Contents

HeadsUp

I’ve encountered a few abbreviations for which I’ve had to ask clarification on lately. So, here’s one in return: ABEM.

Congratulations to all involved in Semester 2 teaching now that that you’ve pretty much reached the point of ABEM: All But Examiner Meetings.

A great effort and thanks to everyone with all the lecturing, responding to queries, and marking.

—

Specific congratulations to three members of “Team Environment” (in no particular order):

First, earlier this week, Thomas Mules was awarded a Faculty Sustained Contribution Award for his development of a cross-Faculty Cheqroom initiative to manage low-medium value University assets. His citation recorded that he went well beyond his existing role to do this and that it has already been picked up by a number of units in the Faculty and in other faculties. Well done, Thomas!

Second, at a lively book launch last Saturday complete with her son’s Cole’s jazz band, Tara Coleman launched her Marsden- funded book Pill-Rolling Fingers. Until recently, Tara has occupied a number of roles in the school over the last two decades. Most recently she has been recipient of a prestigious Marsden Fast Grant. With this 3-year support, she has investigated the place-based experience of people with early-onset Parkinsons Disease. A highly innovative qualitative methodologist, as one output, Tara used poetry as a medium to incorporate elements of participants’ and her own experience. More on her project here.

Third, very big congratulations to Tom Dowling who received news of his promotion to Senior Lecturer as of February 2026 and who continues to achieve a high level of exposure for his innovative work in the media.

—

As not only the semester but also the academic year’s end looms, I wish you well in wrapping up results and research activities and look forward to seeing you with your best bowling arms ready at the School’s End of Year gathering on Wed 3rd December.

Marsden 2026

Are you planning to apply in 2026? If yes (and I hope many will!), please email our RPM Lily lillian.tang@auckland.ac.nz so she knows who will potentially benefit from administrative and financial assistance.

Robin

Announcements, Seminars & Events

Horizon Europe Research Funding Opportunities

Faculty of Science researchers are encouraged to join consortia bidding for Horizon Europe Pillar 2 funding. Departmental research committee reps are being asked to identify researchers/research groups who align with keywords from Horizon Europe clusters. This will help map internal expertise to Horizon Europe priorities, making it easier to identify funding opportunities and build collaborative proposals.

We are asking all research-active academic staff to consider exploring Horizon Europe (HE) priorities, by doing the following:

Check this spreadsheet to see HE Pillar 2 Research Areas and Keywords. A small sub-committee have taken a first cut at adding research-active staff names alongside keywords, but we need your help – we have no doubt unintentionally missed people, left some people off things they’d be interested in, and put people down for things they’d be puzzled about. Please update this spreadsheet before 12 midday Monday 8 December 2025. Please note you are not committing to anything by putting your name down. This is purely for the Research and Innovation Office to be able to consider UoA research groups across Departments and Faculties that might be suitable to bid for a project.
Consider attending the Horizon Europe: in-person sessions for researchers being run by the Research and Innovation Office – this week! Session 1: Wed 26 Nov | 10:00–11:30 am | 501-110 Grafton Campus. Session 2 (identical content): Thu 27 Nov | 10:00–11:30 am | 435-G02 City Campus

If you are curious to know what Horizon Europe is about, please see here. There are big opportunities. New Zealand-based researchers can join or lead Horizon Europe projects and receive funding on equal terms with their European counterparts. Email Emma Ryan if you have questions.

Emma R and James
on behalf of the Rangahau Committee

2025 YEAR END KEY DATES – FINANCE

Kia ora koutou,

Please see below the key dates for the various Finance and HR processes and request you to adhere to these deadlines.

TOPIC	Comments	DUE DATE
Funds Expiring End of 2025 (Department funds, DRDF (previously PBRF), research enhancement
Capex Purchase Order request	So long as the order is received by end of 2025	Mon 24 Nov 2025
Standard Purchase Order request (Goods/services need to be received in 2025)	Last day to submit the Urgent & Equote purchase requests	Mon 1 Dec 2025
Purchase orders receipting	Last day to submit Goods receipting requests	Mon, 15 Dec 2025
Concur expense claim for students and academic	Last day to submit Concur expense reports in CONCUR	Mon 1 Dec 2025
Concur Expense Claim Approval		Mon 8 Dec 2025
pCard – Expenses that need to be paid by University credit card (pCard)	Please arrange payment with Group Services Team (GSCs/GSAs) by :	Wed 3 Dec 2025
pCard Reviewers approval		Fri 19 Dec 2025
Grant in Aid card requests	Last day to submit Grant in Aid card requests	Wed 3 Dec 2025
Travel Purchase orders	The last day to submit the Travel purchase requests	Mon, 15 Dec 2025
Invoice processing (send invoices to invoices@auckland.ac.nz). Contact STC for any queries.	Final local pay cycle will be on Tuesday 16th Dec 2025, please make sure that invoices are sent in time if suppliers require payment in December 2025	Refer comments
Funds Expiring Beyond 2025 where you don’t need to receive goods before Year-End (i.e HoD, RDA)
pCard – Expenses that needs to be paid by University credit card (pCard)	Last day to arrange payment with Group Services Teams (GSCs/GSAs)	Mon 8 Dec 2025
Purchase Order Request		Mon, 15 Dec 2025
2025 YEAR END KEY DATES – HR /HONO
Contract Variations	Variations to contracts and other data changes submitted and accepted e.g. Fixed Term extensions	5pm, Mon 8 Dec 2025
Timesheet hours submission		5pm, Wed 17 Dec 2025
Timesheet approval		5am, Fri 19 Dec 2025

