HeadsUp

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I hope everyone was able to take at least a few moments to appreciate the sun and other mid-winter pleasures such as the night sky over Matariki weekend. A time for looking back and forward. Lengthening days from now. So much more of a logical time for a new year in this land, in my view.

Good to catch breath and appreciate the here and now – not just on long weekends but whenever we can, as the world becomes more fraught. And we are all affected in unanticipated ways. I spent much of Sunday afternoon talking through options and levels of risk when one of us due to transit through the Middle East to a fieldwork destination contacted me. New territory for myself, the Dean, the Risk Office, others. Now, three staff and students in the School have been rerouted via China to avoid an area of at least potential disruption. Contacting me out of hours with that sort of concern is entirely appropriate. ‘Better safe than stranded’ is my baseline position.

On a happier note I’d like to fulsomely thank George Perry as he approaches a July start to RSL and, as is generally our convention, an end to a key service role. He has offered stellar work as Depurty Head (Academic Programmes) and I will greatly miss his good humour, wise counsel and appreciation of the bigger picture in the teaching space.

As mentioned in the staff meeting, and evident in the slides that guided my comments (View here or download here: 2025 June Staff Meeting), I am working on an a slight expansion of the governance structure of the School to better align with that of the Faculty. Please expect some requests to consider participating more fully in an expanded engine room of the School very soon.

For now, with the break between semesters coming up, do catch breath and – for those who are travelling – enjoy reconnecting at conferences or making field work gains. And keep a disposition of nimbleness in this, at times, edgy world.

Robin Kearns, Head of School

 

A thesis in 3 minutes! – an update from JC

Our Kura held its first heats for the international 3-Minute Thesis competition on 3 June. The principle is simple: summarise a 100,000-word thesis in 3 minutes with only one slide… A very challenging but exciting task! Few of our doctoral candidates joined our heats but the quality of presentations was very impressive. Anne-Fleur van Leeuwen did particularly well and clinched the first spot. Katie Gilchrist came second and Hang Thai third. All of them received a Prezzy card as a reward for their effort. Noteworthy is that Anne-Fleur eventually represented us at the Faculty 3MT heats and did very well too.

Congratulations to all candidates and special thanks to Luitgard, Inka and Joe who judged the competition.

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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Small class-related catering activities

This year, the Student Experience Committee had a budget of $2500.00 towards small class-related catering activities. There is $1250.00 available for semester 2. To maximise this budget and make its distribution as fair as possible, we have created an online form where all interested course coordinators can declare their interest and submit a very brief proposal (100 words) outlining how much they need and for which purpose. The cap for each course is set at $150.00 per semester and applications for semester 2 should be submitted by the 18th of July. Selection will be made by the committee shortly afterwards. Ad-hoc applications throughout the semesters may be considered depending on budget availability. Application must be submitted through the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/s7bvNAcFAP

Student Experience Committee

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Visiting Researcher Seminar

Wednesday 16 July, 2 pm, Ontology Lab (Room 302-551)

 

Dating volcanic eruptions to a calendar year with tree-rings, radiocarbon and the sun

Dr Charlotte Pearson, Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, The University of Arizona

The behaviour of the sun through time impacts the abundance of high-energy protons in Earth’s atmosphere. These collide with nitrogen to create the radioactive isotope, carbon-14.  Carbon-14 is taken up by trees and locked away in tree-rings which can be calendar dated by the techniques of dendrochronology. By measuring how much carbon-14 is present year by year in dated tree-ring sequences, we produce patterns reflecting the behaviour of the sun through time. These pattens replicate in trees growing at the same time all around the world and can be used in a variety of ways to help with dating a wide range of past events and human and environmental interactions. Here we look at two examples of how they have been used to arrive at a calendar date for the eruption of Mt. Mazama, which formed ‘Crater Lake’ in Oregon, USA c.7000 years ago and how, combined with ice-core and archaeological evidence, they can be used to home in on the date of the Thera eruption at Santorini in Greece, c.3500 years ago.

 

Dr Charlotte Pearson is a geoarchaeologist and dendrochronologist based at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, at The University of Arizona.
Her research focuses on new applications for analysis of carbon-14 in single tree-rings, dendrochronological approaches to the chronology of the Ancient Mediterranean and dendrochemical approaches to dating the onset of environmental disturbances, in particular volcanic eruptions.

https://ltrr.arizona.edu/node/4548

 

 

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New to Talis Reading Lists, or need a quick refresher?

