Robert Kitchin/Staff
Storm clouds form over the MBIE Wellington building.
At its launch, it was advertised as a “world’s first initiative,” but seven years later, it was quietly discontinued.
Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Participatory Science Platform (PSP) aimed to help three different communities engage in science: South Auckland, Taranaki and Otago.
Dr Craig Grant, director of visitor experience and science engagement at Otago Museum, has been involved with PSP since its launch in 2015 and was “disappointed” to see it axed. It represents a lost opportunity for these communities.
In Otago’s case, it involves partnerships between museums, the University of Otago, Otago University of Technology, Ngāi Tahu and the New Zealand International Science Festival, essentially connecting scientists with the community for research-based projects. It was related.
Each year, Otago receives approximately 15 to 20 proposals for up to $20,000 in funding, or up to $2000 in seed funding.
Many of those grassroots projects – more than 1,000 in number – have had very real benefits for the community, Grant said.
Among them was a software issue found in early models of the Nissan Leaf that prompted the Japanese automaker to upgrade its fleet, raising concerns about the electric vehicle’s range.
“So a little over $20,000 project in Dunedin is having an international impact.”
Mr Grant said the project was special because it was driven by what was important to the researchers and a large part of the project involved schools.
“It helps kids realize that science can be fun and has real-world relevance. All good things.”
Questions for MBIE were directed to the office of the Minister of Research, Science and Innovation, who referred the same questions back to the ministry.
MBIE Professional Investment Manager Kate Muiz said in a statement. thing “The government will not invest in PSP for the next few years.”
“Since the program was established in 2015, three PSPs have been hosted by Venture Taranaki Trust, Comet Auckland and the Otago Museums Trust Board. Each was funded at $354,000 annually.”
Asked why the program had been cut, Muise said the ministry was “implementing the government’s policy at the time.”
“The decision to change these policies is a government matter.”
According to an MBIE release, the three PSP regions were chosen because they are “distinctly different regions of the country and have different audiences.”
The report states that PSP is “a world-first initiative aimed at engaging communities of all types in research projects that deliver strong science and technology outcomes with locally relevant and high-quality learning outcomes.” said.