The Elsevier Report Unveils New Zealand's Research Prowess

New Zealand's research landscape is capturing global attention, thanks to a comprehensive Elsevier report titled "New Zealand as a Science Nation." Released in September 2025, this analysis draws on vast Scopus and SciVal data spanning 2000 to 2025, highlighting how the country—home to just 0.07 percent of the world's population—delivers outsized scientific impact. Despite modest research and development (R&D) investment at 1.54 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, far below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average of 2.7 percent, New Zealand punches above its weight in scholarly outputs and citations.

The report evaluates over 150,000 New Zealand-authored articles, focusing on field-weighted citation impact (FWCI), a metric that normalizes citations by comparing a paper's citations to the world average for similar fields and publication years. An FWCI above 1.0 indicates above-average performance, and New Zealand's overall score of 1.58 means its research is cited 58 percent more frequently than the global benchmark. This positions the nation competitively among small advanced economies (SAEs) like Denmark, Finland, and Singapore.

Geographical isolation and limited funding have not hindered progress; instead, they have fostered unique strengths in areas vital to national priorities, such as environmental sustainability and biotechnology. As New Zealand undergoes science system reforms, including the merger of Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) into Public Research Organisations (PROs) in late 2025, the report serves as a critical baseline for policymakers, university leaders, and researchers.

Scholarly Outputs: Steady Growth Amid Global Challenges

New Zealand contributes 0.4 percent of global scholarly output, nearly six times its population share. Between 2020 and 2025, the country produced around 96,000 publications, reflecting 12 percent growth despite a 14 percent dip in recent years attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resilience contrasts with steeper declines in some peers.

The university sector dominates, accounting for 83 percent to 92 percent of outputs. Leading the pack is the University of Auckland with 29,000 publications (FWCI 1.86), followed by the University of Otago (18,000), Massey University (9,900), and the University of Canterbury (8,900). Auckland University of Technology (AUT) boasts the highest FWCI at 2.21, underscoring quality over quantity.

Open access publishing stands at 49.2 percent, boosted by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) policies since 2023, enhancing visibility and citations.

International Collaboration: New Zealand's Citation Booster

A staggering 63.1 percent of New Zealand's research involves international partners—far exceeding the world average of 22.3 percent, EU27's 45.2 percent, and nearing Australia's 61.2 percent. These collaborations yield an impressive FWCI of 1.91 to 1.99, nearly double the global norm.

Top partners include the United States (14 percent), United Kingdom (11 percent), Australia (7 percent), Germany, and China. Discipline-wise, mathematical sciences (73 percent) and agricultural/veterinary/food sciences (69 percent) lead in collaboration rates. This global engagement compensates for domestic limitations, amplifying impact through diverse expertise and networks.

Disciplinary Strengths: From Biotech to Marine Science

New Zealand excels in fields aligned with its unique ecology and economy. Biomedical and clinical health sciences comprise 17.68 percent of outputs, followed by biological sciences (9.72 percent), health sciences (9.70 percent), and engineering (9.57 percent). High FWCI shines in sustainability-related areas: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption, 2.21), SDG 3 (Good Health, 2.18), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger, 1.99).

Biotechnology ranks New Zealand 47th globally with a relative activity index (RAI) of 0.82 and FWCI 1.56, outperforming some SAEs. Marine science (SDG 14: Life Below Water) and terrestrial ecology (SDG 15) are standouts, leveraging the nation's vast ocean territory. However, artificial intelligence (AI, RAI 0.48) and clean energy (SDG 7) lag behind leaders like China and the US.

• Strengths: High-impact work in pollution, microplastics (Plant & Food Research CRI), and mātauranga Māori-integrated indigenous studies.
• Opportunities: Scaling AI and biotech through targeted investments.

Universities at the Heart of Research Excellence

New Zealand's eight universities drive the majority of high-citation research, with the University of Auckland alone representing a quarter of the nation's top 2 percent scientists per the 2025 Stanford-Elsevier list (292 researchers). Otago's Professor Christine Winterbourn tops rankings in her field, while Massey boasts over 70 in the global elite.

Recent QS World University Rankings 2026 affirm this: Auckland at 65th globally excels in citations per faculty (79.1 score), with all NZ universities in the top 30 percent worldwide. Victoria University of Wellington and Waikato rise in research metrics, emphasizing citations and international appeal.

For aspiring academics, these institutions offer vibrant environments. Explore university jobs in New Zealand or research positions to join this dynamic scene.

Policy Influence and Sustainable Development Goals

Practical impact is evident: 12.2 percent of articles (2015-2025) are cited in policy documents, triple the global 3.9 percent. NIWA (33.6 percent) and ESR (27.6 percent) CRIs lead, alongside universities like Lincoln (15 percent) and Otago (14 percent). Climate change and clinical health dominate.

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reaches 48-56 percent of output, surpassing global/EU averages (33 percent). Excellence in ocean (SDG 14) and land (SDG 15) sustainability reflects national priorities.

Challenges: Low Industry Ties and Funding Constraints

Despite strengths, hurdles persist. Academic-corporate co-publications are a mere 3.6 percent, the lowest among SAEs, limiting commercialization. Patent citations trail global norms (2.7 percent). R&D funding relies heavily on government (Crown), with business at 0.97 percent GDP.

CRIs faced financial woes pre-merger, and workforce shortages loom in emerging tech. Recent 2026 news echoes the report: while outputs shine, industry collaboration must grow for economic translation.Download the Elsevier PDF report for reform details.

Reforms and a Brighter Horizon

2025 reforms merge 11 CRIs into three PROs (e.g., Bioeconomy, Climate/Environment) and an Advanced Tech Institute, aiming for efficiency and cross-sector synergy. Universities like Auckland's Koi Tū Centre exemplify future-focused integration.

Vice Chancellor Dawn Freshwater notes: “Universities are committed to... international collaborations... to deliver world-leading outcomes.” With PROs operational by spring 2026, expect boosted outputs and impacts.

Career Implications: Thriving in Highly Cited Research

For researchers, New Zealand offers high-impact opportunities amid global recognition. Top 2 percent lists spotlight stars from Auckland, Otago, and Massey, signaling demand for talent in biotech, marine science, and health.

• Postdocs: High FWCI environments accelerate careers.
• Faculty: Check higher ed faculty jobs.
• Advice: Craft a winning academic CV.

Rate professors via Rate My Professor or explore career advice.

Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: New Zealand's Scientific Future

The Elsevier report paints an optimistic picture: leverage collaborations, invest in key technologies, and integrate indigenous knowledge for differentiation. As reforms unfold, New Zealand's highly cited research will likely elevate further, benefiting universities, economy, and global challenges.

Researchers eyeing NZ: Visit NZ academic jobs, higher ed jobs, research jobs, or rate your experience. Stay informed via higher ed career advice.