Contents

HeadsUp

I’m standing in for Robin while he’s away on a few days leave, and I must admit to writing this at the last minute (thanks for the reminder, Iliane).  While grasping for inspiration, I thought about what I’d done over the previous week.  I was lucky enough to be on Aotea (Great Barrier Island) last week, giving a talk to the community about the outcomes of the 2021 edition of the Aotea Bird Count project.  The ABC is a great example of a citizen science project.  The community set it up to provide an island-wide census of what birds are in Aotea’s environment and what sort of changes are happening.  It’s now been running for three years.  NZ has many citizen science projects from the global to the local (e.g. the Pieris project, the Great Kererū Count, the Science of Sourdough project), and the ABC is undoubtedly at the smaller end of the scale.  It is, however, an opportunity for the community to join in a shared endeavour and to consider some of the successes over the year (e.g. the growing kākāriki population at Okiwi). 

Aldo Leopold noted, “One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds”.  I suspect many of us feel a little like this when we look at the world around us.  It’s easy to be depressed by the flood of stories about the environmental apocalypse we face.  And, in an age of AI, big data, and proliferating online portals, it is perhaps easy to dismiss small, local initiatives such as the ABC.  However, community-centred activities such as the ABC remind me that we haven’t all abandoned hope and that the small ‘wins’ we have in whatever we’re doing bring joy and are worth celebrating.  So, as the semester gets to the grindy end of business, take time to recognise the ‘wins’ you’ve had along the way, no matter what size or shape they were!

Have a good week.

George

General Announcements

Supervisor responsibilities for the examination of Masters theses 

The faculty has provided guidelines for the examination of 90 and 120 pt theses that are part of a masters degree. See attached documents:

Masters supervisor responsibilities.

Examination Process Overview

Here are some points to note: 

Pre-submission: 

Confirm your supervision of student with Department Graduate Advisor (currently Phil Shane). Do this when the student starts. 

Nomination of examiners  

The supervisor will complete Part A of the AS-512R form and seek the signature of the HoD nominee (currently Nick Lewis). The examination committee is solely Phil Shane. The supervisor will then submit the form to sciencepg@auckland.ac.nz. 

Current timeline: 

09 January 2023: Supervisors and DGA’s will receive an email informing them to start submitting part A of the 512R forms (i.e. examiner nominations) for the February submitters.  

Generic Submission Dates (90/120 pt) 

For a full-time Masters students submit one calendar year after starting: 

Start 1 December –  the thesis must be submitted on 30 November 

Start 1 March –  the thesis must be submitted on 28 February 

Start 15 July –  the thesis must be submitted on 14 July 

 

Phil Shane (DGA)

Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities 

Managing Your Mental Health During Your PhD : A Survival Guide

Zoë J. Ayres

https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/auckland/detail.action?docID=7087510

 

GSNZ President’s Lecture Kat Holt (Massey University). Tiny but Mighty – the role of pollen and palynology in the Geosciences

For the majority of people, experiences with pollen are localised to a particular time of the year, and for those who suffer from hayfever, this is seldom a pleasant time!

In the scientific world, pollen, spores and their study, palynology, might typically be regarded as belonging in the realm of the biologist.  Yet, palynology provides an extremely valuable tool in many areas of the geosciences, including but not limited to biostratigraphy, petroleum exploration, and climate and environmental reconstructions. 

The goal of this Presidential Lecture is to demonstrate the versatility and value of palynology in the geosciences, particularly here in Aotearoa NZ.  I will draw on examples from my own research, as well as that of other NZ palynologists to illustrate the key contributions palynology has made to our understanding of environmental change in Aotearoa-NZ, as well as exploring some exciting new avenues in pollen-based research.

Tuesday 18th Oct 7.30 pm, Epsom Community Centre, 200 Gillies Ave

OR

Wednesday 19th Oct 11 am, University of Auckland Rm 303-148

 

The next ENV Research Seminar Series is coming up!

