy Capability @te-ara-paerangi.community · 10/10/2025

Um. I mean. Um. In this moment, it is really really bad. But bugger all jobs in New Zealand after busting one's behind to get advanced science degrees is 40+ years lived reality. #NZPOL @nzscientists.bsky.social

151

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Te Ara Paerangi Com - Research Advocacy Capability @te-ara-paerangi.community · 06/10/2025

14 years ago Paul Callaghan gave this talk. It leaned in to the idea of making Aotearoa New Zealand a place where talented people wanted to live. Our government is hell bent on doing the opposite. @nzscientists.bsky.social #NZPOL

youtube.com

Sir Paul Callaghan - StrategyNZ: Mapping our Future - March 2011

YouTube video by McGuinness Institute Te Hononga Waka

13116

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

You know about NZ's cuts to research funding? How bleak is it for climate change research? Bleak. Explainer and perspectives now outside Carbon News NZ's paywall. www.carbonnews.co.nz/news/35492/s...

carbonnews.co.nz

Carbon News

Carbon News NZ Climate Policy Carbon Markets

03119

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Did you catch news that the Universities Advisory Group (UAG) reports were released, but the government binned or balked on many of the key recommendations? The whole process went from shelved to buried yesterday morning. www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/03/u...

sciencemediacentre.co.nz

University sector changes announced - Expert Reaction

The Government will be changing aspects to New Zealand's higher education system, informed by a recently released report by the University Advisory Group. Changes include a new strategy for all of New...

2107

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

UAG report and cabinet paper are out. Gluckman: Read the Interim Report’s strategic approach first (before getting lost in the operational details.) Alas, if only more of the strategic recommendations had a clear path to implementation… www.education.govt.nz/our-work/inf...

education.govt.nz

University Advisory Group

We formed the University Advisory Group (UAG) in March 2024 at the request of the Government.

153

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Our parliament might give us confidence in the government's approach to the science if answers were delivered with care and clarity. youtu.be/2Glk1fHNMaU?...

youtu.be

Reuben Davidson (Labour) on Research, Science, Innovation and Technology Oral Q 12 22Aug2025

YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists

112

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Robust debate in Parliament yesterday, with questions from Scott Willis to Shane Reti MP about cuts, job losses and whether reprioritisation will yield clarity or any benefits. The answers aren't reassuring but it is good to see this getting attention. youtu.be/Vam6UmnvtyY

youtu.be

RSIT in Parliament – Oral Q5 14 Aug 2025

YouTube video by New Zealand Association of Scientists

156

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Troy Baisden @troybaisden.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Unsurprisingly shocking news: the Advanced Technology Institute is being funded by mortgaging the future of other science funding. Had you wondered whether we're rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, or playing musical chairs? It's both. www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/08/06/f...

sciencemediacentre.co.nz

Further cuts fund new tech institute - Expert Reaction

Details of new changes to research funding under sweeping science sector reforms have been released today. The briefing confirms that set up of the NZ Institute for Advanced Technology will be paid fo...

3176

Reposted by NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists

Dr Tara McAllister @taramcallister.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

If you're a researcher in NZ please do our very short survey on the Vision Mātauranga policy! We are keen to hear your opinions. DM for the survey link

059

NZAS - New Zealand Association of Scientists @nzscientists.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Reminder - applications close 1 August. Note the new medal debut this year...

012