Scientist blames bureaucracy for loss of research institute jobs

"Capricious and unfathomable" decisions by the Government science funder and competition for grants contributed to financial problems at a state-owned research institute, a scientist says.

Dr David Haywood has hit out at the science funding system after it was announced last week that 41 staff at the state-owned Industrial Research Ltd (IRL), where he works, would be made redundant.

On the "Public Address" website Dr Haywood said the "disintegration" of IRL highlighted a contestable funding system that required a "staggering" amount of scientists' time. The bureaucracy meant it "virtually" cost more to apply for funding than the funding was worth.

Before email, IRL hired a six-tonne truck to deliver funding applications to the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. "The red tape is almost unimaginable," he wrote.

In a cost-cutting move, IRL is centralising research in Wellington, leaving only office staff in Christchurch and Auckland. It made a $5 million loss last year.

Dr Haywood told the Herald his research into ocean wave energy was funded for another year but whether he stayed in Christchurch or had to move to Wellington was "all up in the air".

The 36-year-old energy researcher said it was likely he would be forced overseas.

"Either I will have to move overseas or move out of science." He had a "two body" problem because his wife was also a scientist.

IRL is one of nine Crown-owned research institutes. It conducts research for industry.