| Who applies?
ITPs, PTEs, Universities, Wānanga
| Fund focus:
Capability funding, Research
|
| Status:
Ongoing
| Agreed through?
Investment Plan (on Plan)
|
The primary purpose of the Performance-Based research fund (PBRF[1]) is to ensure that excellent research in the tertiary education sector is encouraged and rewarded. This entails assessing the research performance of TEOs[2] and then funding them on the basis of their performance. Since 2011 the PBRF has been a stand-alone fund.
The PBRF is accessed by universities, ITPs, wānanga and PTEs. The 2012 Quality Evaluation is now underway.
The size of the PBRF funding pool is determined by government through its annual Budget.
PBRF funding is agreed through the Investment Plan. Delivery of the Plan is monitored by the TEC.
The funding period for the PBRF is the calendar year from 1 January to 31 December and is calculated using an established formula.
The PBRF model has three elements:
- Quality Evaluation: to reward and encourage the quality of researchers—60 percent of the fund
- Research Degree Completions: to reflect research degree completions—25 percent of the fund
- External Research Income: to reflect external research income—15 percent of fund.
Quality Evaluation
The first element is an assessment of the research performance of staff at eligible TEOs by expert peer review panels. It is held periodically - the initial round was completed in 2003 and a second, partial round in 2006. The next full round of quality evaluation is currently underway.
Research Degree Completion
The second element is a yearly measurement of the number of PBRF eligible postgraduate research-based degrees completed at participating TEOs.
External Research Income
The third element is a yearly measurement of the amount of income received by participating TEOs from external sources for research purposes.
Any TEO that receives funding must abide by a number of rules and conditions. Access to PBRF funding will be considered in accordance with government policy (as directed by the Minister’s determination under section 159L of the Education Act 1989), the Tertiary Education Strategy, and in response to performance.