HeadsUp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robin Kearns

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2025 End of Year Event Photos

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

 

 

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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2025 YEAR END KEY DATES – FINANCE

Kia ora koutou,

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

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

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DRDF Call for proposals for 2026

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

The application form and guidelines are available here.

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

Regards,
Rangahau committee

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

Faculty of Science services – University of Auckland

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

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

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

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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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2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Mock Panels

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

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

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

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

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KATE EDGER POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH AWARDS

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

PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

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

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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Measles Outbreak in New Zealand Sparks Urgent Health Warnings

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

Locations of Interest and Public Advisory

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

Vaccination Drive Intensifies

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

Why the Surge?

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

Symptoms and Precautions

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

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

Staying Safe During the Festive Season: Your Essential Guide

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

Water Safety

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

Sun Protection

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

Drink Responsibly

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

Food and Fire Safety

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the Season Safely

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

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

 

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea. The proposal could include:  multi-stakeholder workshops collaborative inquiries ethnographic research travel to key events collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns projects to link up voices and perspectives.
Value/Duration: From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.	Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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Royal Society Te Apārangi 2026 Marsden Fund
The Marsden Fund invests in excellent, investigator-led research aimed at generating new knowledge, with long-term benefit to New Zealand.   Two types of awards are offered: Fast-Start: for emerging researchers – to give an impetus to their careers by promoting them as sole Principal Investigators (PI) in their own research programme. Standard: for established and emerging researchers. Notable changes for the 2026 round: There is now a mandatory registration stage. Your registration must be completed before the deadline to allow you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Applicants must submit their grant type, panel, and team to complete their registration. After the registration deadline, it won’t be possible to add any new proposals to the portal or add any team members to existing proposals. No Marsden Council Award will be offered.
Value/Duration:	EOI Internal Deadline
All grants are for a maximum of three years and are GST exclusive. Fast-Start: up to $120K p.a. Standard: up to $240-$320K p.a. (varies by panel)	12pm, Monday, 9th of February 2026
GUIDELINES EOI Standard and Fast-Start 2026 Marsden Gazette NoticeUOA SUPPORT MATERIAL Marsden Fund Support Material WEBSITE Panel definitions Marsden Fund timetable Frequent asked questions (FAQ) If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform: Research Capability Expression of Interest call
The Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform (the Platform) builds on the legacies of the Resilience National Science Challenge (2014–2024) and Natural Hazards Research Platform (2009–2019) to deliver a new, multi-institutional, collaborative research programme. Its mission is to accelerate Aotearoa New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards by bringing together scientists, agencies, iwi, hapū, and communities to reduce risk and strengthen recovery. The Platform is launching a Research Capability Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify individuals who are well-positioned to contribute to the Platform’s mission. The Platform is seeking Principal and Associate Investigators with diverse expertise, leadership potential, and a commitment to collaboration, working across boundaries, creating impact, and cultural integrity. Researchers and implementation partners (research users and collaborators) are welcome to submit. Successful submitters will be invited to take part in research design workshops in the early part of 2026, and be considered for inclusion in interdisciplinary research teams.
Value/Duration:	EOI Deadline
Successful submitters will be invited to take part in research design workshops in the early part of 2026, and be considered for inclusion in interdisciplinary research teams.	Midday on Friday 12 December 2025.
Further information and an application form can be found on the Platform’s interim website Question can be directed to resilienceplatform@gns.cri.nz If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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

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Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Fund Vision Mātauranga webinar

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

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

– Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

– Time: 10:00-11:00 am

– Location: Online via Zoom link

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

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

Publications

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HeadsUp

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

—

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

Marsden 2026

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

Robin

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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2025 YEAR END KEY DATES – FINANCE

Kia ora koutou,

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

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

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DRDF Call for proposals for 2026

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

The application form and guidelines are available here.

