Research

Research underpins the credibility and effectiveness of strong educational organisations. At NMIT, we know we need to be at the leading edge of our subject fields, teaching valuable research skills to our ākonga and disseminating knowledge to all our stakeholders.

Evidence-based research allows us to continually improve all aspects of what we offer, by constantly gathering evidence to determine what works, ensuring continuous improvement.

Our research focus is to produce quality-assured, applied research and, wherever possible, collaborate with enterprises and our community to create economic and social impact.

We ensure that we build the academic robustness and credibility of our research, but retain our focus on what benefits our stakeholders.

Integrating research within our curriculum

Our degree courses include meaningful industry-focused research projects as an educational tool, which directly links our research efforts and our educational provision.

Research at NMIT is funded through internal investment, externally secured grants, contracts with industry, and Performance-based Research Funding (PBRF) from the Tertiary Education Commission. The aim of PBRF is to encourage and reward excellent quality research in the tertiary education sector.

NMIT participated in the 2018 PBRF round and will do so again in 2026, with the benefits of both additional research funding and a quality target to strive for.

Developing staff research capabilities and research portfolio

Many of NMIT's academic staff spread across our programme areas are involved in conducting research. Research is integrated into all aspects of the degree tutor role including performance, career progression, development and recruitment.

Meet the Research and Innovation Office

The Research & Innovation Office aims to support all research at NMIT.

We support research staff by providing time, a working environment conducive to research and by offering opportunities for funding and the development of research skills.

The Research and Innovation Office’s aim is to advance and support research capabilities and collaborations to facilitate equitable action-based outcomes that Te Tauihu Aotearoa needs now and for the future.

Dr Susannah Roddick - Director Academic & Teaching

Susannah Roddick is the Director Academic & Teaching and oversees the Research Office since 2023. She oversees research processes and procedures, and manages the Research Professors and Research Support Coordinator. The Innovation and Research office strives to foster a culture where our academics can thrive, and as a Manager, Susannah is committed to maintain this.

Susannah started as a tutor at NMIT seven years ago, and has been responsible for a number of Academic Departments, including Research. She is also currently Curriculum Director.

Read more about Susannah Roddick here(external link).

Dr Velma Vermaat - Team Lead Research and Support Coordinator

As the Team Lead Research and Support coordinator at NMIT, Velma provides leadership to the Research Team and oversees the systems that support quality research at NMIT, ensuring they remain effective and efficient.

In her role as Research Support Coordinator, she supports research-active kaimahi and coordinates key research processes, including internal funding rounds and research ethics procedures.

With her experience in research governance processes, including committees, quality assurance, and compliance requirements, she will also contribute to strengthening NMIT’s research systems and supporting continuous improvement in research activity across the institute.

“My current role at NMIT is a great combination of my experiences, where my technical skills and people-oriented approach come together,” she says.

Velma believes NMIT offers great opportunities and enjoys working with academics in different disciplines and working alongside staff and management to improve teaching and learning practice.

“I very much enjoy the collaboration and collegiality here.”

NMIT Research Professors

Our highly qualified staff members and experienced research professors mentor and assist other kaimahi with research.

Dr Kirsten Coppell - Research Professor

Kirsten Coppell

Associate Professor Kirsten Coppell is a specialist in public health medicine and has also trained and practised as a general practitioner in New Zealand and the UK. During her public health medicine training Kirsten became involved with diabetes quality of care improvement initiatives. She has undertaken diabetes and diabetes related research at Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research since it was established in 2003.

She has established the Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) network, a research group looking at dietary treatments and disease monitoring. In addition to research, Kirsten has contributed to national diabetes clinical guidelines. She is also a member of the National Diabetes Service Improvement Group, an executive member of the NZ Society for the Study of Diabetes, a steering committee member of the Gut Health Network, Health Research Council of NZ College of Experts member, and the NZ College of Public Health Medicine Training Programme Supervisor for the South Island.

Dr Ellen Cieraad - Research Professor

Ellen Cieraad

As a quantitative ecologist, Ellen contributes to varied research projects in New Zealand and around the world, which are centered around the impacts of human activities on biodiversity, including the effects of climate change, pesticide use, and light pollution. She studies how to minimise the effects that these human impacts have on interactions between species, and the services that nature provides to people (such as pollination).

Born in the Netherlands, Ellen came to New Zealand while studying biology. She was a Technician and later Research Scientist at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, before becoming an Assistant Professor in ecology and Director of Education at the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Recently, the lifestyle opportunities and natural environment in New Zealand have drawn her back. Read more about Ellen here.(external link)

Dr Eric Buenz - Research Professor

Eric Buenz

Dr Eric Buenz completed his Doctorate in Biomedical Science at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, his Master of Business Administration at the University of St. Thomas, and his Master of Agriculture at the University of the South Pacific in Samoa. He is an expert in natural products, immunology, neurology, drug discovery and business development. He has secured United States Food and Drug Administration Investigational New Drug status for novel compounds and directed the associated clinical trials for these compounds at Mayo Clinic.

Dr Buenz has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts, many in high-impact journals such as The British Medical Journal and Trends in Pharmacological Sciences; his work has also been covered in the popular press in publications such as The New York Times, The Economist, Wired, and The Scientist. He has a wide range of business management experience from successfully securing venture funding for start-up organisations, to serving on non-profit boards, advising governments and running departments of multinational firms.

Research at NMIT

Many of NMIT's academic staff are involved in conducting research. Most of the research at NMIT is focused on our degree and diploma programme areas. Key areas include: Aquaculture, Arts & Media, Business, Education, Environmental Ecology, Health & Fitness, Social Sciences, Technology, Tourism, Viticulture & Wine.

Our research tends to be more applied than theoretical, and tutors and students work on real-world projects to help disseminate information in the community where it can be useful. Our range of expertise in research is wide-ranging - everything from accounting to aquaculture. Our research connects with other institutions locally, nationally and internationally, contributing to developing evidence and guidance on global problems.

Need some research done?

We encourage you to get in contact to discuss how we may be able to assist with your research needs. There are many ways we can help - ranging from student projects to contract research. We can also assist with accessing government research funding. Please contact the Research Support Coordinator.