Research and Innovation Office to enhance research excellence

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11 September 2024

University news, Science and technology

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Frank Bloomfield.

A re-imagination of research support services has led to the creation of a new entity, the Research and Innovation Office, Te Puna Tiketike.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Frank Bloomfield said, "Our aim has been to ensure that all key research services sit together as a single, united team to support research excellence at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland."

He acknowledged the huge contributions of the Office of Research Strategy and Integrity (ORSI) and the teams in UniServices that have come together to form the Research and Innovation Office.

"Our professional research services staff have built a significant track record of success for the University, supporting research across the faculties and Large Scale Research Institutes (LSRIs). The goal is for the Research and Innovation Office is to work together with our researchers to build upon that success and achieve even greater outcomes for the University and our community," he said.

Change was required to address pain points revealed by the researcher journey mapping exercise that was undertaken in 2023, many of which related to multiple hand-offs between the University and UniServices, and to prepare the University for a period of significant change in the public research funding landscape.

In addition to this structural change, there is significant ongoing work to improve systems and processes that support the University's research enterprise.

Professor Bloomfield said, "The new name directly aligns with the Research and Innovation pillar in Taumata Teitei, the University's strategy, which aspires for the University to be a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship."

He said as the country's leading research institution, Waipapa Taumata Rau had a responsibility to address society's greatest challenges by ensuring the University made a positive difference to Aotearoa New Zealand and the world through world-class research, sparked by creativity and innovation.

"We want our researchers to feel empowered to do their very best, to be truly ambitious in what they set out to do."

He thanked the staff from the University and UniServices involved in the work to establish the Research and Innovation Office, Te Puna Tiketike.

About the name Te Puna Tiketike

Michael Steedman, Kaiarataki, the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori), gifted the name, Te Puna Tiketike and created a whakatauki, 'Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi / With your contribution and mine, the people will be vibrant'.

The name is accompanied by a mission statement for Te Puna Tiketike, metaphorically the source of sustenance to enable great actions.

"Our proud mountains stand as kaitiaki of ancient knowledge and embody the pride of our people. These maunga, lofty and steadfast, hold within them the sacred rivers that flow forth, carrying wisdom and vitality to enrich our communities.

"As we embark on our journey within Te Puna Tiketike, we are inspired by these powerful symbols. Te Puna Tiketike - where the sacred waters of knowledge and life force flow, connecting us to the land, the sea, and one another.

"We recognise that our collective contributions will uplift and enable our communities. Our office will act as the spring and source of sustenance.

"Together, and on behalf of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, we will provide stewardship to the University's Research and Innovation portfolio, enabling research that honours diverse knowledge systems, fosters meaningful connections, and enhances the impact on te ao Māori, Aotearoa, and the world."

Media contact: [email protected]

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