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

Regards,
Rangahau committee

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

Faculty of Science services – University of Auckland

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

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

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

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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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KATE EDGER POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH AWARDS

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

PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

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

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Expedition GLACE-NS

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School of Environment Internal Seminar Series

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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

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

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Physical Health in the Summer: Opportunities and Risks

1. More Sunshine, More Vitamin D

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

2. Heat and Hydration Challenges

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

3. Increased Physical Activity

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

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Mental Health in the Summer: Benefits and Hidden Stressors

1. Improved Mood for Many People

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

2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (Summer SAD)

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

3. Social Pressures and Body Image

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

4. Disrupted Routines

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

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Tips for Supporting Health and Mental Health All Summer Long

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

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The Bottom Line

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

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

 

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea. The proposall could include:  multi-stakeholder workshops collaborative inquiries ethnographic research travel to key events collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns projects to link up voices and perspectives.
Value/Duration: From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.	Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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

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Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Fund Vision Mātauranga webinar

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

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

– Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

– Time: 10:00-11:00 am

– Location: Online via Zoom link

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

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

Publications

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HeadsUp

November is conventionally a crowded calendar month as we schedule end of year events prior to the fieldwork /annual leave etc diaspora of December. This year is no exception.

We have annual disciplinary lectures coming up this week. Do get along if you can. And on Wednesday, the last staff meeting of the year. While we don’t take a roll as, for example at Senate, attendance is expected – especially as they are only four times a year.

Moving forward informed by Korero Mai

Following our School hui on work allocation that was a follow-on from the Korero Mai staff engagement survey, the next step is to drill a little deeper into the issue. By way of background, results showed that while academic staff in the School of Environment generally thought their work allocation was reasonable, some raised concerns about whether “workloads are divided fairly among people where I work”. A challenge is that the information collected in the UofA survey did not provide much insight into the reasons behind these responses, including whether such concerns were about the School or the University more generally. Tom Baker is leading this initiative and invites elaboration as part of the collective effort to better understand staff experience and address concerns. Please take a few moments to offer some thoughts here: Understanding SENV academic staff views on work allocation. There will also be elaboration on this workstream at Wednesday’s staff meeting.

SET Evaluations

If you have coordinated a course this semester, you will have heard from Mila requesting a prompt ‘closing of the loop’ . By this we mean it is important that students feel their feedback is valued. We ask that you email the class and thank them for participating in the SET survey,  acknowledge any positive feedback, and note any challenges they raised. If appropriate, please indicate how one challenge or issue that has been raised by students will be addressed in the next iteration of the course.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Sonia Fonua for receipt of a Faculty Teaching Development Fund award to allow her to investigate Understanding how secure assessments help or hinder Pacific science learners and create opportunities for embedding Indigenous Knowledges.

Last week we had the annual research presentations and awards day. Big thanks to the organisers and presenters – fascinating talks and well-earned recognitions. It was especially heartening to note recipients of two prizes.

First, the Solbo Village Prize for highest achieving undergraduate geography students was donated by Honorary Academic and retired staff member Hong-key Yoon and named for a place in Korea of considerable family significance to him. Students studying the character of places receiving an award named after a place: a nice circularity.

Second, Elizabeth Williams received the Hiroki Ogawa Citizenship Award, established for one of our more memorable PhD students/postdocs who tragically lost his life on Taranaki Mounga in 2014. I spent this last weekend walking on the mounga and its mighty presence reminded me not only of Hiroki but also all the interwoven strands of volcanology, risk, cultural significance, human endeavour and landscape appreciation that mountain represents. Pondering his shortened life as I walked offered a focus as should any death in a wider family and it is fully fitting that Joe Fagan’s annual appreciation of Hiroki at the awards ceremony was full of wit and warmth.

Congratulations to Elizabeth and gratitude to all recipients in the 12 years since this significant award was established. As Joe wisely said, achievement can be over-emphasised in a university setting and is ultimately only part – albeit a significant part – of why we are here.

Commiserations

And commiserations to those unsuccessful in the Marsden round just announced. I hope in the spirit of environment people you will consider recycling for another year. The staff meeting may will bring some insights with our guest being Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Frank Bloomfield.

….

May this busy November go well for you all. See you at the staff meeting and the events that follow.

Robin Kearns

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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One small switch: our tiny classroom experiment in the AI era

Every time we end our semesters, particularly in the recent years, we have been bombarded with discussions and concerns around AI-generated assignments, bi-modal outcomes, and test arrangements. There is no silver bullet, and there is certainly no collective sense of relief yet.

Early July this year, I attended the Teachwell workshop “Foundations in Learning and Teaching” to think about how to help students learn better through our teaching. When the facilitator introduced Constructive Alignment (Briggs, Tang, and Kennedy, 2022) and explained how learning outcomes, assessment tasks, and learning activities need to line up.

Then came the key question: what is one thing you could change in a course? My table group landed on this: ask students to talk about their (written) assignment. Not holistically, just one.

