STAR (Strategy To Advance Research) is a $2.7 million project funded by the Tertiary Education Commission's Building Research Capability in Strategically Relevant Areas (BRCSRA) fund, with the aim to build research capability in nursing and associated health disciplines. The project reflects a collaborative effort among five consortium universities: The University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Massey University, the University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington. The University of Auckland is leading the project.

Key to the mission of the project is developing research capability by focussing on new and emerging researchers and building interdisciplinary and inter-university collaborations. Star will fund two rounds of research grants, three rounds of PhD scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships, and a visiting scholars' programme.

The theme for the STAR Project is: Reducing the burden of chronic conditions.

Associate Professor Mary Finlayson, the School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, is the Director of the project. She is supported by a Consortium Group, comprised of seven members from the five consortium universities.  A Project Steering Group provides independent strategic oversight of the project and monitors the performance of the Director and the Consortium Group.