Contents

HeadsUp

One of the traps of science is excessive reductionism. To an extent, of course, it’s necessary. The crystals in a rock specimen, for instance, might not be seen without the tunnel-vision of the microscope. The trick is achieving balance: to focus on the detail and but acknowledge the wider context in which a specimen was formed and embedded.

I’ve been thinking about how reductionism can plague our teaching: for instance, seeing SET scores as the sole measure of performance and student satisfaction. Now is the time of course to encourage your classes to engage with SET and this remains an important tool for reflecting on our engagement in courses and the way we are regarded as educators.

But there’s a shift across the university towards embracing wider performance metrics. In career assessment processes, such as continuation and promotion, SET scores are a necessary but not sufficient indicator of satisfactory performance or, even better, excellence. There is now an expectation applicant for advancement will engage with the Teach Well framework. Quality cannot be only measured by looking down a metaphorical microscope at SET-based student feedback. Rather, we are expected to be educational as well as research innovators. The challenge is to be creative in demonstrating just that. Ideas? Ask a peer to sit-in on one of your classes and jot some observations. Ask students to offer narrative feedback part-way through a course. Describe how you have maintained an engaged attendance though the semester. Show you are running a course not a curse!

This week we begin a series of deliberative reflections on the four new stage 1 courses. Big thanks to Ako Innovation Committee for the organising and to those who will present on these occasions. Four 90-minute sessions could be seen as a big commitment, but how quickly the same duration passes writing a paper or in a lab. Please attend and offer feedback.

More broadly, this is a time to -paradoxically perhaps – both take teaching seriously and make it fun; a time to collectively “up our game”. As framed in the title of Parker Palmer’s book, it takes ‘courage to teach’. It’s exposing, requires engagement, takes enthusiasm. We have been appointed to lecture and profess. Let’s do it with gusto.

—

Thanks to all colleagues who graced the stage in their finery for graduation. A big congratulations to all of our students who crossed that same stage. Its all-too easy for us who’ve been on the marking/supervision side of the equation to lose touch with the grunt, tenacity and sacrifice involved to graduate, so big respect to you all. Here’s a great write up on the university website about one of our PhD graduates: Herbalist cooks up a witchy brew of a PhD – The University of Auckland

Congratulations also to Tara Coleman, a qualitative methodologist and part of the School since her award-winning MA thesis in 2008. Tara has just finished her three- year Marsden grant and, among other outputs, is publishing a book of poetry crafted from her interviewee’s transcripts. In these time when the tap being turned off for some categories of Marsden applicants, such pathbreaking work at the nexus of social science and the humanities is to be honoured all the more ( You can read an introduction to her Placing Unheard Voices here.)

Other outstanding achievements, awards, new opportunities I /we should know about and profile? Don’t be whakama – send them in.

Have a good week.

Robin Kearns, Head of School

Announcements, Seminars & Events

Tāwhia Te Mana Fellowship webinar Roadshow

The Royal Society Te Apārangi will hold an online Zoom webinar Tāwhia Te Mana Fellowship roadshow on Thursday 29 May, 2025.

The roadshows will explain the application process and provide potential applicants with an opportunity to ask questions. The roadshows will primarily focus on the Mana Tūāpapa Future Leaders and Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowships, but the funder will answer questions on Mana Tūārangi as well if requested.

We would appreciate it if you could help us circulating these events

Please note that participants need to pre-register for these events by following the respective link in the table below.

Date	Time	About	To register, please go to:
Thursday 29 May	10 AM	Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship	Register here
Thursday 29 May	11 AM	Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship	Register here

Recordings from these roadshows will become available for viewing here after the roadshows.

Please reach out to submissions@auckland.ac.nz if you have any questions and/or concerns.

Please note this webinar is related the Royal Society Te Apārangi: Tāwhia te Mana Research Fellowships funding call under the Funding Calls section.