So in GEOG 342, a human geography course on technology, power, and social change, I changed one small structural element. One assignment became a public blog post, plus an option to have a short interview. We did not ban AI nor encourage AI. We did not police wording. We did not impose detection tools. Instead we asked: use AI if you want, but after you submit you can opt in for an interview to earn points by explaining your work, defending your thought processes, and developing your ideas further than what was published in the blog. If you choose not to use AI in your blog, then write the reasoning in your reflections.

What happened?

Ten out of twelve groups opted in for an interview. And many thrived! Here are just two examples:

“Will the Algorithm See You Now? Inside Hospital Queues” examined how New Zealand hospitals have been understaffed for years and how triage can end up privileging those who can describe their symptoms confidently in English. They proposed that AI could help generate an initial clinical summary that might smooth this linguistic inequity.

“Love, Actually, Is an Algorithm” looked at how young adults, particularly in the United States, use platforms such as Tinder to meet people. They focused on the Gale Shapley matching algorithm and how it structures not just who is matched, but who remains invisible.

It took extra time to mark, yes. But the gain in learning, trust, and meaning was obvious. It was only one small switch. But it made the entire semester feel very different. It felt like a step towards an assessment form that arguably fits the AI era. If you are interested, please visit the website: https://uoageographyai.substack.com/

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An invitation for staff to feedback on the four new ENV 10X courses

The AKO Innovation Committee is undertaking a reflection on the four new stage one ENV courses. We have spoken to many of the staff involved in designing, building and teaching these courses, and have completed a survey of students who took these courses in 2025. Now we are keen to get feedback from staff, particularly those who haven’t had an opportunity to comment previously, or have done so from a specific (rather than general) perspective, for example, as someone teaching into ENV 100. The staff survey is intentionally broad to allow for perspectives that may not have come up previously and respondents can add as little or as much as they like. A link to the survey can be found below, it will remain open until the end of Friday, 14^th November 2025.

Thank you, the AKO Innovation Committee.

 https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pJhD4pcjQlpz4W

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

Faculty of Science services – University of Auckland

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

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

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

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New Research Platform Booking and Billing Tool – Infinity X 

Infinity X is now live and being used by three platforms: Auckland Genomics, the Te Kaihōpara research vessel, and the Biomedical Imaging Research Unit (BIRU). It will be rolled out across other platforms; Infinity X will fully replace iLab used by some platforms in Science by the end of 2025. Getting started: many existing users will have their details pre-loaded into the tool and will be contacted with setup instructions as each platform goes live. Visit Infinity X, the platform booking and billing tool, for training and support information. See Booking and billing project for information on the project.

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School of Environment Disciplinary Lectures 

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Please join us for the climate change seminar below at 2pm on Wednesday 12th November in 302-555.

Hydroclimatic conditions in Central Europe – challenges in the face of global warming 

Hydroclimatic conditions in Central Europe are shaped by complex interactions between atmospheric circulation, moisture transport, and surface processes. This presentation explores the spatial and temporal variability of tropospheric water vapor over Europe and the Northeastern Atlantic since 1981, with particular emphasis on the crucial role of atmospheric circulation in shaping hydroclimatic conditions. The findings confirm the importance of evaporation surfaces, circulation regimes, and the vertical structure of air masses in determining seasonal and regional patterns of hydroclimatic variability, demonstrating a large-scale spatial coherence of moisture conditions across Europe and highlighting the significance of circulation anomalies in driving extreme values. The observed increase in air temperature, combined with the lack of additional moisture sources in Central Europe—where latitudinal transport is less pronounced during warm seasons—contributes to drying in the lower troposphere and an increased risk of atmospheric drought. This research underscores the need to devote greater attention to atmospheric moisture, which remains less studied than temperature or precipitation despite its central role in the hydrological cycle, energy balance, and climate modelling, while also highlighting the importance of accurate moisture field characterization for improving weather forecasts, climate projections, and hydroclimatic risk assessments in a warming climate.

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Upcoming PhD Seminar

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PhD Supervisor Re-accreditation by 1 March 2026

In March 2026, which marks 5 years from the date all then-accredited supervisors were initially loaded into Wahapū, many ENV accredited doctoral supervisors will be due for re-accreditation.

Re-accreditation requires two parts.

Supervisors must complete:

1. Doctoral Policy and Procedure Reaccreditation for Supervisors (DPPRS) before the deadline. This course takes 60-90 minutes and you can do it any time before 1 March. (ONLINE ONLY)
2. Complete 4 other SGS accredited courses. There are a mixture of online and in person courses available for anyone who has yet to complete this requirement (MIX OF ONLINE & IN-PERSON).