DRDF Call for proposals for 2026

We are opening the call for DRDF proposals for 2026 early to better support research activities starting early next year (from mid-February onwards).

The application form and guidelines are available here.

Please email the form (or your questions) to e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz by January 30 2025.

Regards,
Rangahau committee

The FoS Group Services Key Dates Calendar is now available on the new Faculty Staff Intranet!

Faculty of Science services – University of Auckland

This calendar provides a central reference point for the key Group Services tasks and deadlines. It will be updated each semester and whenever system changes or upgrades occur. The calendar helps staff plan ahead, coordinate tasks and includes the Teaching Weeks tab for quick reference.

We hope this will be a useful resource for all staff.

Ngā mihi
Faculty Group Services Team Leads
(Maria, Yogita & Anna)

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!

KATE EDGER POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

The Kate Edger Foundation is calling for applications for post-doctoral research awards, deadline in February 2026.

Two of these awards (highlighted in bold) may be applicable to early career Social Science researchers. See their website for other awards.

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH AWARDS

Post-Doctoral Research Award, in honour of Emeritus Professor Dame Charmian J O’Connor. $16,000
Post-Doctoral Research Award specifically for projects in fields from the Arts and Humanities, in memory of Dame Joan Metge. $16,000
Arts and Humanities Post-Doctoral Research Award, $16,000

PURPOSE

The intention of this funding is to support early career academic researchers to gain further independent research experience and publications to help establish their career. These awards are to support women, who have qualified to graduate with a doctoral degree within the last three years, to carry out research on a specified, independent project at an approved Institute in the Auckland area. Three Post-Doctoral Research Awards of $16,000 each (GST exclusive) are available for a limited term research project, to be completed within 6 months.

The 2026 Post-Doctoral Research Award, to honour Kate Edger

In February 2026, to celebrate the 21^st anniversary of the establishment of the Kate Edger Educational Charitable Trust (now Kate Edger Foundation), the 2026 Post-Doctoral Research Award, in honour of Kate Edger, of $24,000 (GST exclusive) is also being offered. The successful candidate will be expected to attend and speak at the 2026 Anniversary Celebration (details to be confirmed).

Kate Edger was the first woman to graduate in NZ, in 1877 and we are proud to be named after her.

Further details of the awards are to be found at: https://kateedgerfoundation.org.nz/

Expedition GLACE-NS

Apply to sail!

Call for Science Party members on IODP³ Expedition GLACE-NS: Late Cenozoic Glaciers, Landscapes, Climates & Ecosystems of the North Sea.

Join Expedition GLACE-NS, investigating how glaciers, landscapes and ecosystems evolved through the dramatic climate changes of the late Plio-Pleistocene. Opportunities exist for researchers in a range of specialities. As an ANZIC member, University of Auckland scientists are eligible to apply and are fully supported by ANZIC.

There’s an information webinar on Monday 20 October. Expressions of interest are due 31 October and applications close 1 December.

Learn more: www.anzic.org/explore/apply/

2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Narrative CV workshop

This practical in-person workshop is designed to guide researchers through the hows and whys of writing a Narrative CV. This session will cover what a Narrative CV is and the main Marsden Narrative CV template sections. It will also provide you with dedicated time to work on your own Narrative CV and useful tools to take home to help you complete it.

What to bring:
Please bring your up-to-date CV to use during the activity stage — either a hard copy or a digital version on your computer will suffice. The Marsden Narrative CV template will be sent to applicants who registered to apply for the workshop.

AUDIENCE: Open to UoA research staff applying for the 2025 Marsden round who are interested in submitting their CV using the Narrative CV format.

Key information:

Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
Time: 10:00-11:30 am
Location: B201-341- 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus.

Register via Eventbrite here. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed. Please note that this session will not be recorded.

