Government Acts To End Brain Drain

Media Statement
The Foundation for Research Science and Technology
October 11, 1999

GOVERNMENT ACTS TO END BRAIN DRAIN

New Zealand students can now access more than $30 million worth of new Government-funded scholarships, aimed at fostering future business leaders and innovators.

The Foundation for Research Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education today announced that the new scholarships in the Government’s Bright Future package will be administered by the Foundation.

“The future of this country lies in building a knowledge economy and we need to encourage bright people with bright ideas,” said Foundation Chief Executive Steve Thompson.

“We need to create opportunities for our talented young people to stay in New Zealand, and encourage those working overseas to come home,” Dr Thompson said.

Ministry spokesperson Paul Sutcliffe said that some 3000 new Enterprise Scholarships could be awarded in the next three years.

“The Enterprise Scholarships aim at increasing tertiary research that is directly related to areas of value to enterprise. They will be assessed on group proposals submitted by business enterprises, education providers and/or students, with 50 per cent of costs provided by government and 50 per cent by business.

“Proposals would be selected on student excellence, the potential to build New Zealand’s knowledge economic base and the strength of the links between student and enterprise. Proposals that include Mori enterprises would be particularly welcomed,” Mr Sutcliffe said.

The second scholarship programme is offering up to 80 Doctoral scholarships per year. These will cover all fees and provide a living allowance, anywhere in the world, on the understanding that he or she returns to New Zealand at the end of the scholarship. They aim to foster and develop future innovators and leaders in the New Zealand economy.

The Foundation also delivers the Tuapapa Putaiao Mori, Science and Technology Post Doctoral and the Graduates in Industry Fellowship programmes.

ENDS

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