At NMIT, 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.
All researchers with research time allocation are expected to use these hours for research activities. At NMIT we have the expectation for each researcher to:
keep an up-to-date research plan (see overview of Research Plans below)
produce at least one Quality Assured output per year (see overview of outputs in 2025), or work towards this if they are a new or emerging researcher.
All kaimahi with research time are expected to prepare an annual research plan and keep it updated, with opportunities to review and provide feedback mid-year and at year’s end. The Curriculum Area Manager (CAM) approves these plans and offers feedback on progress.
In 2026, the research plan will have an additional field to provide a reference to how their planned or completed research contributes to teaching and learning. This change reflects recommendations from the 2025 Degree monitor process at NMIT. Similarly, the 2025 Degree monitoring process at NMIT has highlighted the need for tutors to explore opportunities for collaboration. In response to this recommendation, a team or programme area Research Plan is now introduced below. The addition of this Team Research Plan will be evaluated at the end of 2026.
Research is integrated into all aspects of the degree tutor role, including performance, career progression, development and recruitment.
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(external link) round and will do so again in 2026, with the benefits of both additional research funding and a quality target to strive for.
NMIT supports staff with research-related costs such as conference fees, travel, or contract services like research technicians or transcribers. The Research and Innovation Office run two Internal Research Funding rounds each year, withadditionalout-of-cycle applications considered. The Research Office ran a mid-year training session and provided an exemplar to clarify the application process. This led to stronger applications and more successful funding outcomes. Staff are also encouraged to seek external funding.
