Science job cuts spark ‘brain drain’ warning from researchers A group of New Zealand scientists is urging the Government to urgently reverse recent funding cuts, warning the country risks losing talent and innovation as researchers head overseas for perform. New figures from the Save Science Coalition show around 700 publicly funded science roles have been cut since 2023, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the economy and research sector. At a laboratory at Victoria University in Wellington, young scientists are working across a wide range of projects, from plant research to protecting honeybees. Professor of biology Phil Lester says the work being done locally has a real-world impact. “Our work on honeybees has been in terms of developing a new biopesticide. That’s been really effective in controlling parasites of honeybees, without harming the bees themselves.” Lester says it’s just one example of globally significant research happening in New Zealand. “Work here in Wellington at the Ferrier Institute and Malaghan Institute of Medical Research has developed a new vaccine for malaria that has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year.” But Lester says recent funding changes are putting future breakthroughs at risk. “We’ve had National Science Challenges cut. The Marsden Fund has effectively been reduced and redirected, as well as MBIE funding being reprioritised. These are influential funds that support long-term research in New Zealand.” Save Science Coalition spokesperson Ben Wylie-Van Eerd says the sector has already been stretched, but the latest cuts are different. “We’ve found ways to do more with less, but this time there have been substantial cuts in real dollar terms. About $80 million a year has been taken out of the science budget.” Coalition data shows 571 science-related roles were lost between 2023 and early 2025.
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