CRI Data Science Leads Response to Te Ara Paerangi

We feel that Data Science is not prioritised in our current research model, and the current consultation process has not sufficiently addressed the importance of Data Science for fast-tracking, and delivering impact from, Aotearoa/New Zealand’s research. Data underpins all research carried out in Aotearoa/New Zealand and supporting those that work with data is imperative. The current model limits the potential of researchers to bring cutting-edge solutions to the problems faced by Aotearoa/New Zealand. The result of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s current research funding model is that Data Science has been regarded as supporting science and research, rather than a field in its own right. We feel that a national strategy is needed to grow Data Science into a world-class field by supporting infrastructure, capability and best practices in security, diversity inclusion and process design.