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

School of Environment Internal Seminar Series

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Staying Well in the Summer: How Warm Weather Affects Your Health and Mental Health

Summer often brings images of long sunny days, outdoor adventures, and a welcome break from routine. But while the warmer months offer many opportunities to boost well-being, they can also present unique physical and mental health challenges. Understanding how summer influences the body and mind can help you enjoy the season while staying balanced, energized, and resilient.

Physical Health in the Summer: Opportunities and Risks

1. More Sunshine, More Vitamin D

Longer daylight hours mean increased exposure to sunlight, which naturally boosts vitamin D levels. Adequate vitamin D supports immune health, bone strength, and mood regulation. Spending 10–20 minutes outdoors a few times a week is often enough for many people—just remember sunscreen if you’ll be out longer.

2. Heat and Hydration Challenges

Rising temperatures increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Common early symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Simple habits—like carrying a water bottle, avoiding peak midday sun, and wearing lightweight clothing—go a long way in protecting your health.

3. Increased Physical Activity

Summer encourages outdoor exercise: walking, swimming, cycling, hiking. Being active helps manage weight, reduces stress, and improves sleep. However, exercising in high heat can strain the cardiovascular system. Adjusting workout times to early morning or evening can keep physical activity safe and enjoyable.

Mental Health in the Summer: Benefits and Hidden Stressors

1. Improved Mood for Many People

Sunlight increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood, calmness, and focus. Many people find their mental health improves in summer thanks to more light exposure, social activities, and time in nature.

2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (Summer SAD)

While less common than winter SAD, some individuals experience mood disturbances during summer. Symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, anxiety, or decreased appetite. Triggers often include heat intolerance, disrupted routines, or sensitivity to long daylight hours.

3. Social Pressures and Body Image

Summer can bring social expectations—beach outings, vacations, and increased visibility of one’s body—that heighten anxiety or self-consciousness. Social comparison, especially on social media, can amplify these pressures. Practicing self-compassion and curating one’s social environment can reduce these stressors.

4. Disrupted Routines

School breaks, travel, or irregular schedules can throw off sleeping patterns and daily structure. Routine changes, even positive ones, can affect mental well-being, especially for children, students, caregivers, and anyone who thrives on predictability. A flexible but consistent routine—like regular wake times or planned downtime—helps maintain stability.

Tips for Supporting Health and Mental Health All Summer Long

Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty.
Protect your skin: Wear sunscreen, hats, and seek shade during peak UV hours.
Prioritize rest: Hot nights can disrupt sleep; cooling bedding or fans can help.
Practice mindful movement: Exercise earlier or later in the day to avoid heat stress.
Limit overstimulation: Give yourself permission to rest despite the “summer productivity” mindset.
Stay connected: Socialize in ways that feel comfortable and nourishing.
Monitor your mood: If irritability, anxiety, or sleep issues persist, consider speaking with a mental health professional.
Embrace nature: Even short moments outside—morning walks, evening breezes—can reduce stress and lift mood.

The Bottom Line

Summer offers a natural boost to well-being through sunlight, activity, and social connection, but it also brings challenges related to heat, routine disruption, and psychological pressures. With awareness and simple strategies, you can enjoy the season to its fullest while strengthening both physical and mental health.

Funding Calls

Open Access Fund

A reminder about the Open access support fund for high-impact publications (research articles) within the Faculty of Science.

The distribution of funds will be based on a first-come, first-served basis through a Faculty Open Access (OA) working group. Funds will be allocated to cover OA fees for eligible researchers.

To find out more about Open Access publishing as well as Green Access publishing go to: https://research-hub.auckland.ac.nz/subhub/open-access

Please apply here.