Anyone who has not met these criteria (check your Wahapū profile, accreditation) will not be able to be added onto any new supervision teams until they have regained accreditation.

The most up-to-date list of events is always available in the the Supervision Hub, and are listed in the monthly Supervisor News newsletter, delivered by email to all accredited supervisors.

Here are a few:

• 20 November (In person) Introduction to Research Supervision at UoA – Workday
• 20 November (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday

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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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ECR Career Planning: Two-Part Workshop

Dates: Monday 10 November & Monday 17 November, 9:30am–12:30pm
Location: City Campus, 58 Symonds Street
Register your interest here

This two-part, in-person workshop is designed for early career researchers — including late-stage PhD candidates in their final year, postdocs and research fellows — who are at a transition point and actively exploring their next career steps, within or beyond academia.

The two sequential sessions provide a structured space in which participants can reflect, explore options, and plan their next steps. They are especially valuable for individuals considering a range of career possibilities.

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EarthFest 2025 Call for Participants

EarthFest, Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest STEM festival celebrating the Earth sciences, needs your help! If you’re in the geosciences space and keen to volunteer your time at this awesome event, please contact Jenny Stein at earthfest@gsnz.org.nz. Free lunch will be provided to all festival helpers.

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Expedition GLACE-NS

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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Measles Update

HSW Rep Community of Interest Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

There’s been an increase in measles cases across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Measles spreads easily and can make people seriously unwell.

You’re at risk of getting measles if you haven’t had two MMR vaccinations or haven’t had measles before.

From 1 October 2025, Health NZ is funding free MMR vaccinations for everyone in New Zealand during measles outbreaks.
This includes international staff, their families, and international students.

If you’re unsure how many doses you’ve had, check your vaccination record or simply get vaccinated.
✅All measles immunisations are free.

Where to get vaccinated:
Unichem Campus Pharmacy
📍Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, 9 Symonds Street
(Corner of Symonds & Alfred Streets, next to UBIQ and the Esports Arena)
🕓No bookings needed – walk-ins welcome
💉MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – Free for everyone

Alternatively, you can visit your local health provider or pharmacy.

More information:

Measles – University of Auckland

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine – Health NZ

 

Diabetes Action Month

This November, Diabetes New Zealand is calling attention to a growing health crisis: the increasing number of children and young people being diagnosed with diabetes.

https://www.diabetesactionmonth.org.nz/

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

This November, Gut Cancer Foundation is shining a light on pancreatic cancer, its risks, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. With a commitment to vital research, education, advocacy, and patient support, our mission is to improve and save the lives of all Kiwis affected by pancreatic cancer (which has the worst survival rate of any major cancer)

https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/pancreatic-cancer-awareness-month/

Our cause areas

The Movember Institute of Men’s Health

Bringing together the world’s best minds in men’s health

Mental health and suicide prevention

Suicide is largely preventable. Here’s how we’re making a difference

Prostate cancer

Globally, ~10.8M men are living with or beyond prostate cancer. Here’s what we’re doing about it

Testicular cancer

Our approach to the world’s most common cancer among men aged 15-39

https://nz.movember.com/

World Pneumonia Day
November 12^th

The fight to reduce deaths from the single, biggest infectious killer of adults and children has never been more urgent. In 2023, pneumonia claimed the lives of 2.5 million, including 610,000 children under five, according to the Global Burden of Disease. With aging populations, urbanization, and air pollution increasing the burden of respiratory infections, and the risk of another COVID-like pandemic high, there is a pneumonia crisis across the life course killing millions now and placing many more at risk of death when the next pandemic strikes.

https://stoppneumonia.org/latest/world-pneumonia-day/

World Kindness Day
November 13^th

The world has plenty of unkind acts that occur in it, but World Kindness Day is meant to shine the spotlight on the truly kind acts that people do as well. And it is meant to encourage people everywhere to do “random acts of kindness”, as well as more purposeful and commitment-filled acts of kindness, or any acts of kindness at all that you can think of.

Many observe the day by giving food, clothes, money, books, or other needful items to those who need them most. And many just are extra careful to hold the door for strangers, say “thank you”, pay for someone else’s lunch, or a multitude of other small, but kind, acts.

