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Funding Reforms

It's like getting your School Cert results. You don't know whether to laugh or cry.

So remarked one scientist recently on receiving notification of the funding results for her institution. While that person was successful, she was reluctant to show her delight -- the colleague sitting next to her was in shock, trying to figure out what a funding amount of $0.00 meant for his future.

This month is liable to be a tough one for the science community. The latest funding results and the end of the budgeted period for indemnified staff at the Crown Research Institutes mean an uncertain future for some.

It can be difficult finding out what has happened, let alone what is likely to happen. Even the personnel people at the various CRIs have difficulty in sorting out the changes over the last year, with problems distinguishing between indemnified staff, those declared surplus, early retirements and just plain redundancies. Most seem to feel that there have been only a few losses thus far, and are thankful for that.

One reason for the problem in getting such information is that it is politically sensitive. Comparisons have been made between the reforms in science and the health reforms. Some have been positive, emphasising increased efficiencies and better balance sheets; others have not been so complimentary. Workers in the health sector still have a degree of independence and debate continues, but it's disturbing to note that such debate is apparently not to be tolerated in the science scene.

I have heard of one researcher who made the mistake of mentioning concerns about the reforms' effects on science and scientists while in the presence of a Cabinet minister. Complaints about the comments were made to the head of the relevant CRI, who was told to keep his staff under control. Said staff member is now very firmly roped in. This wasn't an isolated incident, and I am told that memos are now circulating warning staff about the dangers of expressing their concerns outside any but secure official channels.

Silence, after all, implies consent.

Vicki Hyde is the editor of New Zealand Science Monthly.