Request for Research Project Proposal | Ako Aotearoa Research and Innovation Agenda – Contestable Funding Round 2024

This request for proposals seeks to contribute to systems change for the tertiary education sector and more equitable learner outcomes by inviting proposals for innovative, ako centred projects. We are interested in potential solutions, improved ākonga and kaiako support mechanisms and teaching and learning strategies and programmes that contribute to:

• equitable outcomes for Māori, Pacific and disabled ākonga
• a response to current global and local issues of import e.g. climate change, technological advances for instance A.I. and online learning
• improved systems and processes to support best practice tertiary education that focus on whole of organisational leadership and change to deliver the outcomes above, including organisational culture and design, the use of data to support planning and action and review, and the connection between the organisation and its wider partners (such as iwi, industry and community).

Ako Aotearoa is seeking proposals that align with our 2024 AARIA Priorities (detailed below).

Value: $10,000 - $50,000 over the term of the contract
Duration: 5 months – 12 months
Total funding pool: $298,400

Download the Request for Research Project Proposals

Key Dates

The funding round opens Tuesday 16 April 2024

The funding process includes two phases:

• Phase one | Registration – Closes 5pm, Tuesday 14 May 2024 
  Email Dr. Marvin Hao Wu (marvin.wu@ako.ac.nz) and notify your intent to apply in order to receive updates in relation to this fund.
  The following details are required: Project contact person (First Name, Last Name); Institution name; Email address; Telephone number; Proposed research proposal title.
  
  
• Phase two | Full Proposal – Closes 5pm, Friday 14 June 2024 
  Submit your completed Proposal Form and NZ Standard CV Template by email to Dr. Marvin Hao Wu (marvin.wu@ako.ac.nz).

Applications are required to be received on or before the deadline: 5pm, Friday 14 June 2024.

Applicants will receive an email acknowledging that their proposal has been received.

If you have not received an email by the Full Proposal deadline, please email marvin.wu@ako.ac.nz or phone +64 9 213 6238 ext. 43238.

Read the 2024 AARIA Workplan for further information. 

Please feel free to contact Dr. Marvin Hao Wu (marvin.wu@ako.ac.nz) if you have any questions.

2024 AARIA Priorities

We expect all applicants to align their research proposals with all of our four broader priorities, and at least with one of our targeted priorities, which are a key factor in our selection criteria. We encourage combining several targeted priorities into one research project.

Ako Aotearoa 2024 Broader Priorities

• Ōritetanga (Equity) | Achieving system-wide equity for all ākonga, including Māori, Pacific, neurodiverse, disabled, youth, and learners from low-income backgrounds.
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) | Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through tertiary education, including Te Reo provision, Kaupapa Māori education, Mātauranga Māori provision.
• Auaha (Innovation) | Responding to changes in education, especially developments in technology (eg: Artificial Intelligence), innovative and flexible programmes which can support the immediate needs of ākonga, tertiary education system such as Te Pūkenga and the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE), and work-based learning.
• Hua Akoranga (Learner Outcomes) | Education and training that delivers for all learners, including supporting work readiness of all learners, online and distance learning options meets the needs of all learners, providing learning opportunities for people who wish to change careers.

Ako Aotearoa 2024 Targeted Priorities

• Neurodiversity
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi)
• Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge)
• Pacific Cultures
• Leadership and Management Training
• Reflective Practice
• Artificial Intelligence
• Education Technology

Eligibility

Applications must:

1. Be made by an Aotearoa New Zealand-based tertiary education organisation (TEO)[1] or a New Zealand citizen / resident employed by an Aotearoa New Zealand-based TEO.
2. Be for research or related activities, the majority of which are to be undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand.
3. Research and related activities are required to completely focus on Aotearoa New Zealand tertiary education. Proposals targeting on the compulsory sector (eg: secondary schools) are not eligible, even if the proposed research result can contribute to tertiary education.

[1] Definition: https://www.tec.govt.nz/teo/working-with-teos/about-teos/

Selection

Ako Aotearoa and our own independent Board will make the funding decisions based on the quality and creativity of the research content.

We expect all applicants to align their research proposals with all of our four broader priorities, and at least with one of our targeted priorities, which are a key factor in our selection criteria. We encourage combining several targeted priorities into one research project.

Our Broader priorities are high-level funding priorities that bring together the strategic aims of Ako Aotearoa. Our Targeted priorities identify specific areas of research, learning, and teaching provision that we want to see growth or change in the year ahead. 

Nevertheless, we consider quality research outcomes above all and will consider provision outside targeted priority areas if it meets the broader priorities, and there is sufficient evidence of stakeholder demand.

For more information, please refer to the following Supporting Documents:

• AARIA Presentation: 'Funding Change Projects in the Tertiary Education Sector' by Dr Marvin Hao Wu.