NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – New Zealand will give the nation’s genomics research infrastructure a “shot in the arm” with funding of NZ$40 million (US$26.3 million) for a genomics consortium led by the University of Otago.
The nation’s Research Science and Technology Ministry has pledged the funding to the New Zealand Genomics Limited consortium, which includes the University of Otago, Massey University, the University of Auckland, and AgResearch. The venture is wholly owned by the University of Otago and will support all privately and publicly funded genomics research in the country.
RS&T Minister Pete Hodgson said that the funding, which will be spread out over nine years, will “provide a significant and much needed step-up in genomic research.”
The new funds will go to support new gene sequencing and bioinformatics tools, as well as recruiting new staff. The genomics programs will include research in medicine and health, agriculture, and environmental protection.