The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) was formerly named The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa

Funded by the New Zealand Government to enable better preparedness and response to threats from infectious diseases; building on a three-year programme delivered through Te Niwha.

Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa Logo

About Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa

Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa will boost New Zealand’s resilience to infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness by overseeing a Government investment of $75 million over seven and a half years.

Hosted by the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science). It supports research to:

  • Strengthen national pandemic preparedness and response, including surge science capability.
  • Reduce the health, social and economic impacts of future infectious disease outbreaks.
  • Build a strategic, integrated and agile infectious diseases research system.
  • Enable breakthroughs.

All mahi is guided by Te Kawenata, which provides the foundation for working across disciplines, institutions, sectors, and communities.

Kawenata

Building on Te Niwha

2026: The transitional phase

2026 involves:

  • Transitioning from Te Niwha.
  • Ensuring we are well set-up to strengthen New Zealand's resilience to infectious diseases threats.

A key activity has been preparing a Platform Plan for Government on how the $75 million in funding will be invested and managed. 

We started life as the Infectious Diseases Research Platform but developed a new name and logo. 

  • Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa reflects we are working in the interests of the whole country and its researchers and distinguishes us globally. 
  • The logo reflects interconnected research and collaboration; a New Zealand cultural reference; and disease networks and transmission. The teal represents health, wellbeing, science and trust as well as being reflective of New Zealand's whenua and moana. The woven bowl shape was intended to suggest the holding, gathering, and protecting of knowledge. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa (IDRA)?

A national research investment funded by the New Zealand Government to strengthen resilience to infectious disease threats and pandemic preparedness. It is hosted by the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) and has independent assurance structures. 

How does IDRA relate to Te Niwha?

Te Niwha was the first stage of national investment infectious diseases research. It established strong networks and capability. The current investment in IDRA continues this, along with a refreshed version of its Kawenata (Charter), which grounds the way we will work and our expectations for those we work with. IDRA has a longer timeframe, larger investment, and broader role in coordinating research and preparedness than Te Niwha.

What is PHF Science’s role?

PHF Science hosts IDRA and provides operational support. IDRA operates under independent assurance arrangements and commissioning processes designed to ensure research investment decisions are transparent, fair, and aligned with its objectives and funding requirements. 

What is happening in 2026?

This is a transition period when we prepared a Platform Plan for Government that sets out proposed research priority areas, investment priorities, governance arrangements, and processes for commissioning and assessing research.  

The Platform Plan was approved by MBIE in October. The next phase is commissioning of research, workforce development, and capability-building activities. 

When will research funding begin?

In the later part of 2026 a small number of projects (‘Horizon Transition’ projects) will be commissioned that retain critical capability from Te Niwha and address important sector gaps or issues. We will also support some PhD and post doctorate students as well as activities to support continued collaboration. 

We expect to begin commissioning the first major research projects in early 2027. Broader commissioned and targeted open-call funding will scale up from 2027 onward, with targeted open calls becoming more prominent from late 2028.

What are the priority research areas?

We have four Research Priority Areas: 

  1. Infectious diseases of importance to New Zealand and the region.

  2. Threats at our doorstep. 

  1. Ensuring effective interventions.

  2. Delivering a coordinated, responsive and impactful research system. 

How were research priorities decided?

Research priorities were informed by strategic priorities identified by MBIE and guided by national need, evidence gaps, end-user requirements, and emerging risks. The Priority Areas were developed with advice from advisory groups and governance bodies in a planned process of engagement. 

Will funding be available for capability building?

Capability building is an important part of IDRA. This will include activities that:  

  • grow the infectious diseases research workforce,  

  • support emerging leaders,  

  • strengthen national networks,  

  • build surge capacity, and  

  • improve connections between research, policy, public health, clinical practice, communities, and other end users. 

How much money will be spent on research per year?

The Platform Plan assumes research investment of approximately $10 million per year from 2027, which reflects the total funding commitment of $75 million over 7.5 years. Final funding profiles remain subject to ongoing investment decisions 

IDRA will likely invest in a small number of ‘mission-led’ multi-organisation commissioned projects rather than many individual projects. 

Will research be funded through open calls or direct commissioning?

Both approaches will be used. Directed commissioning will be used where a need is clearly defined, specific expertise is required, continuity is important, or rapid mobilisation is needed. Targeted or more open calls will be used to invite proposals within defined priority areas and bring in new ideas and capability. Open calls will be shaped around specific research questions that align with priorities. 

How will research proposals be assessed?

In line with protocols laid out in the Platform Plan and used in assessing the Horizons Transition 2026 projects stemming from Te Niwha, research will be assessed through a structured process that considers:  

  • alignment with Platform priorities 

  • scientific and cultural excellence  

  • equity  

  • feasibility 

  • contribution to national capability, and  

  • likely impact.  

Assessment processes will include independent experts, those with appropriate Māori cultural expertise, end-user and sector perspectives, and Platform leadership.  

If you want detailed assessment processes and panel arrangements, email idra@phfscience.nz.  

