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. To accomplish this, NMIT has many systems and processes in place to support kaimahi to carry out research.
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,
produce at least one Quality Assured output per year, or work towards this if they are a new or emerging researcher.
Our degree courses include meaningful industry-focused research projects as an educational tool, which directly links our research efforts and our educational provision.
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 the mentors offer feedback on progress.
The research plans include a field to provide a reference to how their planned or completed research contributes to teaching and learning. During the 2025 Degree monitoring process at NMIT has highlighted the need for tutors to explore opportunities for collaboration. In response to this recommendation, the development of Team Research Plan has been introduced.
Research at NMIT is funded through internal investment, externally secured grants, contracts with industry, and external funding from the Tertiary Education Commission (TREF(external link)).
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. Staff are also encouraged to seek external funding.