Join us for Talis: The Basics and informal Talis Q&A sessions this June and July. These are one-hour sessions run back-to-back, so come to both or just one, whatever suits you best.
 
City Campus: 24 June & 9 July

Grafton Campus: 26 June

For more details and to book, head to Hono:

• Talis the basics 
• Talis Q & A 

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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

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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!

 

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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

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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!

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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.

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The 2025 ANZIC Marine Geoscience Masterclass

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NIWA Auckland Science Fair

Would you like to join the Judging Team for the NIWA Auckland Science Fair. More information is available at: www.scifair.org.nz.

Location: Auditorium, Michael Park School, 55 Amy Street, Ellerslie
Date: Friday, August 29th
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

There is plenty of parking available, and the venue is within walking distance of the Ellerslie train station. Morning tea will be provided 😊. Please contact Aliona Valyashko alionav@michaelpark.school.nz

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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/

 

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Health Safety & Wellbeing

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TestnTel will be doing the test and tag this week, please allow the contractors access to your offices and electric equipment.

 

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

Message from AT for this winter

 

To Report Incidents:

• Students
  Students should report incidents, injuries and observations to the Student Contact Centre or via their academic supervisor.
• Staff
  https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/health-safety-wellbeing/report-concerns-hazards/injury-incidents-observations-reporting.html

Consider downloading

• UoA Alert: UoA Alert
• Auckland Uni app:
  The “AucklandUni app” is actually called UoA Kāhu, and it’s designed to provide University of Auckland students with easy access to essential information and tools. It’s available for download on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.

Tips for winter:

Maintaining Health:

• Boost your immune system: Eat immune-boosting foods, consume fish or fish oil, and ensure adequate Vitamin D intake.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
• Manage dry skin: Use moisturizers, lip balm, and consider using a humidifier to combat dry air.
• Prioritize sleep: Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours) is crucial for your immune system and overall health.
• Exercise regularly: Even light exercise indoors can help you stay active and healthy.
• Get vaccinated: Get your flu shot and stay up-to-date on other vaccinations.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

 

These are the awareness days for this fortnight:

June 19 – 25: National Volunteer Week
Jun 26: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

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Funding Calls

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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.

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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?

1. 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.
2. Research Development Account (RDA) balances may not be correct, particularly if fixed-term or casual staff are being paid from the RDA account. 
3. 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. 
4. 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.

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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

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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

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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:

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

Application templates

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

Website
ResearchHub resources

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

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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):

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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

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Funding Calls

Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society	Key topics  Destination 1: Better protect the EU and its citizens against Crime and Terrorism (FCT) Destination 2: Effective management of EU external borders (BM) Destination 3: Resilient infrastructure (INFRA) Destination 4: Disaster-Resilient society for Europe (DRS) Destination 5: Strengthened Security Research and Innovation (SSRI) Destination 6: Increased Cybersecurity	Single-stage calls in cluster 3 have various closing dates in November 2025   GUIDELINES Cluster 3 – Work programme 2025
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space	Key topics Destination 1: Climate neutral, circular and digitised production Destination 2: Increased Autonomy in Key Strategic Value Chains for Resilient Industry Destination 3: World-leading Data and Computing Technologies Destination 4: Digital & Emerging Technologies for Competitiveness and Fit for the Green Deal Destination 5: Open Strategic Autonomy in Developing, Deploying and Using Global Space-Based Infrastructures, Services, Applications and Data Destination 6: A human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies	Deadline: Single-stage calls in cluster 4 have various closing dates in September/October 2025   GUIDELINES Cluster 4 – Work programme 2025
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility	Key topics Destination 1: Climate sciences and responses for the transformation towards climate neutrality  Destination 2: Cross-sectoral solutions for the climate transition Destination 3: Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply Destination 4: Efficient, sustainable and inclusive energy use Destination 5: Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes Destination 6: Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods	Single-stage calls in cluster 5 have various closing dates in September 2025   GUIDELINES Cluster 5 – Work programme 2025
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment	Key topics Destination 1 – Biodiversity and ecosystem services Destination 2 – Fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food systems from primary production to consumption Destination 3 – Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors Destination 4 – Clean environment and zero pollution Destination 5 – Land, oceans and water for climate action Destination 6 – Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities Destination 7 – Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal	Single-stage calls in cluster 6 have various closing dates in September 2025.   GUIDELINES Cluster 6 – Work programme 2025
•                     Value: from NZD110,000 to NZD3,000,000 exclusive of the MBIE top-up •                     Duration: 3-4 years
WEBSITE EU Funding & Tenders Portal- portal to find topics EU Funding & Tenders Portal- setting up your own account SUPPORT ResearchHub Resources here If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

