The Juncture Research Fund (JRF) 2026 is open for applications until 17 October 2025. We invite applications for collaborative, impactful research projects. There is no upper limit to the funding you may apply for, and projects may be funded for up to three years.
Projects should challenge core assumptions about business and capitalism and explore how they can evolve to enhance the wellbeing of people and planet.
This fund supports members of academic staff employed by the University of Auckland Business School.
Key Milestones
- Please register your interest by email to Billie at juncture-ic-centre@auckland.ac.nz
- Full proposals: Due to Disciplinary Area Leads and Heads of Departments by 3 October 2025
- Final submission by 17 October 2025
- Applicants will be informed of the outcome by late November
What’s new this year?
- No funding cap
- Strong encouragement for external partnerships
- Extended project duration (up to 3 years)
N.B. We hope to also receive applications for shorter-term and lower budget projects!
Next steps:
- Read through the Guidelines and application form (PDF) or Guidelines and application form (Word doc)
- Register your interest and meet with Billie for an informal kōrero about your proposal idea
A series of research events will form part of the JRF 2026 process. See below for further details and how to register.
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Upcoming research workshops and events
Ideation and development workshop – 7 August
We invite nascent teams and individuals to a workshop to develop project ideas for the JRF 2026 call, which seeks collaborative, impactful research projects that challenge core assumptions about business and capitalism and explore how these can evolve to enhance the wellbeing of people and planet.
Streams:
- Artificial Intelligence & inclusive futures (exploring how AI could transform or disrupt capitalism and well-being)
- Open stream on inclusive capitalism (broad projects interrogating or reimagining capitalism)
- Māori business and inclusive capitalism
Date: Thursday 7 August, 9 – 11am
Venue: Room 206
Register by emailing Juncture
Project development drop-in sessions – 25 & 26 August
Do you have a research idea you’d like to strengthen before submitting your Expression of Interest? Join us for a supportive drop-in session with senior researchers.
Date: Monday 25 & 26 August 11am-1pm Bookable in 20-min slots
Venue: Toroa Collab Lounge
Meet with: Juncture Team + invited senior mentors
Focus:
- Team composition
- Research framing for impact
- Scoping realism
Transdisciplinary matchmaking – ongoing by appointment
If your proposal would benefit from perspectives outside your discipline—or beyond academia—we’re here to help. Our team is offering project-by-project matchmaking to support cross-disciplinary collaboration.
We can help you:
- Identify potential collaborators
- Facilitate introductions
- Sharpen your project framing
Just email Juncture with a short note about your project and we’ll be in touch to schedule a session.
Final drop-in clinics – Week of 16 September
Date: Week of 16 September (dates and times TBC)
Venue: Toroa Collab Space
Meet with: Billie, Susan, Drew, and others
Bring your questions, proposals-in-progress, or just come to talk strategy. These are relaxed, supportive sessions—perfect for fine-tuning your submission.