Scientists left 'homeless' after government's job cuts, advocates say
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Government job cuts have left hundreds of scientists unemployed, with some becoming homeless and suicidal, according to the Save Science Coalition. The coalition is calling for increased science funding to 2% of GDP.
Hundreds of scientists in New Zealand have lost their jobs due to government cuts since the 2023 election, with some becoming homeless and suicidal. The Save Science Coalition reports around 700 job losses and the withdrawal of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. Unemployed scientist Andrea Bubendorfer witnessed colleagues taking massive pay cuts and struggling to find work. Some have left the country to find employment overseas. The coalition is calling for science funding to be increased to 2% of GDP, with at least 0.6% for public science. Currently, New Zealand spends around 1.4% on science and research, below the OECD benchmark of 3%. The coalition also wants legislation to recognize the public good of scientific research.
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