HORIZON EUROPE Introductory Guide: Applications for the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme are due in September/October. Dr Kelly Kilpin has joined the international team and created an Horizon Europe introduction guide for researchers. For more information, or if you have any questions about Horizon Europe funding opportunities, please email International.Research@auckland.ac.nz or visit the Horizon Europe Research Hub page
Audience	Event/Opportunity	Details:
ALL	TUM Global Visiting Professor Program	The TUM Global Visiting Professor Program is designed to foster international collaboration by inviting distinguished professors from global institutions to engage in short-term teaching and research stays at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). These stays, ranging from one week to three months, aim to enrich TUM’s academic environment through joint research projects, proposal development for third-party funding, and research-oriented teaching in English. The program also supports sustainability-focused initiatives and interdisciplinary work, aligning with TUM’s Sustainable Futures Strategy 2030. This scheme presents a positive opportunity for Horizon Europe collaborations, particularly in building and strengthening transnational research networks. By enabling visiting professors to initiate or deepen partnerships with TUM faculty. The emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and societal relevance aligns well with Horizon Europe’s mission-driven approach. Eligibility requirements include affiliation with an international higher education institution (titles such as Professor, Associate Professor, or Lecturer are accepted), and securing a TUM host (either a TUM Professor or Junior Fellow). The program offers up to €10,000 per project. Applications must include a CV, publication list, and a host statement, and are submitted via TUM’s online portal. Costs covered include travel, accommodation, and honoraria for public lectures Next deadline: January 31, 2026: Stay possible from April 1, 2026. Scheme link *TU Munich and Horizon Europe:* Researchers considering Horizon Europe opportunities are advised to consider using the leveraging the program when reflecting on the track record and profile that TU Munich has within Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe. Research interests in the following Clusters and areas are advised to consider this opportunity: Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy, and Mobility This cluster focuses on the green transition, including sustainable transport, clean energy systems, and climate resilience. Visiting professors with expertise in renewable energy technologies, urban mobility, or climate modelling could collaborate with TUM researchers to co-develop proposals addressing these challenges. Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment This cluster supports research on biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and circular bioeconomy. Professors specializing in agroecology, environmental systems, or biodiversity conservation could use their TUM visit to initiate joint research and teaching activities that feed into Horizon Europe proposals.
CLUSTER 5: Climate, Energy & Mobility	Calls (topics) closing soon	A number of Cluster 5 calls (topics) across multiple destinations will close January/February 2026 If you are contacted by European partners to participate in these calls, please contact the Research Funding Team and your local FIRST to register your participation. The relevant calls can be found on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
ALL	Upcoming: “Horizon Europe 201 – Who, What, When, Why & How”	The Research Funding Team will be delivering a “Horizon Europe 201 – Who, What, When, Why and How” session. This in person event will cover the expectations and practicalities of being part of a Horizon Europe consortia, both at the pre- and post-award stage. We will address some of the common myths regarding this funding scheme and present some strategies to allow researchers to navigate the process with confidence. Dates/Sessions and registration information will be circulated once confirmed.

Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding

Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea.

The proposall could include:

multi-stakeholder workshops
collaborative inquiries
ethnographic research
travel to key events
collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns
projects to link up voices and perspectives.

Value/Duration:

From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge
Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.

Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026

Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):

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

2026 Zonta Science Award for young women scientists with PhD
The Zonta Club of Wellington is calling for applications for the 2026 Zonta Science Award from young women scientists with a Ph.D. (usually within seven years of graduation). Applicants need to be New Zealand citizens or have New Zealand permanent residency and have excelled in the fields of pure or applied science (excluding clinical medicine that involves human subjects).
Value:	Eligibility
The Award recipient receives: $20,000 cash to fund travel, education, materials and/or activities that will advance her research and career A bespoke commemorative medal and certificate National recognition at an award ceremony in Wellington	Applicants must be a woman who is: A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and currently residing in New Zealand, A PhD graduate (usually within 7 years of graduation), Excelling in fields of pure or applied science (excluding clinical medicine, i.e. medical research that involves human subjects), Studying for further post doctorate qualifications or involved in research that has widespread benefits, Able to communicate effectively to peers and non-scientists, Contributing to her community, Actively promoting science as a career for women, Acting as an advocate for women in science, and Likely to gain further career advancement from receiving this award.
How to Apply To apply for the Award, you should prepare an: Application Form Supporting Statement Nominator Letter of Reference You can read detailed application instructions, download the application form, and submit your application online here.

Research to Start-up Bootcamp

Applications are now open for the Research to Start-up Bootcamp, a free, three-day programme designed for doctoral candidates and research-active staff at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

📅 Date: 17-19 February 2026
📍 Location: Unleash Space
🕒 Applications close: 1 December 2025

Over three action-packed days, you’ll:

Explore how your research can make a tangible impact.
Learn how to shape ideas into ventures, including intellectual property basics.
Hear from researchers who have become founders.
Build cross-disciplinary networks and practise pitching your work.

No start-up idea is required – just curiosity and a desire to make a difference. Individuals and teams are welcome.

Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Fund Vision Mātauranga webinar

We invite you to join us for the 2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Fund Vision Mātauranga webinar on Wednesday 3 December from 10 am to 11 am.

In this focused session, Hine Busby (Poutaki Rangahau Vision Mātauranga | Research Manager Vision Mātauranga), Rangimarie Painting and Sheye Semple (Kairuruku Rangahau | Vision Mātauranga Research Coordinators) will help clarify the instructions, expectations, and best practices for integrating Vision Mātauranga in Marsden Fund proposals.

– Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

– Time: 10:00-11:00 am

– Location: Online via Zoom link

Register via Eventbrite here. A Calendar Event invitation and Zoom link will be sent out to participants when the registration has been completed. This session will be recorded.