Three Minute Thesis – School of Environment Heats

Date: Tuesday 3rd of June
Location: 302-551 Ontology Lab

Hang Thai PhD Proposal Seminar

- When: Tuesday 10 June | 11:00am | 302-551 (Ontology Lab)
- Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/93386936143

From the OUTREACH COMMITTEE:

Share Your Latest Academic and Career Achievements with Us!

Share your latest research, conference presentations, fieldwork, and career updates with us! Your achievements could be featured on the School of Environment’s social media to showcase the amazing work happening in our community. Fill out the survey and include photos, titles of papers or theses, and anything else you’d like to share!

https://forms.gle/QAEkcndygHNazXr2A

COMPASS Morning Tea

COMPASS PG is dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive community for postgraduate students at all levels in the School of Environment. We host regular events designed to foster collaboration, networking, and a sense of community.

All staff and postgrad students are invited to come along, to participate or just to enjoy some home baked goods!

Te Akoranga Kairangi

The free staff programme, Te Akoranga Kairangi (TAK) is an introduction to Māori language, culture and the treaty. Details about the programme are appended. The programme runs over 8 weeks, 2 hours per weekly session, on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Fourteen 8-week cohorts are offered throughout the year, including an on-line option. Details about the schedule are appended and ALSO on Hono Learning (see instructions below).

Here are links to the details of the programme: TAK Programme and 2025 TAK times available

In addition, a free 2.5 hour Colonial History Walk around the university area is led by Assoc Prof Avril Bell. This is a unique opportunity for all staff keen to learn more about the role of central Auckland in the history of colonisation.

To enrol in TAK or the Colonial History Walk:

EITHER by emailing (we can enrol you directly) Assoc Prof Avril Bell a.bell@auckland.ac.nz (Tuesday classes) or Prof Alison Jones a.jones@auckland.ac.nz (Thursdays classes)

OR by going to University of Auckland staff intranet webpage, search for Hono Learning. On the Hono page, type Te Akoranga Kairangi into the search bar at the top. Then click on the Te Akoranga Kairangi or Colonial History Walk link. Then click on Select Offering. There you should see a list of cohort dates for the year’s classes or walks. Select the cohort dates that suit you. Then click on Submit. You should then get an email to confirm your enrolment.

Feel free to contact Alison or Avril with any questions! 😊

Ngā mihi, thanks a lot

Alison and Avril

Geoscience Society of New Zealand Student Activity Support

Thanks to the bequest to the Geoscience Society of New Zealand by Jack Grant-Mackie, former faculty (and a Head of Department etc) of the University of Auckland Geology Department who specialised in paleontology and stratigraphy, there are funds to support student activities at branch level to the value of $500 in the coming year.

If you have a proposal about a student Geoscience trip or event (outside of our normal university activities) please contact GSNZ branch rep Jennifer Eccles j.eccles@auckland.ac.nz so we can get a short budget/proposal together. Student led initiatives particularly welcomed!

Ngā Motu Whakahī Summer Scholar

Kia ora Researchers,

We are now receiving summer research project details if you are interested in having a Ngā Motu Whakahī Summer Scholar. If you are interested in submitting a project, please add your project details to the template here and send it to nga-motu-whakahi@auckland.ac.nz (and/or k.ridings@auckland.ac.nz) by 5:00 pm Thursday 29th May.

For these scholarships, the primary supervisor MUST be a current UoA employee within the Faculty of Science. We also require that a project has a co-supervisor — this can be a postgraduate student. At least one of the supervision team members (preferably both) MUST be Māori or Pacific.

Ngā Motu Whakahī summer research studentships are designed to promote the early interest of Māori and Pacific undergraduates in research. We aim to support our scholars through a unique supervision structure and regular activities for scholars throughout the summer with the Ngā Motu Whakahī team. Additionally, we also provide support for postgraduate supervisors.

