Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology researchers have been recognised by the Government's national ratings system, receiving 28 Quality Categories in the 2018 Performance-Based Research Fun Quality Evaluation.

This is the first time that Toi Ohomai has participated in the PBRF, which is administered by the Tertiary Education Commission to support and recognise research excellence in tertiary education sector.

Toi Ohomai researchers submitted research portfolios from a board range of disciplines, including science, business, creative arts, health, education and social sciences.

Council Chair Cathy Cooney says she is proud of the recognition awarded to Toi Ohomai researchers in their field of expertise, and receiving such a large number of Quality Categories was a testament to the high calibre of work.

'This is an excellent result for Toi Ohomai and showcases our commitment to quality research outcomes. As first-timers in PBRF, we really didn't know what to expect, so this is a wonderful result. Congratulations to all our researchers, and to all the teams who supported them.”

The Quality Evaluation requires individual researchers to submit evidence portfolios to TEC. The portfolios are rated by subject-specific expert panels and funding is awarded to those ranked as a Quality Category.

Chief Executive Dr Leon Fourie says the outcome is not just a good result for Toi Ohomai and its students, but also for Bay of Plenty and New Zealand.

'Quality research contributes to the social and economic wellbeing of all New Zealanders, and it is our intention to continue to make advances in key areas and disciplines that benefit our communities and the workplace.

'We were proud to take part in the PBRF Quality Evaluation for the first time, and this outcome is a positive step in ensuring this type of targeted real-impact research is encouraged. Our overall number of portfolios rated landed us in the middle of the 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics – it shows that as a new institution, Toi Ohomai is committed to growing a research culture,” says Leon.

In the 2018 Quality Evaluation, 36 Tertiary Education Organisations participated – more than ever before and up from 27 in 2012. The increase in participation from the institutes of technology and polytechnic sector demonstrates how research is growing in non-university tertiary education organisations.