The Science Minister's not backing down from cuts to the Marsden Fund, despite universities' concerns

Changes to the fund last year mean the research fund will only go into proposals with immediate economic benefit - cutting humanities and social science.

It also faces around 20-million dollars in cuts.

Universities say it puts projects in their humanities departments at risk.

Shane Reti says changes to the Marsden Fund, ensure limited funding is focused on the areas of research with the greatest economic growth potential.

He says universities will make their own decisions about how and where they prioritise investment, including teaching and research.