Things to note:

Supervision teams should consist of two supervisors, at least one of whom is Māori or Pacific (a postgraduate student can be a contributing supervisor)
The stipend amount per scholar is $6750 for approximately 10 weeks of research. There are at least 10 summer scholarships available.
Projects will be advertised centrally and on https://ngamotuwhakahi.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/. During this time, students may contact you to discuss your project. Answer any queries they may have, but please do not promise your project to a student. The allocation of projects and or students is done after all applications have been received and eligibility has been confirmed.
Ngā Motu Whakahī summer scholars are required to attend fortnightly hui throughout their summer.
Ngā Motu Whakahī scholars must complete their studentship with a final presentation at the end of summer, date TBD. Any written work or deliverables associated with the research project are to be agreed upon with the student and the supervision team at the beginning of the summer.
Students who have previously been awarded a centrally funded, faculty funded, externally funded or Ngā Motu Whakahī Summer Research Scholarship will be eligible to hold a second or subsequent Ngā Motu Whakahī Summer Research Scholarship. This Scholarship cannot be held at the same time as another equivalent Scholarship.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact nga-motu-whakahi@auckland.ac.nz.

Ngā mihi,

Ngā Motu Whakahī team

Introductions to R Workshop

An introductory R Workshop is being run on Wednesday 2^nd and Thursday 3^rd of July 2025. The course will be run by the Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC) in the Department of Statistics.

What’s covered in the workshop?

Introduction
Getting familiar with R
Using R Studio and loading projects/scripts
Basic functions using R
Reading in Data Files (.csv, .xls/.xlsx)
Introduction to R Objects. How R thinks (vectors, matrices, basic data formats)
Working with data(sets)
Cleaning and subsetting
Merging datasets and reformatting
Grouping variables and summarising
R graphics
Starting with plots in R (boxplots, histograms, bar graphs)
Graphics in R with ggplot2 (customising plots)
Data analysis
Introduction to performing t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and general linear models

The cost is $400 for UoA students and staff.
You can pay using your PRESS account, research grant, or other UoA account.
You can also opt to use a debit/credit card (however we will have to also add GST for this type of payment – please contact Joei Mudaliar j.mudaliar@auckland.ac.nz for further instructions).

The payment authorisation form for UoA participants paying from a UoA account is here.
The cost for non-UoA attendees is $650 + GST. Please contact Joei Mudaliar (j.mudaliar@auckland.ac.nz) for payment instructions.

We will be sending out a pre-workshop information email the week prior to the course, however here are some of the details:

Location
We will be in room 302.190. Building 302 is on the corner of Symonds St and Wellesley St. The room we will be using is on level 1, room 160.

Time and schedule
The approximate schedule for both days is here (since this is the schedule from our previous course, it may yet be altered very slightly).
We will start at 9am and finish at 5pm.
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided, and there are cafes nearby for lunch.

Computers
We will be using a Faculty of Science computer lab.
You are also welcome to use your own laptop. However, please make sure that you have downloaded R and RStudio onto your machine before the workshop (they are free to download).
We will also include some instructions on how to do this in our pre-workshop information email.

Access to computers and the internet
We will arrange access to the lab computers for all non-UoA participants.
We will also have a guest wireless password for non-UoA participants who are bringing their own laptops.
UoA staff and students will be able to access the FoS computers using their normal UoA upi and password.
I hope you can make it on the 2^nd and 3^rd July 2025, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Ngā mihi,

Joei

Managing Sensitive Research Data Workshop

The Centre for eResearch is piloting a new ‘Managing sensitive research data’ workshop to support doctoral candidates and researchers to comply with policies around ethics, data management, and Māori data sovereignty by pointing to relevant University services and support.

Managing sensitive research data (Wed 4 June, 1-2pm, online)

This 1 hour online workshop builds on existing research data management skills to support you in managing sensitive research data. Through the lens of international and national frameworks, attendees will learn about best practices, considerations, and University-approved tools for managing sensitive research data responsibly and securely.

The 2025 ANZIC Marine Geoscience Masterclass

An unforgettable field and lab experience in Fiordland!

