Research grants
SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand) offers grants to support research projects in the sport and recreation sector.
The grants provide funding for research projects that will expand the knowledge and evidence base of the sector. The grants also support the development of dedicated sport and recreation researchers.
Changes to the SPARC Research Grant Programme
The SPARC Research Grant Programme was established in 2004.
The purpose of the programme was to primarily provide funding for research projects that would expand the knowledge and evidence base of the sector and also support the development of dedicated sport and recreation researchers.
Funding was allocated through two funding rounds per year. All submitted proposals per round were peer-reviewed by a panel of assessors (internal and external), with the final funding decisions being made by SPARC. Successful applicants received funding of up to $25,000 to conduct the proposed research project.
SPARC has recently reviewed the Research Grants Programme. The aim of the review was to identify ways to achieve better alignment between SPARC’s research investments and research needs and priorities.
Accordingly the SPARC Research Grants Programme is being re-designed, with key modifications including:
- Only one funding round per year instead of two
- Moving to more strategic research projects by identifying key priorities for SPARC and the sector
- Allowing for more targeted large projects to be funded, rather than an array of smaller projects
- Research topics invested in will be developed by SPARC based on key research themes that are aligned with identified strategic priorities.
The funding level will still be maintained at $200,000 per year.
The October 2008 funding was the last one carried out under the current format. A new research funding model and process is being finalised and will be announced in July 2009 with implementation anticipated by December 2009. When completed the new process will be posted on the SPARC website and information on this circulated to stakeholders.
Frequently asked questions
What was the purpose of the review?
The review was designed principally to determine whether the current process of awarding research grants is meeting research and priorities as identified by SPARC, and whether it contributes to SPARC best meeting its legislative obligations regarding sport and recreation research.
What is changing?
There will be a refinement of the current programme to better ensure a more co-ordinated, efficient and strategic approach to investing in sport and recreation research. The main changes are that:
- there will be one funding round per year rather than the current two
- the funding process will change from an open call for research proposals on any subject, to a call for projects that meet research priorities set by SPARC
- SPARC will publish its research priorities prior to the funding round
This change will be accompanied by implementation of a more specific process for identifying, scoping and setting research priorities, guided by SPARC strategic planning and including engagement with the sector.
Why is the change occurring?
This approach will better meet the research and information needs of SPARC and the sport and recreation sector. SPARC will develop a set of strategic research priorities, and the new process will ensure these research priorities are met using a more co-ordinated and efficient investment approach. Overall, it is anticipated that this will better align research resources with priority strategic and operational needs.
What does this mean for the sector?
The opportunity to obtain research funding will remain, but the process by which research is invested in will be modified to allow a more efficient, ‘best-spend’ approach. This will place more emphasis on topics of strategic national and regional significance. It is anticipated that this will result in more clearly defined priority research topics, which will give researchers the opportunity to put forward proposals that specifically meet significant research topics for the sport and recreation sector. This also will allow current and emerging researchers more opportunity to participate collaboratively in larger studies that have potentially greater ability to add to the sport and recreation sector evidence base, and to inform policy and planning.
How will this affect research funding levels?
It is anticipated that overall funding levels will remain at the current $200,000 level. However, because more strategically aligned topics will be favoured it is likely that fewer small localised projects will be funded. The current cap of $25,000 per project is likely to be removed and the level of financial investment will be aligned with the resources required for the approved projects. Greater funding leverage may be possible as strategic needs are more specifically identified across SPARC and externally, and that opportunities to draw from other funding sources may develop as a result.
How will the investment decision be made?
A modified assessment process and criteria are currently being developed by SPARC. Key stakeholders will be informed of specific details once finalised. It is anticipated that a SPARC research panel will make recommendations on which research projects should be accepted, and that final decisions will be made by senior SPARC managers on the advice of this panel, and peer reviewers as required.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Grant McLean by email at grant.mclean@sparc.org.nz
Updated | 30 Jun 2009.
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