World Kindness Day 2025, 2026 and 2027 – Observances.global

 

World Diabetes Day
November 14^th

Diabetes and well-being at work

Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition in the workplace, including stigma, discrimination and exclusion. This has a negative impact on their well-being. This World Diabetes Day, join our call on employers and employees around the world to ‘Know more and do more for diabetes at work’ and start the change for a better #DiabetesLife.

https://worlddiabetesday.org/

World Tolerance Day
November 16^th

Tolerance implies:

Respect and acceptance of differences. People differ in their cultures, traditions, religions and beliefs, and these differences enrich human society.

Recognition of human rights. Tolerance is closely linked to the principles of human rights, as discrimination and intolerance contradict fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Counteraction to violence. Tolerance contributes to the creation of a peaceful society where differences are resolved through dialogue rather than violence.

Social and cultural development. The development and prosperity of a society largely depend on the ability to accept and adapt new ideas, exchange experiences and knowledge.

https://www.unesco.org/en/days/tolerance

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day
November 17^th

On 17 November 2025, the world marks World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day — designated by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78.8) as the first official world health day dedicated to eliminating a cancer.

The Day builds on a global movement that began on 17 November 2020, when 194 countries collectively committed to eliminate a cancer for the first time and WHO launched a Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Since then, communities, governments, and partners have united each year to expand access to HPV vaccination, high-performance screening, and treatment services — advancing women’s health, equity, and universal health coverage.

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025

 

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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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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
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.

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

 

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea. The proposall could include:  multi-stakeholder workshops collaborative inquiries ethnographic research travel to key events collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns projects to link up voices and perspectives.
Value/Duration: From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.	Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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NZPA Industry Collaboration Funding 2025
The New Zealand Product Accelerator (NZPA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Industry Collaboration Funding. This funding supports early career researchers from New Zealand universities PROs and IRANZ member institutions to collaborate with industry on projects that address real business needs and deliver practical, commercial outcomes. Following last year’s success, where 10 projects were funded, we’re looking forward to another round of impactful research–industry partnerships.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Up to $10,000 per project Duration: maximum six months unless otherwise agreed with NZPA	Friday, 14th November 2025
Interested researchers can download the application form and instructions and submit their completed applications here For any queries, please contact nzpa@auckland.ac.nz If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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

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2025 Near Miss Funding Round

The Faculty of Science Near Miss funding round for 2025 is now open. Completed application forms should be submitted through InfoEd (RFM) by the deadline: 4pm, Monday, 24th November 2025.

Awarded funds will need to be spent within the financial year of the award i.e. 1st January to 31st December 2026.

The purpose of the Near Miss Fund is to support Principal Investigators (PIs) from the Faculty of Science who narrowly missed out on securing a major grant (≥ $100,000).

This fund offers up to $10,000 to enhance research activities, increasing the likelihood of success in future grant applications. We envisage being able to fund up to 5 applications in the 2025 round.

More details and a copy of the Near Miss Fund Guidelines and Application form can be found on the Faculty of Science staff intranet.

For general queries, in the first instance, please contact your School/Department Research Programme Coordinator (RPC), or Fos-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.

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Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Fund Vision Mātauranga webinar

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

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

– Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

– Time: 10:00-11:00 am

– Location: Online via Zoom link

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

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

Publications

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HeadsUp

I hope everyone had a great Labour Weekend and, in the spirit of this public holiday, you were able to take some time to relax amid the preoccupations of courses ending.

Congratulations

First off, very big congratulations. We have two new professors in the School! I am delighted to be able to share the superb news that Tom Baker and Melanie Kah have been promoted to Professor. This, as we know, is a very significant achievement and the peak promotion in any academic career. It reflects gravitas of scholarship, international recognition, commitment to excellent teaching and being of service to the School, Faculty, University and beyond. As Head of School I am very proud to see Tom and Melanie acknowledged by the university in this manner.

Thanks and farewell

After being member of the School for a number of years, Carolyn Lundquist is leaving for Central Queensland next month. Although on a 0.20 FTE contract as a Joint Graduate School appoint and mainly based at NIWA in Hamilton, Carolyn has been an enthusiastic presence among us, enthusiastically contributing to courses and offering fine supervision in her expert field of coastal science.

In the media

An excellent write-up of the Taranaki project led by Shane Cronin: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/scientists-researchers-economists-predict-serious-regional-impact-from-mt-taranaki-eruption/E5U2KLVPXVE23APDW6YP2JDNRQ/

Reminders

Now is a great time to get your Annual Leave balance under 100 hours by the end of January. Please do so before further reminders or having this done for you.