What: Please join us for the ENV Research Seminar Series where you will hear interesting research updates from three ENV staff members – Giovanni Coco, Mila Adam and Sam Trowsdale.

When: 27 October 2-3 pm, drinks and nibbles from 3-4pm

Where: Federation Room, Level 1, Old Government House, followed by drinks in the Members Lounge (ground floor)

Queries: Emma Ryan, e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz 

 

Learning to the rhythm: on the use of music in the classroom

 

Raising your research profile: Using researcher profiles and social media to build your profile and promote your research.

Trying to work that academic hustle, but don’t know how to get your name out there?

Wondering about the best way to promote your research or track your publications?

In this workshop, we’ll discuss the reasons why research profiles are important, look at the different types of profiles and their purposes, and brainstorm some strategies to help you manage your online identities. This will help doctoral candidates and early career researchers (ECRs) set the stage for their future research career.

Date: Thurs, 5 Nov
Time: 10-11 am
Location: Zoom

Book your place today: https://auckland.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8436965

 

What else is on in Oct and Nov?

06 Oct | Literature review: Organising and writing
10 Oct | Literature review: Finding information
31 Oct | Presenting your research
03 Nov | Literature review: Finding information
17 Nov | Literature review: Organising and writing
25 Nov | Publishing your research

 

Shut up and write! online

Struggling with procrastination? Having trouble getting started with writing your thesis or publication? Join us every Wednesday from 1-3 pm for Shut up and write!

 

Toka Tū Ake EQC University Research Programme (URP 2024-26) Round Open

Toka Tū Ake EQC has officially opened the next round of 3-year funding for our University Research Programme (called URP 2024-26). Up to 10 Programmes will be funded, and each successful programme will receive up to $150,000/annum for 3 years, starting 1 January 2024. Deadline for EoI: 11 November 2022

Key information and Documents are now available via the website.

Please feel free to Contact Research@eqc.govt.nz for more information.

 

My thesis in 5 minutes video competition 

A 5-minute video thesis competition that emphasises relationships between France and NZ. To enter the competition, you need to create a short video (between 3 and 5 minutes) explaining your research project and how it connects France and Aotearoa New Zealand. Closing date 14th of October 2022.

For more information: https://www.francenzst.org/what-we-do/5min/

 

Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Talofa ni, Ni sa bula, Fakafeiloaki, Fakatalofa atu, Halo, Gude, Greetings

We would like to invite you to join us to celebrate the journeys of some of our wonderful ENV Moana Pacific postgraduate students, current and recent graduates on October 14th, 10am to 12:30pm

They will be sharing stories about their experiences of postgraduate study, their research, and why they choose postgraduate studies.

This is an amazing opportunity to celebrate them, to learn from them, and to engage in Moana Pacific ways of being, knowing, and doing.

Like any Moana Pacific event, there will be food provided. We will also begin with a kava ceremony.

We hope you are able to join us (even for part of the time), please RSVP and address any question to Sonia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENV Masters students research seminars, 27 October 2022

Master research students will present 10-minute seminars summarizing their work on 27 October 2022, in room 302-140.  This is an opportunity for them to present in person and get feedback from other students and staff. Thus, all are encouraged to attend. ENV coordinator: Phil Shane

Schedule:

17 October 2022 – 302-140
Time Chair: Luitgard Schwendenmann
9.00 Kyle Hamilton
9.15 Patrick Hollands
9.30 Ngaio Balfour
9.45 Declan Fisher
10.00 James Lear
10.15 Ann McElvein
10.30 Jazmine Burgess
10.45 Michael Snowdon
LUNCH
Chair: Nick Lewis
1.00 Isla Christensen
1.15 Miro Hall-Jones
1.45 Mary Hurley
2.00 Paul Jang
2.15 Ruth Soukoutou
2.30 Maya Duckworth
2.45 Chao Han
3.00 Rosalind Holland
3.15 Grace Joyce
3.30 Connor Sharp
3.45 Daria Solovynea
4.00 Bethany Waller

 

Honours Research Projects and sub-90 points Masters dissertations 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who supervised and/or examined Honours Research projects and sub-90-point Masters projects/dissertations in 2021. Your time and effort in supervising students and/or examining projects in what was a disrupted year, protracted by deadline extensions, is greatly appreciated. The 2021 cohort should now be all finished and moving onto new things.