Applications are now open for ANZIC‘s new Marine Geoscience Masterclass!
This unique 12-day learning opportunity combines fieldwork in Doubtful Sound with cutting-edge lab analysis at the University of Otago. From examining the depths of the dramatic fjords on RV Polaris II to state-of-the-art analysis of the sediment cores you’ll collect, this Masterclass immerses you in the tools and techniques behind global scientific drilling to prepare you for future opportunities.

The Masterclass focuses on climate and environmental influences on carbon cycling and your findings will form part of the Fjords as Archives of Climate and Environmental Transitions (FACET) initiative, an active ICDP proposal.

Designed for undergraduates (with a few spots for postgrads), this fully funded opportunity connects you with leading scientists, hands-on learning, and fellow Earth science enthusiasts from across the region.

The Masterclass runs from December 1-12, hosted by the University of Otago. Applications close 30 June.

If you’re passionate about climate, or carbon cycling, or just ready for a big adventure with a huge impact on your future, click here to learn more.

ANZIC calls for funding proposals

Funding of up to NZ$25,000 is now available for projects that will advance the field of scientific drilling. ANZIC invites proposals from scientists in Australian & New Zealand Member Institutions – including the University o – for their Continent & Ocean Research & Education (CORE) Funding.

ANZIC CORE funding supports research using previously-collected scientific drilling samples, cores and data; activities that aid future drilling proposals; and educational projects in the sphere of scientific drilling. ANZIC is looking for innovative proposals that align with their science priorities.

Submit your proposal by 8 September!

LEARN MORE: www.iodp.org.au/legacy-funding/

Health Safety & Wellbeing

Remember to get your free flu vaccine available at Unichem Campus Pharmacy, this will help you prepare for winter.

Location:
Kate Edger Information Commons 9 Symonds Street (corner of Symonds Street and Alfred Street) Level 1, next to UBIQ and Esports Arena

You also might be eligible to a free MMR vaccine. The measles (MMR) vaccine is free for all children under 18 years in New Zealand, and all adults over the age of 18 who are eligible for free NZ healthcare. Measles – The University of Auckland Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Measles – The University of Auckland

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Food Safety at Home:

Food safety at home is especially important during the winter months, when warm, comforting meals such as soups, casseroles, and roasts are commonly prepared. These dishes often involve slow cooking and the use of various ingredients, which increases the need for proper food handling to avoid cross-contamination. In winter, people also tend to cook in larger quantities and store leftovers, making it crucial to cool and refrigerate food promptly. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, hot foods should be cooled quickly and stored in a refrigerator at or below 4°C, while frozen items should be kept at -18°C or colder.

Treat your leftovers right | NZ Government

mpi.govt.nz

Funding Calls

Hono data integration are impacting research projects

Do you have research grants? Do you, or a member of your research team, use EIP dashboards to monitor your research funds or Research Development Account (RDA)? If so, please read on.

Recent challenges with Hono data integration are impacting research projects. As a result, EIP dashboards are not correctly reflecting actual salary costs from 20 February, casual staff payments, or future-dated salary commitments. All other actual transactions are correct, however, the left-to-spend balances may not be correct.

What does this mean?

EIP reports should not be used to confirm a project’s financial status until further notice, as salary details in EIP reports for pay runs after 20 Feb 2025 are not yet available.
Research Development Account (RDA) balances may not be correct, particularly if fixed-term or casual staff are being paid from the RDA account.
Surpluses or deficits on research grants cannot be resolved until the balances can be confirmed, so projects ending after 20 Feb 2025 cannot be closed.
Surpluses or deficits will not be distributed to, or recovered from, RDA accounts (or returned to funders) for projects ending after 20 Feb 2025 until accurate balances can be confirmed.

