Being named as a key partner in one of the Government's multimillion-dollar National Science Challenges highlights the University of Otago's ''extensive strengths'' in Antarctic science and related research.
University research and enterprise deputy vice-chancellor Prof Richard Blaikie said a ''strong involvement'' in the Government's Deep South Challenge reflected the world-class contributions Otago researchers were making in polar and Southern Ocean research.
The partnership would draw on the university's strengths not only in Antarctic science but also in oceanography, climate processes and related research. Its involvement also showed Otago was a ''leading research university'' in New Zealand polar studies.
The $24 million funding approved for the challenge was subject to the finalisation of contract conditions, a Government spokesman said.
Total funding available for the Deep South Challenge was up to $88.1 million over 10 years, including core funding of up to $37 million for work aligned to the challenge, the spokesman said.
It is understood Otago is likely to receive multimillion-dollar funding through the 10-year arrangement.
Contract arrangements were likely to be finalised over the next two months and details of respective projects to be undertaken would be clarified by late this year or early next year, a University spokesman said.
Prof Blaikie said the partnership would bring ''significant funding'' and allow Otago scientists ''across a variety of disciplines'' to undertake further research.
It was strategically important to clarify the likely nature and effects of future climate change in New Zealand, including on the country's important agricultural sector, he said.
The Deep South research would help clarify those risks, he said.
The Government announced this week the Deep South Challenge would be hosted by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) and conducted by researchers from seven organisations including Victoria University of Wellington, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute, Antarctica New Zealand, GNS Science, Landcare Research, and Otago University.
New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute director Prof Gary Wilson works in the Otago University marine science department.