HeadsUp

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I write from home, rain pelting down, under the weather both literally and metaphorically. Thankfully, one of the downstream effects of the Covid years for workplace culture has been an acknowledgement that being at the office with even a moderate winter cold is not a great idea for all parties. Do please use good judgement if you succumb to an unwelcome winter virus and take sick leave to completely unplug if you can (and please log the time as sick leave on Hono). And do think about ways to keep well through winter. Clearly, I need a refresh of strategies as I’ve had bad luck despite all the raw garlic and dips in the sea…

Some updates:

• Thanks to those who got along to the morning tea reception for Amelia Linzey, Geography graduate and honoured as FoS Distinguished Alumnus.
• The four new ENV courses are an important new direction for the School, so many thanks to those of who have attended the meetings where their development has been discussed. The information presented at these sessions will be made available to all. We will be holding a specific examiners’ meeting to review the courses since they transcend the individual disciplinary programmes, and these will happen each semester they run. It is also expected that the courses will be reviewed more extensively at the end of Semester 2 this year once they have run twice and some of the teething issues have been resolved.
• A reminder: our 2nd (yes, only second) all-staff meeting is next Wednesday 18th, 11am-1pm (with the usual first hour for deliberations, 2nd hour for kai). Be there please.
• Congratulations to Murray Ford whose been appointed as Acting Associate Dean Academic.
• Congrats also to JR, Sila and Melissa who are leading Endeavour bids that have made it to the next stage of consideration. A great showing for the School!
• With RSLs for some in Sem 2, there are a few changes in service role responsibilities: effective July. Here are the first:
  • Meg Parsons assumes Environmental Management Programme Director from Brad Coombes;
  • Kathy Campbell assumes Chair of Equity Committee from Sonia Fonua.
  • Hyesop Shin chairs the Stage 3 and postgraduate SSCCs.
• And a forthcoming acknowledgement/farewell: On account of a range of commitments overseas as well as the Faculty’s quest to reduce air travel, Giovanni Coco will be physically leaving us at the end of August, two months’ earlier than his actual date of ending his time with us. Please mark your diaries for an opportunity to share a drink and offer him thanks and good wishes on Wed 13th August, 4.30pm.

A reminder:
Please remember there are two steps prior to any travel: first obtain a quote from Orbit and complete a Faculty Travel approval form (https://www.forms.auckland.ac.nz/en/staff/science/fos-staff-travel-approval-request-form.html); second, once approved by your academic manager (ie me, via Patricia p.yip@auckland.ac.nz) request that Orbit moves from a quote to a purchase. The second and online form they send you doesn’t replace the Faculty one; it is a purchase order not a travel approval form. The latter is your undertaking that your responsibilities are covered while you are  away, appraising me of your itinerary and length of absence, and an assurance of where the cost will be billed to (an if you plan on being away > 1 month, the Dean’s approval is needed).  Further details can be found in the How to do Stuff guide – there’s a link to this on the p-cubed header (As Sarah our Dean reminded us today, all staff need to complete an Approval Form including her; she needs to seek approval from her manager , the VC). Please don’t leave me wondering where in the world you are, why and for how long.   

All best for these winter days leading up to Matariki.

Robin Kearns, Head of School

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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School of Environment / IMS Equity Morning Tea

 

Kia ora everyone,

This month, SoE and IMS Equity is holding our morning tea to mark World Refugee Day. Please join us for some kai, connecting with others, and our usual light competitive quiz spirit!

When: Wednesday, 18th June, 10:30am – 11:00am
Where: 302 Level 6 Kitchen

We’ll be running our monthly quiz with a focus on World Refugee Day (with prizes to be won!), alongside the highly anticipated Round 2 of the Whittaker’s Chocolate Tournament to help decide the School’s favourite Whittaker’s chocolate flavour.

