In recent years there has been an overall lack of a clear and cohesive research funding policy for higher education which poses real risks in Australia's ability to sustain research excellence and is likely to lead to a decline in Australia's research performance at the international level. This could well lead to a decline in the reputation of…

This paper describes why freedom of information (FOI) is important to scientists, the restrictions which the Official Secrets Act of 1951 places upon release of information by public officials in New Zealand, reasons for covert official resistance to FOI as suggested by information science literature, and how changes in the economic management of…

Recent changes in the New Zealand government's research funding system are discussed, and the resulting system is detailed. Remaining structural problems, some of which are seen as constraining progress toward government priorities, are identified and likely solutions and trends indicated. (Author/MSE)