How will Māori and Pacific priorities be reflected?

Research will be expected to embed equity, partnership, and cultural grounding. Vision Mātauranga and kaupapa Māori excellence will inform commissioning and assessment, with kaupapa Māori excellence assessed by practitioners with appropriate cultural authority and expertise.  

Pacific capability and partnerships will be strengthened through co-designed work and culturally responsive practice. 

How will end users influence funding?

Commissioning will be informed by engagement with public health agencies, healthcare providers, Māori and Pacific partners, communities, and other stakeholders.  

End user perspectives will help ensure funded research addresses real world needs and produces outputs that can be readily applied in policy, practice, and decision making. 

Transitional Structure

A number of groups were set up to help develop and provide feedback on the Platform Plan. A formal structure will be implemented from 2027 and we will update the website to reflect these once confirmed.

Transitional Advisory Group 2026

Established to support development of the Platform Plan and ensure continuity from Te Niwha. 

  • (Chair) Professor David Murdoch (PHF Science Chief Scientist)
  • Associate Professor Emma Best (University of Auckland + Starship Hospital)
  • Dr Max Bloomfield (Awanui Labs + Health NZ, Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley)
  • Dr Rose Collis (Bioeconomy Science Institute)
  • Dr Mae David (University of Auckland + General Practitioner)
  • Dr Nick Douglas (University of Otago + Health NZ, Waitaha + Menzies School of Health Research, Australia)
  • Professor Jemma Geoghegan (University of Otago)
  • Professor David Hayman (Massey University)
  • Dr Tom Hills (NZMRINZ + Health NZ)
  • Dr Sarah Jefferies (PHF Science)
  • Associate Professor Mike Maze (University of Otago + Health NZ)
  • Dr Natalie Netzler (Auckland of Auckland)
  • Professor Colin Simpson (University of Auckland)
  • Glenda Raumati (Ngāmiro Health, Turangawaewae Marae)
Transitional Advisory Group: Capability and Capacity Sub-Committee. 2026

Provides leadership on workforce development and capability uplift. 

  • (Chair) Associate Professor Mike Maze (University of Otago)
  • Dr Natalie Netzler (University of Auckland)
  • Dr Nick Douglas (University of Otago)
  • Professor Jemma Geoghegan (University of Otago)
  • Dr Rose Collis (AgResearch)
  • Dr Melissa Savage (AgResearch)
Transitional End User Group 2026

Ensures the Platform Plan and funding priorities meet the needs, challenges, and realities of end users.

  • (Chair) Professor David Murdoch (PHF Science Chief Scientist)
  • Dr Mary van Andel (MPI Chief Veterinary Officer)
  • Dr Corina Grey (Health NZ Director of Public Health)
  • Dr Susan Jack (Te Whatu Ora, National Clinical Director Protection),
  • Dr Alan Pithie (Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Chief Medical Officer)
  • Dr Xaviour Walker (Ministry of Health Clinical Chief Advisor)
Transitional Research Excellence Group 2026

Provides independent, expert advice on research and science excellence to ensure the Platform commissions and delivers rigorous, credible and impactful research that aligns with national priorities and community needs.

  • (Chair) Professor Patricia Priest (University of Otago)
  • Dr Michelle Linterman (Malaghan Institute)
  • Dr Raukura Roa (Roa Limited)
  • Dr Joanna Hicks (Waikato University)
  • Associate Professor Mark Thomas (University of Auckland)
  • Professor Tristram Ingham (University of Otago).
Transitional Oversight Group 2026

Led by host PHF Science, ensures robust systems and policies.

  • (Chair) Sir Ashley Bloomfield (PHF Science Chief Executive)
  • (Independent Deputy Chair) Margie Apa
  • Steph Drabble (PHF Science Chief Financial Officer)
  • Kadia Turner (PHF Science Senior Legal Counsel)
  • Lisa Tumahai (Deputy Chair Climate Change Commission)
  • Professor Patricia Priest (Chair of the Transitional Research Excellence Advisory Group) 
Transitional Steering Group 2026

Sets strategic direction and provide strategic advice on research priorities.

  • (Chair) Dr Paul Kelly (former Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Government)
  • Dr Martin Gagnon (Director, Research and Enterprise, University of Otago)
  • Professor Matire Harwood (Deputy Director, Māori & Pacific People’s Health Programme Lead, MRINZ)
  • Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu (Pihopa o Te Tai Tokerau / Bishop of Northland)
  • Professor Nigel French (Massey University)
  • Professor Ian Town (Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Health)
  • Dr Trevor Drage (Manager, Strategic Investments MBIE)
Operational Team
  • Director: Steve Barnes
  • Science Manager: Dr Adrian Cookson
  • Programme manager: Jodi Van Dyk 
  • Pouarataki Māori lead (.5): Wini Wilson
  • Communications lead (.5): Kim Thomas
  • Programme coordinator: Ella Garnham

Stay connected

Stay connected

If you have questions or want to discuss future funding opportunities, please email idra@phfscience.nz

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