In 2022, we have students completing Honours and MENVSCI 30-point research projects, and Bachelor of Advanced Science 60-point dissertations, with submissions in Semester 1 (Monday 27 June) and Semester 2 (Monday 14 November).

For your diary: 

S2 Honours, MENVSCI and BAdvSci Oral Presentations – Wednesday 26 October. Time and venue to be confirmed.

These are on the same day as Masters presentations and every effort will be made to avoid clashes.

Finally, if you are supervising Honours/MENVSCI/BAdvSci students this year, please ensure their project is achievable within the one- or two-semester timeframe and that it can be completed under pandemic conditions. Please encourage your student(s) to meet the end-of-semester submission date too, even if Covid-19 extensions are again offered by the Faculty; it is helpful to the students, for getting grades back in time to go on to further study or work, and to those involved in the examination process if we can all stick to the schedule.

Kind regards

Gretel Boswijk, (Honours coordinator)

 

The next ENV Research Seminar Series is coming up! Please SAVE THE DATE in your calendars:

What: Please join us for the ENV Research Seminar Series where you will hear interesting research updates from three ENV staff members – Giovanni Coco, Mila Adam and Sam Trowsdale. More details will be provided closer to the time.

When: 27 October 2-3 pm, drinks and nibbles from 3-4pm

Where: Federation Room, Level 1, Old Government House, followed by drinks in the Members Lounge (ground floor)

Queries: Emma Ryan, e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz 

 

Funding

Ako Innovation Committee – Staff requests for teaching software

As teaching is increasingly technology-enhanced, the committee has a small budget for software to support blended learning. If you have a relatively inexpensive software you would like to purchase for your teaching, please e-mail Mel Wall by COB 24th October.

 

Below is a summer internship that would suit someone getting towards the end of their PhD in a biodiversity or conservation related topic.

https://www.tepunahamatatini.ac.nz/2022/09/27/summer-internship-with-toha/

 

R J Mowat Memorial Award in Earth Sciences

A $2,000 Award to support a Part IV BAdvSci(Hons), or BSc(Hons) or MSc student enrolled full-time in the School of Environment. Open for applications 19 September -31 October 2022. Please encourage any eligible students to apply.

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/r-j-mowat-award-in-earth-sciences-175-sci.html

 

ANSTO FutureNow and FutureNow [Plus] scholarships – applications are open (applications close 27 November 2022)

With the support of NSW Government, ANSTO offers FutureNow and FutureNow Plus scholarships to graduates or early career researchers working on industry-focused research projects that support developments in health, defence, aerospace engineering and nuclear technologies.

The FutureNow Scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the NSW government funding scheme as part of our ANSTO Innovation Precinct development. These scholarships are for graduate students or early career researchers working on industry-focused research projects aligned with ANSTO’s strategic objectives. The scholarships are open to Australian and New Zealand students.

Scholarship recipients will have access to the expertise and technology needed to facilitate cutting edge discoveries in advanced manufacturing, health, environment and the nuclear fuel cycle.

FutureNow [Plus] scholarships offer a stipend of up to $35,000 and more. FutureNow scholarships offer a $10,000 top-up stipend and more.

For further information, please visit:

FutureNow Scholarships | ANSTO

 

Funding for class meet and greets 

The Student Experience Committee has limited funding available for class related activities. If you want to run a class event, online or otherwise (challenging given the current restrictions), and would benefit from some funds, please contact Joe (j.fagan@auckland.ac.nz). The Committee would prefer to fund several small events rather than one big one (but we are open to suggestions).

 

3k writing grant available for students

Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.

Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.

