The University of Otago is involved in the government's latest national science challenge, worth almost $20m.

It's focused on enhancing New Zealand's resilience to natural disasters.

The government's pledged an initial $19.6m towards the research.

It's too early to confirm how much of that funding will be directed towards local academics.

But Otago University will have significant involvement in the lead projects, yet to be announced in detail.

Six universities will participate in the multi-disciplinary study.