A new collaboration between the scientists of three universities and the country's largest public research institute, AgResearch, aims to improve New Zealand's ability to study genetic data.
The collaboration, led by the University of Otago, will enable scientists to examine more swiftly and efficiently the structure and function of thousands of genes at a time.
Research, Science and Technology Minister Pete Hodgson says the move is important if New Zealand is to keep pace with the speed at which genetic information is being processed.
Mr Hodgson says the government will spend $40 million over 9 years to ensure genetic research in New Zealand in areas such as agriculture, medicine and health, keeps pace with international advances.
