Building Research Capability in the Social Sciences Network (BRCSS Network)

Research Group Summary

The BRCSS Network, which was launched in 2003, was granted $8 million over five years by the Tertiary Education Commission. The Network brings together a platform of externally funded programmes under the general title of 'Social Futures for Aotearoa/New Zealand in a Global Area'. These research projects are extended  them into new areas based on themes of:
1. New wealth creation and distributions systems in a globalised context
2. Social justice and development
3. Transmission of wealth/knowledge in a context of demographic change
4. Sustainability of diverse households, communities and settlements.

The main focus of the BRCSS Network is to contribute to the development of new and emerging researchers (via annual competitive funding rounds), to build new teams using the BRCSS Network as well as linking with other networks (eg SPeAR). Extending local and international linkages are also an important aspect of the BRCSS Network.

To encourage networking, and shared workspaces a specialist video conferencing facility has been established at each participating tertiary institution.

BRCSS is run by a Research Director, Associate Professor Robin Peace, and an Administrator, Ms Marie Elliott.

Key Contact

Members - UC Staff

Members - Non-UC Staff

  • Richard Bedford: Director; University of Waikato
  • Sally Casswell: Principal Researcher; Massey University
  • Richard Le Heron: Principal Researcher; University of Auckland
  • Tim McCreanor: Prinicipal Researcher; Massey University
  • Robyn Munford: Principal Researcher; Massey University
  • Jenny Neale: Prinicpal Researcher; Victoria University of Wellington
  • Jacques Poot: Prinicpal Researcher; University of Waikato
  • Charles Waldergrave: Principal Researcher; Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit

Subject Area: Disciplines

  • Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work, Criminology and Gender Studies: Sociology