Also as the season of post-semester conferences and fieldwork opens up, please remember that all travel out of Auckland – regardless who is funding it – needs completion of FoS Travel Approval Form. Further, if the travel is not to a conference or meeting hosted somewhere that will have it own Health and Safety plan, completion of a Field Activity Plan is required.

A chance to celebrate and give thanks

Come along to a special morning tea this Wednesday 29th at the usual time of 1030am in the 6th floor common area to thank and farewell Carolyn and congratulate Tom and Melanie.

Have a great week! Robin Kearns

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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

Faculty of Science services – University of Auckland

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

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

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

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An invitation for staff to feedback on the four new ENV 10X courses

The AKO Innovation Committee is undertaking a reflection on the four new stage one ENV courses. We have spoken to many of the staff involved in designing, building and teaching these courses, and have completed a survey of students who took these courses in 2025. Now we are keen to get feedback from staff, particularly those who haven’t had an opportunity to comment previously, or have done so from a specific (rather than general) perspective, for example, as someone teaching into ENV 100. The staff survey is intentionally broad to allow for perspectives that may not have come up previously and respondents can add as little or as much as they like. A link to the survey can be found below, it will remain open until the end of Friday, 14^th November 2025.

Thank you, the AKO Innovation Committee.

 https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pJhD4pcjQlpz4W

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New Research Platform Booking and Billing Tool – Infinity X 

Infinity X is now live and being used by three platforms: Auckland Genomics, the Te Kaihōpara research vessel, and the Biomedical Imaging Research Unit (BIRU). It will be rolled out across other platforms; Infinity X will fully replace iLab used by some platforms in Science by the end of 2025. Getting started: many existing users will have their details pre-loaded into the tool and will be contacted with setup instructions as each platform goes live. Visit Infinity X, the platform booking and billing tool, for training and support information. See Booking and billing project for information on the project.

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Small research support requests $2000 or less

Do you have any small research-related activities or items that you need by the end of the year?

Rangahau Committee is accepting application for activities or items less than $2000. The money must be spent before the end of the year.

Please submit your requests to James (j.muirhead@auckland.ac.nz)  by November 4 using this here.

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Introduction to R Workshop

An introductory R Workshop is being run on Tuesday 28^th and Wednesday 29^th of October 2025. The course will be run by the Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC) in the Department of Statistics. Please download the schedule here and registration form here.

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 attached.
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 attached (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.

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The Future of Sustainability

Waipapa Taumata Rau has unlimited access to an upcoming virtual conference called The Future of Sustainability, put on by Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability. Sessions will be held over three days – Wed 5 to Fri 7 Nov.

I encourage you to have a look at the line up of sessions, and to register interest to receive more conference details. I have been to many of these conferences over the last decade, in person and online, and they create a wonderful sense of community for sustainability practitioners. 

You can find out more at The Future of Sustainability 
Register now

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ENV – LEGO Masters  (THIS EVENT STANDS CANCELLED)

Schedule

• 6 Nov. 2025
• Build time: 10 am to 3pm
• Voting and judging: 3 pm to 4pm
• Awarding ceremony with drinks and nibbles: 4pm onward

Venue

• Build time: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16
• Judging: 303-G15 and G16
• Awarding ceremony: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16

Teams

• One GEOG team
• One EARTHSCI team
• One ENVSCI team
• One GISCI team
• One TECH-PRO STAFF team

Each team is composed of a team leader and a build team. The team leader is in charge of recruiting at least two team members (1 staff and 1 student) but the team may also rely on shifts, that is, team members may change throughout the day as long as they always include one staff and one student. Duration of shifts is up to the team leader.

Process

Two days before the event, each team is allocated an object from which they have to develop their builds and must feature in their build. They have two days to think of/design their build and the story it shows.

On the day, each team is provided with a large base plate. All sorts of bricks and minifigures are available on a separate table sorted by colours.

Teams have 5 hours to build. After 5 hours all teams are invited to stop building. Builds are brought in the judging rooms where students and staff can look at them. Everyone present (except members of the build teams and team leaders) are invited to judge by dropping a single brick (for their favourite build) in a ballot/brick box. There are five of these boxes: one for each build/team.

Voting closes at 3:30 pm and ballots/bricks are tallied by members of SEC who announce the results by 4 pm when drinks and nibbles are served.