 

Rangahau – Research

Toka Tū Ake EQC University Research Programme (URP 2024-26)

This funding has helped to support research capability in natural disaster risk reduction. From 2020, Toka Tū Ake EQC funding introduced a three-year University Research Programme for tertiary institutions focused on:

  • Research that is targeted to Toka Tū Ake EQC’s goals and priorities
  • Contribution to better outcomes for New Zealanders
  • Developing research capability that is aligned with programme delivery
  • End user and/or stakeholder collaboration and partnerships
  • A greater partnership approach with Toka Tū Ake EQC.

Key Things to Note

Grant Value:

  • Projects can be up to a maximum duration of 36 months  
  • The award is up to NZD150,000/annum

Eligibility:

  • The research programme is to be hosted by and led from a New Zealand tertiary institution.
  • The majority of research must be undertaken in New Zealand by New Zealand-based researchers.
  • The benefits of the research are for New Zealand and accrued outside of the University/legal entity representing the University.
  • Assessors are not eligible to submit a proposal as the primary investigator

Application procedure and forms:

The application is a two-stage process:

  • Stage 1: Expression of Interest
  • Stage 2: Full Proposal (by invitation only, based on assessment of Stage 1)

All applicants must be registered on SmartyGrants to access the Expression of Interest and Full Proposal forms. If you need help using SmartyGrants, please visit the “Help Guide for Applicants” page here. Registration and Login instructions are also provided on that page.

PLEASE DO NOT submit your application directly in the portal.

EOI Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 2 November 2022.

Full Proposal Deadline: Wednesday 22 March 2023.

For help developing your application please contact your local support (FIRST) team. If you have any funder specific queries or require funder portal help please contact the UniServices Funds Advisor Team on submissions@auckland.ac.nz

Submission Process

To access the SmartyGrants registration portal:
Returning applicants: Log in using your existing log in details
New applicants: Follow the SmartyGrants registration instructions

  1. Notify your FIRST teamand cc submissions@auckland.ac.nz of your intent to register for this grant.
  2. Save your application as a PDF (do not submit in the portal directly) and email your completed proposal for a Quality Assurance check to submissions@auckland.ac.nz by 5pm Wednesday 2 November 2022. 
  3. Create a record in the Research Funding Module (RFM) and submit for sign off by 5pm Wednesday 2 November 2022. (Contact your local FIRST team for assistance)

Please note: Applications are required to be received on or before the above-mentioned deadline to allow sufficient time for our Quality Assurance process and any associated rework/revision of the application by the Principal Investigator. Only Faculty approved applications can be submitted, please wait to submit in the portal until you have email confirmation from the Funds Advisor Team. 

 

MBIE Endeavour Fund 2023 Information

Application and assessment information for the Endeavour Fund 2023 can be found here but note the following below:

  1. MBIE Endeavour Fund Roadshow with registration links:

Roadshow 1 registration – Monday, 3rd October 2022, 10am to 12pm

Roadshow 2 registration – Monday, 10th October 2022, 10am to 12pm

Roadshow 3 registration – Tuesday, 11 October 2022, 1pm to 3pm

The webinar presentation will be recorded and uploaded to our website for those who cannot participate at any roadshow times. If you have any questions on the Endeavour Fund Roadshows, please contact endeavour.roadshow@mbie.govt.nz​.

  • Important Dates

 

NZ – Japan Joint Research Projects: Funding for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting meetings in collaboration with Japanese researchers

              Value: Up to $30,000 (excl. GST) per annum for up to two years.

Guidelines and further info can be found here.

Internal Deadline for both funding schemes is: 5pm Tuesday 11 October 2022.

If you are interested, please get in touch with your RPC and we will pass on the details on how to register in the portal.

 

Catalyst Leaders (Round 3, July 2022)

HOPE Meetings are held for excellent graduate students and young researchers selected from countries/areas around the Asia-Pacific and Africa region. These meetings give an opportunity for the participants to engage in interdisciplinary discussions with Nobel Laureates and other distinguished scientists pioneering the frontiers of knowledge.

