13 May 2019
UCOL researchers are delighted with the news their first ever submission to the government’s Performance Based Research
Fund was successful. Thirteen UCOL staff who submitted a research proposal received a positive response, an outstanding
result, especially for an Institute’s first application.
UCOL’s Chief Executive, Dr Amanda Lynn, said “the work of UCOL’s researchers is commendable. Research capability will
continue to build as UCOL establishes its Centres of Vocational Excellence with Allied Health a core focus.”
Dr Jerry Shearman, UCOL’s Director of Education and Applied Research is ecstatic with the result that reflects the hard
work that goes into research at UCOL. “UCOL researchers have performed well with staff in a broad range of programmes
acknowledged across campuses in Whanganui, Palmerston North, and Wairarapa. UCOL has steadily been working towards a
research funding submission for the past two years and this is an indication of the quality of the applied research we
do and an endorsement for UCOL degrees.”
Two areas that received particular success for the polytechnic are Creative Arts and Sports & Exercise Science.
“The value of research at a vocational institution like UCOL is that it is based on practical issues that add value to
our regional industries and stakeholders. Working more closely with them will grow our research even further and add to
the next PBRF application in 2024.” says Dr. Shearman.
“Over the next few years we want to grow that value proposition and deepen our connections with our stakeholders, aiming
for an even better result in the next PBRF assessment in 2024.”
Performance Based Research Fund, also known as PBRF, is a Tertiary Education Commission, performance-based grant
designed to support academic staff in their research pursuits and encourage excellent research in New Zealand’s degree
granting organizations.
ENDS