Contents

HeadsUp

As the meeting frequency and email traffic settles down, it’s a welcome if brief period to return to the to-do lists and even a couple of long-languishing papers. But also to reflect on the year with gratitude.

We seem to have had a less turbulent teaching year. Yes, disappointment and adjustment with changed prospects for the Waipapa Taumata Rau (WTRSci ) course we collectively invested in so heavily. And frustration also that the work put into transdisciplinary courses hasn’t seen the promise anticipated. But with the course ‘optimisation’ process behind us I’ve felt a sense of consolidation. Enrolments in the ENV 10X courses have been encouraging and have vindicated our decision to be innovative. We can but hope we see good follow-through of students into our majors from that platform of shared cross-school experience. Big thanks to Joe Fagan and team for managing and documenting a very thorough reflection on this first year of delivery.

In terms of research, while Marsden results brought disappointments we’ve seen excellent successes by Environment people from other significant funding sources. And the recent hosting of geoscience and agri-foods conferences have shone light on research excellence in the School. Another very satisfying research-related development is the escalation of communicating findings and expert opinion in the media. It’s been hard to keep up with all the Newsroom and Conversation commentaries as well as interviews on RNZ and TVNZ. Communication can give impetus to collective as well as individual credibility so thanks to all who have taken time to write in a different register than we do for scholarly journals.

In terms of service, it’s been great to see colleagues step up and into new roles. Leadership needs to be shared for direction to be collectively owned. Thanks to Mila for agreeing to a term as DHoS (Education) and to those who carry other in-School leadership responsibility: the discipline leads (Melanie K, Nick and especially Michael R who completes his term); and platform leads (Joe, Tom and especially Emma R and James who stepped in while Sila has been on RSL). As a School we continue to make a significant contribution to leadership in the Faculty helping to ensure that it is an entity we very much part of: Sonia, Murray, Jenny in AD roles, and – I can now announce – Sila who has been appointed Assistant Dean Research. Congratulations!

While congratulating, you’ll have seen the Dean’s email so I would like to add a hearty “well done” to Emma S and Sila who have both been promoted to Associate Professor from 1st February. This is a significant promotion that reflects escalating international esteem and leadership in teaching, research and service. Excellent news.

Finally, but far from lastly, I would like to offer deep gratitude to two teams who facilitate so much of what we do, keeping us in an ‘enabling environment’ to quote one of the pillars of the Faculty plan. I refer to the Group Services and Technical Services Teams.

Thanks for all you do oiling the wheels of systems and processes to ensure that we and our students can all do what we do best when we need to.

Front of mind is last week’s End of Year gathering: It may have been wet in monsoon-like proportions but Michael G, Patricia, Anna and Michael S ensured that the show must go on and it did…and an enjoyable time was had by all.

I am on deck till 19th December, then in the new year, while I take a break Jenny Salmond will be Acting Head the week beginning 5th January and Mila the week beginning 12th January. For any emergency I will be mostly reachable on 021 136 1759.

So, thanks to all. Have a happy and safe festive season and summer break to follow

Robin Kearns


2025 End of Year Event Photos


I took over 100 photos but most of them are Nick Richards playing bowls and leaning at various angles, so I’ve decided to exclude most of them.
Also, thank you to the helpers in the first photo who helped me and Patricia prep some of the food!

 

 


Announcements, Seminars & Events


Emails from students beginning with ‘Hey’

Hyesop Shin

Original article: NZ Herald
RNZ article

The original post came from the social media ‘Threads’, where the newly appointed lecturer at Victoria University Wellington, shared her blunt feeling about students writing emails with the greetings ‘Hey’.

Originally written in Korean, she felt that the students were not equipped with the tone-and-manner for writing emails, not about drawing the hierarchical relationship. The thread got translated to English and went viral, resulting in her going to various media interviews. The university’s provost professor Bryony James saying “so long as correspondence is not ill-mannered, then an informal tone can be quite acceptable”. However, in her threads, she mentioned that she is receiving messages either disagreeing with her point or heart feelingly supportive.

The tone of emails was already being debated a decade ago. In 2011, the BBC published a very palpable article titled “Should e-mails open with Dear, Hi, or Hey?” (https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-12247262). The article points out that emails are transitioning to a more text-based form compared to 40 years ago, which in someways is true. These days, we seem to value communication that is precise, quick to read, and straight to the point.

Me, myself, I do receive emails from undergraduates around 20 year olds with the “Hey” greeting. Coming from a Confucian-influenced upbringing and having been trained at a very traditional university founded in 1209, where every message began with “Dear”, those hey greetings were initially quite jarring when I first started the job here (I literally hiccupped). While I still feel that the students need a bit more context and rapport before jumping into a super casual tone, I have started to see these greetings less as breaking the rules and more as students trying to be open and friendly.