Grant Value: Supports excellent PhD students and/or young researchers to attend the HOPE meetings with Nobel Laureates for 5 days including flights, accommodation, and meeting registration.

Guidelines and eligibility criteria can be found here.  If you are interested, please get in touch with your RPC and we will pass on the details on how to register in the portal.

Internal Deadline: 5pm Tuesday 11 October 2022

 

Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund 2022 – Call for Proposals and Workshops (Internal Funds)

The purpose of the TIF is to cultivate cross-faculty and transdisciplinary collaborations and generate new projects that respond to the four priority areas identified within Taumata Teitei : sustainability, health and well-being, social justice, and innovating secure knowledge systems.  The fund encourages research staff from across the University to develop cross-faculty research partnerships, aspiring toward high-quality Transdisciplinary Research outputs, research learning initiatives, and successful applications to external research funders.

  • Applications must include researchers from at least two Faculties / LSRIs, and evidence the transdisciplinary aspects of the research.
  • Application Teams must be a diverse mix of early career researchers, as well as established researchers where possible.
  • Applicants must be members of the academic staff, employed by the University of Auckland, and have an employment contract that specifies that they must undertake research.
  • Staff members employed on fixed-term or part-time contracts are eligible to apply as a PI provided that:

– the duration remaining of their contract is sufficient to complete the project or initiative;

– their appointment is 0.5 FTE or greater.

Grant Value: Applicants may apply for small grants ($10,000–$20,000) or large grants ($20,000–$60,000)

Internal Deadline: 5pm, 14 November 2022

Enquiries should be directed to ORSI via internalawards@auckland.ac.nz.

Application Form, Guidelines and FAQs can be accessed via the Research Hub at the link:  Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund.  Please get in touch with your RPC if you intend to apply as we can help with the submission process.

Transdisciplinary Ideation Workshops – The University will deliver five 2-hour thematic Transdisciplinary Ideation Workshops on the 8th and 9th September, focused on Taumata Teitei’s four impact priorities: sustainability, health and well-being, social justice, and innovating secure knowledge systems.  These will support staff to apply for a Small Grant ($10,000–$20,000) or Large Grant ($20,000–$60,000) from the Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund. 

The Transdisciplinary Ideation Workshops will gather academic staff from across all Faculties and Large-Scale Research Institutes, attracting a diverse mix of attendees spanning early, mid to senior career researchers.  The workshops are designed to cultivate cross-faculty, transdisciplinary collaborations and generate new project teams that respond to government priorities and major policy issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand. You will be encouraged to delve into problems, uncover innovative solutions, identify research projects and initiate new collaborative working partnerships. Each workshop will be hosted by facilitators who will be multidisciplinary and will include the Associate Deans Research. 

To participate in these workshops and extend your collaborative networks, please register here: Transdisciplinary Ideation Workshops.  It is not a requirement to attend the workshops to submit an application for funding, however, attendance is encouraged as an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the University.

Applications for the Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund are due by November 14. Funding decisions will be announced in December 2022 for a 1st March 2023 start with an 18 month funding window. The Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund and Transdisciplinary Ideation Workshops have emerged from a collaboration between the Associate Deans Research, the Office of Research Strategy & Integrity and UniServices.

 

TE PŪNAHA HIHIKO VISION MATAURANGA CAPABILITY FUND (VMCF) 2023 – Scoping and Support on offer

UniServices and ORSI are planning a support programme for the upcoming MBIE 2023 Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund (VMCF). Applications will open mid- September and close mid-November (exact dates TBC by MBIE).

This fund invests in activities that strengthen capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori organisations and the science and innovation system, to deliver benefit to Aotearoa.

 For researchers who have previously been unsuccessful, or have well-formed relationships with Māori organisations, there is a more targeted package that takes a researcher-centric approach focused on providing support that researchers identify. This more targeted package is in addition to the webinars and application templates, and provides panel reviews of proposal, writing support, business development support, and funding for a facilitator or catering for Hui with established partners.

