Research is an integral part of the teaching and learning provided by Open Polytechnic.
In general, our research is applied and/or focussed on real-world problems and underpins our degree programmes. We also investigate open, distance and flexible learning (ODFL) paradigms to support course and programme delivery and to expand knowledge of distance education. We have collaborative research relationships with other polytechnics, as well as industry, stakeholders, communities, universities, and professional associations in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Our researchers also make significant contribution to the research environment more widely, including as editors of professional journals, reviewers, doctoral supervisors,
Key research strengths lie in initial teacher education (early childcare, primary and secondary education); business and accounting; and engineering and the built environment.
Research at Open Polytechnic
Most of our research is conducted by our academic kaimahi (staff). We support their research through the provision of internal funding, mentoring, and research training and professional development. This is managed by a dedicated Research Office.
Research outputs and contributions by kaimahi were provided as an appendix to the Annual Report from 2012-2022. Since 2023, the Annual Research Report has again been a stand-alone report (see links below).
Research Office
The Research Office oversees all research matters at the Open Polytechnic, and is headed by the Research Development Leader, Dr Amanda Cossham. The Research Office coordinates:
- funding applications (external and internal)
- research contracts, budgeting and MOUs
- relationships with external research organisations
- PBRF (2006, 2012, 2018)
- research development and training for academic staff
- research reporting.
For more information contact the Research Office.
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee reports to the Academic Board. It helps to ensure 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.
It also ensures that research gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the collection and management of research data.
The Ethics Committee is responsible for approving any research that includes use of kaimahi (staff) or ākonga (learners) of the Open Polytechnic and the use of unpublished Open Polytechnic learner data for research.
The Committee is chaired by an external senior academic. For more information about the Ethics Committee or to apply to use Open Polytechnic staff or learner and/or use of unpublished Open Polytechnic learner data for research contact the Committee Secretary via the Research Office.
Ethics resources for students can be found here.
Research resources for students currently studying with us can be found via the Library page.
Research Committee
The Research Committee reports to the Academic Board. It is responsible for fostering a culture of research within Open Polytechnic to support teaching and learning. It is chaired by the Research Development Leader, and members are drawn from academic staff, senior management, and academic management. Like the Ethics Committee, it includes a Māori representative and a Pasifika representative. It also:
- oversees the research strategy
- fosters a culture of research in support of learning
- allocates internal funding for research
- develops research-related policies and guidelines.
For more information, contact the Committee Secretary via the Research Office.
Research Repository
Open Polytechnic's Research Repository is overseen by our Library and Learning Centre. The repository is an institutional-based digital repository for publications and other research outputs, and covers a wide range of subjects and disciplines.
Where permitted, it holds the full text of peer-reviewed published articles and conference papers, book chapters, theses, and other forms of written research from Open Polytechnic academic staff.