Participatory science platform abolished in New Zealand

Participatory Science Platform (PSP), the world’s first initiative funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), has been quietly axed after seven years. The purpose of PSP is to engage three communities in science projects in South Auckland, Taranaki and Otago. According to Dr Craig Grant, Otago Museum’s director of visitor experience and science engagement, the cut represents a loss of opportunity for these communities.

Otago’s involvement in the PSP involves a partnership between the Museum, the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, Ngai Tahu and the New Zealand International Science Festival. This initiative allowed the connection between scientists and the community to carry out research projects. Each year, Otago receives about 15 to 20 proposals that can receive up to $20,000 in funding.

“Many of these grassroots projects have had real benefits for the community,” Grant said. For example, one program found range concerns in electric vehicles and software problems in early Nissan Leaf models. This innovation led Nissan to improve its vehicles.

A special quality of this program, as with most programs involving schools, is its focus on what is important to researchers. It gave students a real, fun science experience.

MBIE manager Kate Muise said the government would not invest in future PSPs. The three PSPs, organized by the Venture Taranaki Trust, Comet Auckland and the Otago Museum Trust Board, were funded at $354,000 a year until the contracts expire in 2024.

PSP aims to engage all types of communities in locally relevant research projects with strong scientific and technological outcomes and quality learning outcomes. The decision to scrap the scheme was attributed to changes in government policy.

proof’s:
– Robert Kitchen/Stuff
– Participatory Science Platform (PSP), MBIE