All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2025 GSNZ President’s Lecture Auckland

GSNZ President Sam McColl will be in Auckland on the 17^th June 2025. He will be giving his (same) lecture twice that day – once at 1 pm in Rm 302-130 (1^st floor) of the University of Auckland Science Centre at 23 Symonds St https://gsnz.org.nz/gsnz-events/ViewEvent/398  and again at 7.30 pm at the Epsom Community Centre, 200 Gillies Ave, Epsom https://gsnz.org.nz/gsnz-events/ViewEvent/401

2025 GSNZ President Tour: Martian monsters, giant landslides, and recipes for disaster: Landslide curiosities, hazards, and a slippery future

Come along to briefly hear of the latest developments of the GSNZ, including new training and funding opportunities. You will have the opportunity to provide feedback or suggestions to the President.

Sam will then take you on a foray through the fascinating world of landslides, from the unbelievably large landslides on Mars to common problems in your back yard. The talk will explore why New Zealand has so many landslides and why they cost more than any other natural hazard. Some thoughts will be given to the big questions in landslide science and projections for landslides in a warming world. 

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Small class-related catering activities

This year, the Student Experience Committee had a budget of $2500.00 towards small class-related catering activities. There is $1250.00 available for semester 2. To maximise this budget and make its distribution as fair as possible, we have created an online form where all interested course coordinators can declare their interest and submit a very brief proposal (100 words) outlining how much they need and for which purpose. The cap for each course is set at $150.00 per semester and applications for semester 2 should be submitted by the 18th of July. Selection will be made by the committee shortly afterwards. Ad-hoc applications throughout the semesters may be considered depending on budget availability. Application must be submitted through the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/s7bvNAcFAP

Student Experience Committee

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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

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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!

 

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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

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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!

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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.

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The 2025 ANZIC Marine Geoscience Masterclass

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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/

 

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Health Safety & Wellbeing

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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

Men’s Health Week

 

“Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

 

That’s the message to Kiwi guys from Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey as Men’s Health Week cranks up for 2025.

The Minister reiterated the message that MHW has been getting out through its ambassadors – talking to a mate can be the first step on your path back to great again.

“Whether it’s men’s health week or any other day, talking to your mates, family or a mental health practitioner, I would encourage you to have the conversation about how you’re really doing.”

What You Can Do This Men’s Health Week:

• Book a check-up with your GP
• Join in with a class or session that best suits you
• Encourage a mate to book their appointment too
• Share your journey using #SeeYourGP and #MensHealthWeek2025

Message from AT for this Winter:

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Funding Calls

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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?

1. 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.
2. Research Development Account (RDA) balances may not be correct, particularly if fixed-term or casual staff are being paid from the RDA account. 
3. 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. 
4. 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.

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2025 New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance

The New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance (SRA) is an annual joint funding programme funded by New Zealand and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).  Chinese partners must apply for their own funding through MoST. 

For 2025, proposals must align with the priority area of Environmental Technologies. The specific research areas for this priority are:

• Clean and renewable energy technologies
• Climate change adaptation technologies
• Climate change mitigation technologies
• Carbon dioxide capture and conversion technologies
• Novel technologies for biodegradation or elimination of emerging pollutants in vivo
• Grant value:  Up to NZ $300,000
• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Internal Deadline: 12 noon, Monday, 23 June 2025

Guidelines and resources can be found on the MBIE website

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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

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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

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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:

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

Application templates

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

Website
ResearchHub resources

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

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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):

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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

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Funding Calls

Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society	Key topics  Destination 1: Better protect the EU and its citizens against Crime and Terrorism (FCT) Destination 2: Effective management of EU external borders (BM) Destination 3: Resilient infrastructure (INFRA) Destination 4: Disaster-Resilient society for Europe (DRS) Destination 5: Strengthened Security Research and Innovation (SSRI) Destination 6: Increased Cybersecurity	Single-stage calls in cluster 3 have various closing dates in November 2025   GUIDELINES Cluster 3 – Work programme 2025
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space	Key topics Destination 1: Climate neutral, circular and digitised production Destination 2: Increased Autonomy in Key Strategic Value Chains for Resilient Industry Destination 3: World-leading Data and Computing Technologies Destination 4: Digital & Emerging Technologies for Competitiveness and Fit for the Green Deal Destination 5: Open Strategic Autonomy in Developing, Deploying and Using Global Space-Based Infrastructures, Services, Applications and Data Destination 6: A human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies	Deadline: Single-stage calls in cluster 4 have various closing dates in September/October 2025   GUIDELINES Cluster 4 – Work programme 2025
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility	Key topics Destination 1: Climate sciences and responses for the transformation towards climate neutrality  Destination 2: Cross-sectoral solutions for the climate transition Destination 3: Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply Destination 4: Efficient, sustainable and inclusive energy use Destination 5: Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes Destination 6: Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods	Single-stage calls in cluster 5 have various closing dates in September 2025   GUIDELINES Cluster 5 – Work programme 2025
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment	Key topics Destination 1 – Biodiversity and ecosystem services Destination 2 – Fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food systems from primary production to consumption Destination 3 – Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors Destination 4 – Clean environment and zero pollution Destination 5 – Land, oceans and water for climate action Destination 6 – Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities Destination 7 – Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal	Single-stage calls in cluster 6 have various closing dates in September 2025.   GUIDELINES Cluster 6 – Work programme 2025
•                     Value: from NZD110,000 to NZD3,000,000 exclusive of the MBIE top-up •                     Duration: 3-4 years
WEBSITE EU Funding & Tenders Portal- portal to find topics EU Funding & Tenders Portal- setting up your own account SUPPORT ResearchHub Resources here If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

