Massey University has been selected to host the Government's new Food Safety Science and Research Centre, and the University of Otago and other partners will contribute collaboratively.
Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew announced the decision last week and said Massey would receive $5 million to deliver food safety research. Massey had been chosen to host the centre by the Science Board after a range of proposals had been considered.
''New Zealand's food exports are dependent on a robust and internationally credible food safety system,'' Mr Joyce said.
''It is vital therefore that New Zealand is a visible leader in food safety science and research, and remains a producer of trusted, high-quality food products.''
The centre - which is expected to open in the middle of next year - was a key recommendation from the Government inquiry into Fonterra's contamination scare last year.
And the research grouping will be managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Otago's deputy vice-chancellor, research and enterprise, Prof Richard Blaikie, welcomed the announcement. Otago University was pleased the Government was taking a collegial nationwide approach, bringing together ''leading experts and organisations''.
And Otago was ''delighted to be working with Massey University and the other partners'' in the new centre.
Otago researchers in several disciplines, including marketing, food science and public health, were looking forward to ''contributing their world-class expertise to achieve nationally important results'', he said.
Massey University vice-chancellor Steve Maharey said a high level of collaboration with other institutions had been key to the Massey bid's success.
The centre would also be a partnership with AgResearch, the Cawthron Institute, Environmental Science and Research, Plant and Food Research, and Auckland University, Mr Maharey said.