Resolutions and Timeframes

A Solution Oversight Co-ordination (SOC) Team has been formed and includes a range of experts who understand the issues and the impacts. Members have been drawn from Research Services, OneFinance, HR, Integration Specialists, Vendors, the Risk Team, and the Planning and Information Office to find solutions to the identified issues. Alongside the SOC Team, several continuity groups (including a research continuity group) are working on specific outcomes, the teams meet daily and report to SOC. The Solution Oversight Coordination Team are in the process of identifying and quantifying the risks around these and implementing mitigation strategies.

Please be assured we’ll be providing regular progress updates to the Faculties and Institutes. In the meantime, if you have an urgent query related to your project financials, please contact your Faculty or Institute Research Services Team in the first instance.

Spencer Foundation – Research Grants on Education: Large

The Large Grant supports education research projects that will contribute to the improvement of education, broadly conceived, with budgets ranging from US $125,000 to $500,000 for projects ranging from one to five years.

This program is “field-initiated,” meaning that proposal submissions are not in response to a specific request for a particular research topic, discipline, design, or method. Goal for this program is to support rigorous, intellectually ambitious and technically sound research that is relevant to the most pressing questions and compelling opportunities in education.

Value: between US$125,000 and US$500,000 (circa NZ$ 220,000 -880,000)
Duration: 12 – 60 months
Deadlines: Intent to apply. External Deadline – Wednesday 14 May 2025; Internal Deadline – Monday 9 June, 2025 (12 Noon)
Funder webpage

Hood Fellowships

The Hood Fellowships are University of Auckland Foundation awards for the distinguished scholars to visit the University (Incoming Hood fellows) or our distinguished scholars to travel outside New Zealand (Outgoing Hood fellows) to build stronger networks, maintain and enhance the international standing and performance of Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland as New Zealand’s premier research-led university. The Hood Fellowship Fund aims to help the University meet this challenge by:

Attracting distinguished overseas academics who are leaders in their field
Developing and retaining the University’s best academic staff
Hosting recognised international experts for guest lectures and seminars
Building stronger international networks among its community of scholars

One of the key expectations of inbound Hood fellows is that they should give at least one public lecture during their time in Auckland.

Value: up to $25,000 each award
Duration: 12 months 2026 (Jan-Dec 2026)
Applications open 1 June 2025 and close 30 June 2025

Further Information

If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

Royal Society Te Apārangi: Tāwhia te Mana Research Fellowships

Please note that this funding called is related to the Tāwhia Te Mana Fellowship webinar Roadshow webinar under the Announcements, Seminars & Events section.

These Fellowships will support researchers at different career stages to produce excellent and impactful research and to develop into leaders in their fields, their respective host organisations and across the whole of the Aotearoa New Zealand ST&I system. The Fellowships consist of three schemes, targeted at early, mid- and established career researchers, respectively. The three schemes are:

New Zealand Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship
New Zealand Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship
New Zealand Mana Tūārangi Distinguished Researcher Fellowship

Value/Duration:

New Zealand Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader
Fellowship

Value: $820,000
Duration: 4 years or up to 8 years part-time

New Zealand Mana Tūānuku Research Leader
Fellowship

Value: $1,160,000
Duration: 4 years or up to 8 years part-time

New Zealand Mana Tūārangi Distinguished
Researcher Fellowship

Value: $220,000
Duration: 1-2 years

Internal Deadline: 12pm, Tuesday, 1st July 2025

Guidelines:

Application templates

Website
ResearchHub resources

If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

Royal Society Te Apārangi Catalyst Seeding (Round 2)

Catalyst Seeding facilitates new small and medium pre-research strategic partnerships that cannot be supported through other means, and with a view to developing full collaborations that could be supported through Catalyst: Strategic over time. Funding is for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting workshops for new strategic research partnerships with international collaborators.

The Catalyst Fund investment plan identifies six priority research areas, which are:

Quantum technology
Health and biomedicine
Biotechnologies
Artificial Intelligence
Antarctic research
Space and Earth observations

Details:

Value: up to $80,000 (Exc. GST)
Duration: 2 years
Deadline: 12pm, Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Further Information (funding call, guidelines website):