 UniServices would like to identify potential interest – if this applies to you please get in touch with Kelly Kilpin asap.

 

Rangahau Committee Funding

The Rangahau Committee has a small amount of funds set aside ($5,000 total) to help with proposal development  (e.g. writing support, support to scope proposals etc).  If you have an idea that fits within this scope please get in touch with Kelly Kilpin to discuss further.

 

MBIE 2023 Endeavour Fund: transforming New Zealand’s future

Funding is available through two investment mechanisms, each in support of the Fund’s aims: Smart Ideas and Research Programmes

Register to your interest by emailing submissions@auckland.ac.nz

For help developing your application, please contact your local support (FIRST) team. If you have any funder specific queries or require funder portal help, please contact the UniServices Funds Advisor Team on submissions@auckland.ac.nz.

Submission Process

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • RFM approval is not required at registration phase, however we recommend you discuss your intent to apply for this scheme, and general concept, with your relevant faculty representative as early as possible (eg HoD/ADR). 
  • Your Endeavour registration contains core information on your proposal that cannot be changed after registration

Submission portal

  • Endeavour applications are submitted via the MBIE IMS Portal
  • Returning applicants log in using your existing log in details
  • New applicants contact the Funds Advisor Team submissions@auckland.ac.nzto create your User Profile. 

Submission steps for Smart Ideas

The process includes phase one registration, phase two concept and lastly full proposal 

Registrations: 

  1. Notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme in order to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund. 
  2. Submit registration in IMS for Quality Assurance (QA) by 12 noon, Friday 21 October 2022
  3. Once your registration has been submitted to MBIE on your behalf you can create and begin working on your Concept Proposal 

Concepts: 

  1. Submit your completed (final and compliant) Concept Proposal for QA in IMS by 12 noon, Monday 14 November 2022
  2. Create a record in the Research Funding Module (RFM/InfoEd) and submit for sign off 12 noon, Monday 14 November 2022
  3. Once checked, and any final revisions made, the Funds Advisor Team will submit to MBIE on your behalf by the funder deadline. 

Applicants invited by MBIE to submit a full proposal will be advised of further steps. 

Submission steps for Research Programmes

The process includes phase one registration, phase two full proposal 

Registrations: 

  1. Notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme in order to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund. 
  2. Submit registration in IMS for Quality Assurance (QA) by 12 noon, Friday 25 November 2022
  3. Once your registration has been submitted to MBIE on your behalf you can create and begin working on your Full Proposal 

Full proposals: 

  1. Submit your completed (final and compliant) Full Proposal for QA in IMS by 12 noon, Monday 20 February 2023
  2. Create a record in the Research Funding Module (RFM/InfoEd) and submit for sign off by 12 noon, Monday 20 February 2023
  3. Once checked, and any final revisions made, the Funds Advisor Team will submit your Full Proposal to MBIE on your behalf by the funder deadline. 

Please note: Applications are required to be received on or before the above mentioned Funds Advisor Team deadline to allow time for our Quality Assurance process and any associated rework/revision of the application by the Principal Investigator. Only Faculty approved applications can be submitted by the Funds Advisor Team to MBIE.

Submission to the funder is conditional on fully approved RFM record in InfoEd. 

GUIDELINES (essential reading)

 

Health, Safety and Wellbeing 

Health & Safety Tip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publications

Bruce W. Hayward, Ashwaq T. Sabaa, Jamie D. Howarth, Alan R. Orpin, Lorna J. Strachan, Stephanie E. Tickle (2022) Foraminiferal insights into the complexities of the turbidity currents triggered by the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake, New Zealand Marine Micropaleontology 176, 102171. doi.org/10.1016/j.marmicro.2022.102171

Cocker, K., Shane, P., Cronin, S., Stirling, C., Reid, M. (2022). A history of andesite production via magma mixing and mingling revealed microscopically at Ngauruhoe volcano. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 23, e2022GC010589. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GC010589