Unlocking Curious Minds

An update on the 2021 Unlocking Curious Minds Investment Round

After careful consideration MBIE has decided to defer Unlocking Curious Minds for 2021. This means that we won’t be running the normal call for proposals round for projects for 2021. This will be disappointing to many organisations who may be starting to develop new ideas. While investment is paused we will consider how Unlocking Curious Minds best supports New Zealanders to experience and connect with science and technology. In the meantime funding will be used to support other priorities within the broader Curious Minds portfolio.

We now better understand the impacts of COVID-19 on the science sector and organisational priorities. We’re working closely with organisations to make sure that the funding and support we provide is fit for purpose in the current environment

For many of our current projects, their work has stalled or been delayed as a result of COVID-19. We want to give those project teams an opportunity to fully plan, execute and evaluate their projects before continuing with this investment.

For currently funded projects, an extension on the timeframes for progress reports and delivery can be applied for by emailing curiousminds@mbie.govt.nz.

MBIE is committed to supporting science and creating A Nation of Curious Minds and we are working on the best ways to support science engagement activities in the future before announcing future funding opportunities.

What is Unlocking Curious Minds?

Unlocking Curious Minds is a contestable fund that supports innovative, quality projects which provide more New Zealanders with opportunities to learn about and engage with science and technology.

People who already have some previous science and technology experience are usually easier to engage than people who have none. Therefore, the challenge is to reach and inspire a broader base of New Zealanders through initiatives that bring science and technology to audiences that have less opportunity to learn about and engage with science and technology.

Unlocking Curious Minds supports projects that enhance or broaden the connection and engagement of 'hard to reach' New Zealanders by:

supporting education and community outreach initiatives that focus on science and technology
broadening participants’ ability to engage with science and technology
promoting the relevance of science and technology in their lives
encouraging engagement in societal debate about science and technology issues facing the country.

The fund supports the entire strategic plan to encourage and support all New Zealanders to engage with science and technology.