Maybe some have different opinions to say, but a very interesting topic to discuss over coffee!


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!


2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Mock Panels

The Research Funding Team and Faculties/LSRIs are running Marsden Mock Panel sessions. These are informal discussions intended to provide researchers with feedback to strengthen EOI applications. The panels are made up of experienced researchers familiar with grant-writing and the Marsden Fund. Each timeslot is 30 minutes. They will be allocated to applicants on a first-come first-served basis.

Applicants who sign up for our Mock Panels must provide a draft EOI (guidelines attached). This will need to be emailed through to submissions@auckland.ac.nz prior to your session. Please check the specific due dates in the table below. Register here: https://forms.gle/W7xpR6GrcSq6jjPR7

Please note that we will not be taking bookings via email, you must use the Google form linked above. You may only book one timeslot. You will receive a calendar invite after your registration indicating the date and location. If there are no remaining timeslots, you can contact submissions@auckland.ac.nz to be put on the waitlist.

Panel   Session date Draft EOI due date Location
EHB 1 3rd Feb  9 am 23th Jan Online via Teams
EHB 2 4th Feb  9 am 23th Jan Online via Teams
EIS 1 29th Jan noon 22th Jan In person (City campus)
EIS 2 3rd Feb noon 27th Jan In person (City campus)
MIS 28th Jan noon 21st Jan TBC
BMS 1 3rd Feb noon 27th Jan TBC
BMS 2 4th Feb noon 28th Jan TBC
CMP  3rd Feb  noon 27th Jan TBC
ESA 3rd Feb noon 27th Jan In Person (City campus)
EEB 4th Feb noon 28th Jan In Person (City campus)
PCB 2nd Feb  noon 26th Jan  In Person (City campus)

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 21st 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/


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.


Health, Safety & Wellbeing


Measles Outbreak in New Zealand Sparks Urgent Health Warnings

Health authorities are urging New Zealanders to check their immunisation status as the country grapples with its worst measles outbreak in two years. Thirty confirmed cases have been reported nationwide since mid-October, with clusters in Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown. While no new cases were recorded over the weekend, officials warn the risk of further spread remains high as the busy holiday season approaches. [rnz.co.nz], [newstalkzb.co.nz], [tewhatuora.govt.nz]

Locations of Interest and Public Advisory

Health New Zealand has identified multiple “locations of interest” where people may have been exposed, including Auckland bars on Karangahape Road, Queenstown retail outlets, and large events such as the RÜFÜS DU SOL concert at Western Springs Stadium. Ferry sailings between Wellington and Picton have also been flagged. Anyone who visited these sites during specified times is urged to call Healthline (0800 611 116) immediately and self-isolate until advised. [rnz.co.nz], [newstalkzb.co.nz]

Vaccination Drive Intensifies

Since the first case on October 18, more than 60,000 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have been administered—nearly triple the rate before the outbreak. Public health experts stress that immunisation is the best defence, noting that two doses provide 99% protection. Babies under 12 months, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised remain particularly vulnerable. [rnz.co.nz], [tewhatuora.govt.nz]

Why the Surge?

Officials attribute the outbreak to low vaccination coverage, which has dropped to 77.5% among under-18s, far below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Increased travel and large gatherings during the holiday season could accelerate transmission. Health NZ is urging anyone planning domestic or international travel to confirm their vaccination status and get protected before departure. [en.wikipedia.org], [tewhatuora.govt.nz]

Symptoms and Precautions

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, and a rash starting on the face. Anyone experiencing these signs should stay home and contact Healthline or their healthcare provider before visiting clinics to prevent further spread. [tewhatuora.govt.nz]

Protect yourself and your community—get vaccinated today! Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, but two doses of the MMR vaccine provide nearly complete protection. If you’re unsure of your immunisation status, now is the time to act. Vaccination is free and available at your local GP or health clinic. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only safeguarding your own health but also helping prevent the spread to vulnerable groups like babies and those with weakened immune systems. Don’t wait—check your records and book your appointment now!

Staying Safe During the Festive Season: Your Essential Guide

As summer celebrations kick off across New Zealand, health and safety experts are reminding everyone to enjoy the festive season responsibly. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to the beach, or gathering around a bonfire, a few simple precautions can make all the difference.

Water Safety

New Zealand’s beaches and lakes are popular holiday destinations, but water can be unforgiving. Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, keep a close eye on children, and never mix alcohol with swimming or boating. If you’re using watercraft, wear a life jacket and check weather conditions before heading out.

Sun Protection

The Kiwi sun is strong, and UV levels soar during summer. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Staying hydrated is just as important—carry water wherever you go.

Drink Responsibly

Festive gatherings often include alcohol, but moderation is key. Pace yourself, alternate drinks with water, and never drink and drive. Arrange a sober driver or use public transport to get home safely.

