Academic research

Research is an integral and vital part of the teaching and learning provided by Open Polytechnic. In general, our research is applied and underpins our degree programmes. We have a focus on investigating open and distance learning paradigms and are involved in joint research projects with other polytechnics, universities, industry and professional organisations.

Academic staff in the three schools conduct most of the research, although the E-learning Office, Learning Support Centre and library staff also participate in research. We provide internal funding for appropriate proposals and also regularly apply for external funding support. We have been awarded a number of grants.

The Open Polytechnic Research Strategy 2010–2013 outlines our approach to research, how we manage it and the outputs that are produced.

ODL eBook
Recent working papers
Collaborative research with external providers

Performance-Based Research Fund

The Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF) aims to ensure that excellent research in the tertiary sector is encouraged and rewarded. The research performance of the staff of a tertiary institution is assessed and then funded on the basis of performance.

As a leading research organisation within the polytechnic sector, Open Polytechnic successfully participated in the 2006 PBRF round and is currently preparing for the 2012 round.

Research Committee

The Research Committee is responsible for fostering a culture of research within Open Polytechnic in support of teaching and learning.

It is chaired by the Executive Director Faculty and gives final approval for research projects and allocates internal resources for research.

For more information, contact the Executive Secretary.

The Research Committee has two associated committees - the Ethics Committee and the Research Publications Committee.

Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee reports directly to the Academic Board and is charged with ensuring that research conducted by Open Polytechnic staff meets agreed ethical guidelines where human or animal subjects are used and where the over-riding ethic is to do no harm.

The committee also ensures that research involving Māori gives due consideration to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

For more information about the Ethics Committee, please contact the Executive Secretary.

Māori research

Research papers concerning Māori issues can be accessed from the Open Polytechnic Repository.

Annual research reports

Open Polytechnic maintains an active research programme, which is supported by development and training for our academic staff.

We publish our research and provide profiles of our leading researchers annually.