WELLINGTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand formally launched three new science organizations on Tuesday in a sweeping reform aimed at boosting innovation, economic growth, and public wellbeing.
Effective immediately, six of the country's government-owned research institutes have merged to form two new entities -- the Bioeconomy Science Institute and the Earth Science Institute. In addition, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research will refocus its mission as the Public Health and Forensic Science Institute, said a government statement.
Science Minister Shane Reti said the move will sharpen New Zealand's research focus, encourage collaboration, and better align science with national priorities and commercial opportunities.
"These new organizations will be set up to deliver real-world value, creating jobs, boosting exports, and helping New Zealand compete globally," Reti said.
The new institutes will continue to be owned by the New Zealand government, but with a renewed mandate to generate real economic benefits for the country, according to the statement. ■