Food and Fire Safety

Barbecues and bonfires are holiday staples, but they come with risks. Keep flammable items away from open flames, never leave a fire unattended, and have a bucket of water or extinguisher nearby. When preparing food, wash hands thoroughly, cook meat to safe temperatures, and keep raw and cooked items separate to avoid contamination.

How to Safely Put Out Fires Caused by Fats or Combustibles While Cooking

Fires involving cooking oils or fats are extremely dangerous because they ignite quickly and can spread if handled incorrectly. Here’s what to do:

  1. Turn Off the Heat Immediately If it’s safe, switch off the stove or burner to stop feeding the fire.
  2. Never Use Water Pouring water on a fat or oil fire will cause the burning liquid to splatter and spread, making the fire much worse.
  3. Smother the Flames
    1. Use a metal lid or baking tray to cover the pan and cut off oxygen.
    2. If you have salt or baking soda, you can gently pour it over the flames (never use flour—it can ignite).
  4. Use a Fire Blanket or Class F Fire Extinguisher
    1. A fire blanket is ideal for small kitchen fires.
    2. For larger fires, use a Class F fire extinguisher (designed for cooking oils and fats).
  5. Keep Your Distance If the fire is spreading or you cannot control it quickly, evacuate immediately and call emergency services (111 in NZ).

Enjoy the Season Safely

The festive season is about fun and togetherness—don’t let accidents spoil it. By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself and those around you while making the most of summer celebrations.


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 proposal 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.


 

Royal Society Te Apārangi 2026 Marsden Fund
The Marsden Fund invests in excellent, investigator-led research aimed at generating new knowledge, with long-term benefit to New Zealand.

 

Two types of awards are offered:

  • Fast-Start: for emerging researchers – to give an impetus to their careers by promoting them as sole Principal Investigators (PI) in their own research programme.
  • Standard: for established and emerging researchers.

Notable changes for the 2026 round:

  • There is now a mandatory registration stage. Your registration must be completed before the deadline to allow you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Applicants must submit their grant type, panel, and team to complete their registration.
  • After the registration deadline, it won’t be possible to add any new proposals to the portal or add any team members to existing proposals.
  • No Marsden Council Award will be offered.
Value/Duration: EOI Internal Deadline
  • All grants are for a maximum of three years and are GST exclusive.
  • Fast-Start: up to $120K p.a.
  • Standard: up to $240-$320K p.a. (varies by panel)
12pm, Monday, 9th of February 2026
GUIDELINES
EOI Standard and Fast-Start
2026 Marsden Gazette NoticeUOA SUPPORT MATERIAL
Marsden Fund Support Material
WEBSITE
Panel definitions
Marsden Fund timetable
Frequent asked questions (FAQ)

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

 

Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform: Research Capability Expression of Interest call
The Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform (the Platform) builds on the legacies of the Resilience National Science Challenge (2014–2024) and Natural Hazards Research Platform (2009–2019) to deliver a new, multi-institutional, collaborative research programme. Its mission is to accelerate Aotearoa New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards by bringing together scientists, agencies, iwi, hapū, and communities to reduce risk and strengthen recovery.

The Platform is launching a Research Capability Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify individuals who are well-positioned to contribute to the Platform’s mission.

The Platform is seeking Principal and Associate Investigators with diverse expertise, leadership potential, and a commitment to collaboration, working across boundaries, creating impact, and cultural integrity. Researchers and implementation partners (research users and collaborators) are welcome to submit.

Successful submitters will be invited to take part in research design workshops in the early part of 2026, and be considered for inclusion in interdisciplinary research teams.

Value/Duration: EOI Deadline
Successful submitters will be invited to take part in research design workshops in the early part of 2026, and be considered for inclusion in interdisciplinary research teams. Midday on Friday 12 December 2025
Further information and an application form can be found on the Platform’s interim website

Question can be directed to resilienceplatform@gns.cri.nz

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:

  1. Application Form
  2. Supporting Statement
  3. 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.

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


Publications


28 November update: CAUL Secures Open Access Deals with Springer Nature and Wiley

The Council of Australasian University Librarians (CAUL) has reached in‑principle read‑and‑publish agreements with Springer and Wiley, advancing fair and transparent access to research across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. From 1 January 2026, University of Auckland corresponding authors can publish openly without facing article processing charges in eligible gold and hybrid journals included in our publisher agreements. These agreements will make more research from Australian and New Zealand universities freely available worldwide.  

Shane, P., Mascarenhas, S., Ubide, T., Cronin, S. (2026). Does pre-ascent magma storage influence eruption style? An evaluation from textures and geochemistry of phenocrysts at Taranaki volcano, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 469, 108502, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2025.108502.