Infectious Diseases Research Platform
The Infectious Diseases Research Platform (IDRP) is funded by the New Zealand Government to enable better preparedness and response to threats from infectious diseases.
A second phase of government investment into infectious diseases, building on the three year ($36 million) programme delivered through Te Niwha to 2026.
About the Infectious Diseases Research Platform
The Infectious Diseases Research Platform (IDRP) 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.
The Platform is 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.
Building on Te Niwha
The Platform builds on a programme of infectious diseases research delivered by Te Niwha. Find out about the Te Niwha programme.
An e-book on the research, capability-building and national collaboration delivered through Te Niwha was released in February 2026.
Download the e-book: Preparing and protecting New Zealand through research: Outcomes from Te Niwha Infectious Diseases Research Platform, 2022–2026.
IDRP transitional phase - February to July 2026
The first half of 2026 is a period of transition from Te Niwha and ensuring the IDRP is set up to meaningfully strengthen New Zealand's resilience to infectious diseases threats.
A key activity is preparing a Platform Plan for Government on how the $75 million in funding will be invested and managed. The plan:
- Is being drafted by a Transitional Advisory Group with input from groups selected to represent the infectious diseases and wider communities of interest.
- Will be submitted to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment by the end of April.
- contain details of areas of research focus and how applications will be commissioned and assessed.
Platform updates
Next steps
We recognise the strong interest in how research funding will be progressed in 2026 and beyond.
Alongside developing the Platform Plan, we are working on processes for commissioning research and collaborative activities during the transitional period.
We appreciate your patience and will share details as soon as we are able to.
Any questions, email idrp@phfscience.nz
Transitional Structure
A number of groups have been set up to help develop and provide feedback on the Platform Plan.
Transitional Advisory Group
Established to support development of the Platform Plan and ensure continuity from Te Niwha. Includes representatives from universities, public research organisations, clinicians and researchers
- (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)
- Dr 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.
Provides leadership on workforce development and capability uplift.
- (Chair) Mike Maze (University of Otago)
- Natalie Netzler (University of Auckland)
- Nick Douglas (University of Otago)
- Jemma Geoghegan (University of Otago)
- Rose Collis (AgResearch)
- Melissa Savage (AgResearch)
Transitional End User Group
Ensures the Platform Plan and funding priorities meet the needs, challenges, and realities of end users.
- (Chair) David Murdoch (PHF Science Chief Scientist)
- Mary van Andel (MPI Chief Veterinary Officer)
- Corina Grey (Health NZ Director of Public Health)
- Susan Jack (Te Whatu Ora, National Clinical Director Protection),
- Alan Pithie (Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Chief Medical Officer)
- Xaviour Walker (Ministry of Health Clinical Chief Advisor)
Transitional Research Excellence Group
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) Patricia Priest (University of Otago)
- Michelle Linterman (Malaghan Institute)
- Raukura Roa (Roa Limited)
- Joanna Hicks (Waikato University)
- Mark Thomas (University of Auckland)
- Tristram Ingham (University of Otago).
Transitional Oversight Group
Led by host PHF Science, ensures robust systems and policies.
- (Chair) Ashley Bloomfield (PHF Science Chief Executive)
- (Independent Deputy Chairs) Margie Apa, Steph Drabble (PHF Science Chief Financial Officer) and Kadia Turner (PHF Science Senior Legal Counsel)
- Lisa Tumahai (Deputy Chair Climate Change Commission)
- Patricia Priest (Chair of the Transitional Research Excellence Advisory Group)
Transitional Steering Group
Sets strategic direction and provide strategic advice on research priorities.
- (Chair) Paul Kelly (former Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Government)
- Martin Gagnon (Director, Research and Enterprise, University of Otago)
- Matire Harwood (Deputy Director, Māori & Pacific People’s Health Programme Lead, MRINZ)
- Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu (Pihopa o Te Tai Tokerau / Bishop of Northland)
- Nigel French (Massey University)
- Ian Town (Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Health)
- Trevor Drage (Manager, Strategic Investments MBIE)
Operational Team
- Director: Steve Barnes
- Programme manager: Kate Murphy
- Science manager: Dr Adrian Cookson
- Pouarataki Māori lead (.5): Wini Wilson
- Communications lead (.5): Kim Thomas
- Programme coordinator: Ella Garnham
BE READY European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness
The IDRP is providing funding for New Zealanders to collaborate and be part of international research as part of a European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness. Interested? Find out more here.
Stay connected
Stay connected
If you have questions or want to discuss future funding opportunities, please email idrp@phfscience.nz
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