HeadsUp

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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

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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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.

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Three Minute Thesis – School of Environment Heats

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

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Hang Thai PhD Proposal Seminar

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

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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

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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!

 

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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. 

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The 2025 ANZIC Marine Geoscience Masterclass

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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/

 

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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

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Funding Calls

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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?

1. 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.
2. Research Development Account (RDA) balances may not be correct, particularly if fixed-term or casual staff are being paid from the RDA account. 
3. 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. 
4. 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

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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

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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

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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:

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

Application templates

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

Website
ResearchHub resources

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

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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):

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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

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2025 New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance

The New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance (SRA) is an annual joint funding programme funded by New Zealand and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).  Chinese partners must apply for their own funding through MoST. 

For 2025, proposals must align with the priority area of Environmental Technologies. The specific research areas for this priority are:

• Clean and renewable energy technologies
• Climate change adaptation technologies
• Climate change mitigation technologies
• Carbon dioxide capture and conversion technologies
• Novel technologies for biodegradation or elimination of emerging pollutants in vivo
• Grant value:  Up to NZ $300,000
• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Internal Deadline: 12 noon, Monday, 23 June 2025

Guidelines and resources can be found on the MBIE website

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HeadsUp

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An impending farewell

It’s with mixed feelings that I open with the news that some of you be aware of: our friend and colleague Giovanni Coco will be leaving ‘Team Environment’ to return to the Northern Hemisphere from the end of October. Giovanni has been a huge contributor to the School since his appointment a decade ago. His international collaborations, engaging teaching, numerous supervisions and wide array of grants and contracts in the coastal research area have been truly impressive. He has also cheerfully taken on various service roles to help keep the engine of the School running. Giovanni will leave a wide gap but we have a six-month runway before he takes off. Over that time we can continue to appreciate the warmth and stellar commitment he brings. Closer to his departure we will have a more focussed opportunity to offer thoughts of appreciation and toast his contributions the School.

Congratulations

Blair has let me know that he and his partner Melanie are expecting baby #3 in October. He reports “It’s a boy this time, so I’ll be slightly less outnumbered at home. We’re excited (and slightly terrified), but mostly excited.” Well done and may excitement prevail!

And on the research front, two ENV-led Marsden EOIs have been invited to the next stage. Well done again. And commiserations to those not invited to proceed , but hoping that you can reconsider, tweak, update and recycle next year.

A colourful week ahead

I doubt reminders are needed but…its graduation this week. I look forward to being on a stage well-populated by Environment people. I especially look forward to seeing two of our recent PhD students who have made great teaching contributions as limited-term PTFs graduate: Alice McSherry and Salene Schloffel-Armstrong.

A reminder that even if you are not ascending to the stage in your finery, please do come along to the reception 730am on Tuesday in the 302 atrium and introduce yourself to some parents and supporters. Its our opportunity for manaakitanga.

And next week, celebrations continue..

…with Phil Shane’s inaugural lecture on Monday 19th May. (refreshments and conversation from 5pm – PLT1 hallway on 303 Ground Floor).

Health and Safety

Thanks to all those associated with our labs who have cleared out surplus materials and generally tidied up in response to last week’s call by Blair and Tom as well as the associated Faculty-driven ‘health check’ on labs. The general message is our labs are workspaces not storage spaces for long-term or redundant materials. As my wise Scots grandmother used to say (not in reference to Labs I should add) “if in doubt, toss it out”.

Leave

Remember that all types of Leave are now to be applied for via Hono. Please remember also that any research or conference-related leave over two weeks in duration may need Dean’s approval (but still apply to me as HoS in the first instance). Recall also that any travel needs a completed FoS Travel Approval Form so we know where costs are coming from, where you will be and how your duties are being managed during you absence. A further requirement is that any travel arrangements being made for you by another agency still needs a Travel Approval Form and you need to submit your itinerary to the Risk Office. Please don’t leave me and others wondering where you are, what you are doing and when you will be back.

All for now. Have a great week

Robin Kearns, Head of School

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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Phil Shane Inaugural Lecture

• When: Monday 19 May | Link to register: https://PhilShane.eventbrite.co.nz
• 5pm Refreshments: Building 303, Ground Floor PLT1 Hallway, 36 Princes Street
• 5:30pm Lecture: Physics Lecture Theatre 1 PLT1/303-G20, Science Centre, 38 Princes Street

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Sanne Vaassen PhD Proposal Seminar

• When: Monday 19 May | 12:00pm  |  302-586
• Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/98859215511?pwd=XChpQ8G8TeH38XJ00MRQNt3zpNafhp.1
  Meeting ID: 988 5921 5511 Passcode: 020440

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Edouard Basquin PhD Proposal Seminar

• When: Monday 19 May | 3:00pm  |  302-586
• Zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/94621178362?pwd=VjyC6B1BQtQSKA7hpyIqbnk497r4R9.1

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ENV Research Seminar Series

You are cordially invited to attend the next round of the School of Environment Seminar Series presentations, which will include presentations by:

Dr Itxaso Ruiz – Does land management affect grapevine water resources?

Dr Maurizio D’Anna – Reshaping the understanding of beach response to sea-level rise for shoreline models

When: Tuesday 20 May, 12-1pm | Where: 302.140 | Please RSVP for catering

 

 

 

 

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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!

 

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The Great SoE Bake Off

When: 13 – 16 May, 10am everyday | Where: 5th Floor Kitchen

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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

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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/

 

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Health Safety & Wellbeing

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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

Pink Shirt Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and promoting kindness and inclusion. It originated in Canada in 2007 when two students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, distributed pink shirts to support a fellow student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt 

In New Zealand, Pink Shirt Day is observed on the third Friday of May each year. This year, it will be held on Friday, 16 May 2025

Supporting Pink Shirt Day is a wonderful way to stand against bullying and promote kindness. Here are some meaningful ways you can get involved:

1. Wear Pink: The simplest way to show your support is by wearing a pink shirt on Pink Shirt Day. This sends a powerful message that you stand against bullying 
2. Educate and Raise Awareness: Host events or activities at your school, workplace, or community to educate others about the impact of bullying and the importance of kindness 
3. Support Anti-Bullying Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work to prevent bullying and support victims 
4. Social Media Campaigns: Use your social media platforms to spread the message. Share posts, stories, and information about Pink Shirt Day to raise awareness 
5. Reflect and Act: Take time to reflect on your own behaviour and how you can contribute to a kinder, more inclusive environment. Stand up for others if you see bullying happening

 

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Funding Calls

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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?

1. 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.
2. Research Development Account (RDA) balances may not be correct, particularly if fixed-term or casual staff are being paid from the RDA account. 
3. 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. 
4. 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:

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Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake 2026 Biennial Research Funding Programme

NHC Toka Tū Ake invites researchers and practitioners to submit proposals for Biennial grants that align with their updated Research Strategy and Research Investment Priorities Statement 2025.

There have been a number of changes since the last round, so please take some time to familiarise yourself with these.  Please visit the funders website for links to the relevant documents, guidelines and application templates.

• Value: $50,000 – $100,000
• Duration: maximum 2 years
• EOI Internal Deadline:  12pm, Tuesday 20 May 2025

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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

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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):

• Funding Call
• Guidelines

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

---

2025 New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance

The New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance (SRA) is an annual joint funding programme funded by New Zealand and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).  Chinese partners must apply for their own funding through MoST. 

For 2025, proposals must align with the priority area of Environmental Technologies. The specific research areas for this priority are:

• Clean and renewable energy technologies
• Climate change adaptation technologies
• Climate change mitigation technologies
• Carbon dioxide capture and conversion technologies
• Novel technologies for biodegradation or elimination of emerging pollutants in vivo
• Grant value:  Up to NZ $300,000
• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Internal Deadline: 12 noon, Monday, 23 June 2025

Guidelines and resources can be found on the MBIE website

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Publications

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