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School of Environment Disciplinary Lectures 

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Please join us for a talk by Kristin Burmeister when she visits UoA next week. The talk on “Unlocking a Decade of Rockall Trough Transport Observations Using Moorings and Gliders” will be at the university but you can also connect via zoom. Details below.

Wednesday 29^th October 11am
University of Auckland, Room 303-155
On zoom: https://auckland.zoom.us/j/7044250132

Unlocking a Decade of Rockall Trough Transport Observations Using Moorings and Gliders
Kristin Burmeister
Scottish Association of Marine Science

The Rockall Trough, located just off the continental shelf northwest of Scotland and Ireland, is a vital passageway for currents that shape Earth’s climate—carrying heat and salt toward the Nordic Seas and Arctic, and enabling exchanges between the open ocean and the European shelf. By merging ten years of Ellett Array mooring and glider data, we reconstruct its shelf-edge current in unprecedented detail and quantify changes in climate-relevant northward volume, heat, and freshwater transport.

For more information you can contact Melissa Bowen (m.bowen@auckland.ac.nz) or Kristin Burmeister (kristinburmeister@web.de).

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We are hosting Shaun Presow from the EPA on 10 November. We will run several activities you may be interested in:

1. Career Chat: 10:30-11:30 (302-140): Join us for some informal chat to discuss Shaun’s experience in NZ and Europe, Industry and regulatory bodies. Target: PG and early-career colleagues.
2. Talk: 12:00-1:00 (302-140) about the role of the EPA in NZ (see calendar invitation). Everyone is welcome and there will be food afterwards!
3. Chemical Map: 2:00-3:00 (302-140), Shawn has offered to talk in more detailed about the chemical map that the EPA has been developing over the last years. They are interested in engaging and evaluate opportunities to make the tool valuable for other stakeholders. Target: anyone with a general interest in chemicals/contaminants/pollution/maps.

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PhD Supervisor Re-accreditation by 1 March 2026

In March 2026, which marks 5 years from the date all then-accredited supervisors were initially loaded into Wahapū, many ENV accredited doctoral supervisors will be due for re-accreditation.

Re-accreditation requires two parts.

Supervisors must complete:

1. Doctoral Policy and Procedure Reaccreditation for Supervisors (DPPRS) before the deadline. This course takes 60-90 minutes and you can do it any time before 1 March. (ONLINE ONLY)
2. Complete 4 other SGS accredited courses. There are a mixture of online and in person courses available for anyone who has yet to complete this requirement (MIX OF ONLINE & IN-PERSON).

Anyone who has not met these criteria (check your Wahapū profile, accreditation) will not be able to be added onto any new supervision teams until they have regained accreditation.

The most up-to-date list of events is always available in the the Supervision Hub, and are listed in the monthly Supervisor News newsletter, delivered by email to all accredited supervisors.

Here are a few:

• 6 November (In person) Developing doctoral candidates’ critical thinking: A practical guide – Workday
• 20 November (In person) Introduction to Research Supervision at UoA – Workday
• 20 November (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday

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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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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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ECR Career Planning: Two-Part Workshop

Dates: Monday 10 November & Monday 17 November, 9:30am–12:30pm
Location: City Campus, 58 Symonds Street
Register your interest here

This two-part, in-person workshop is designed for early career researchers — including late-stage PhD candidates in their final year, postdocs and research fellows — who are at a transition point and actively exploring their next career steps, within or beyond academia.

The two sequential sessions provide a structured space in which participants can reflect, explore options, and plan their next steps. They are especially valuable for individuals considering a range of career possibilities.

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EarthFest 2025 Call for Participants

EarthFest, Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest STEM festival celebrating the Earth sciences, needs your help! If you’re in the geosciences space and keen to volunteer your time at this awesome event, please contact Jenny Stein at earthfest@gsnz.org.nz. Free lunch will be provided to all festival helpers.

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Expedition GLACE-NS

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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Proactive safety culture is New Zealand’s best defence

By EMA Health and Safety Advisor Rebekah Stephens

The latest State of a Thriving Nation 2025 report delivers a sobering reminder that health and safety failures come at a massive cost.

In 2024, workplace injuries, fatalities and long-term illnesses cost New Zealand an estimated $5.4 billion, up from $4.9 billion the year before.

Fatalities accounted for over $1 billion of that total, while serious claims and illnesses added another $4.3 billion combined.

Although injury claims have declined, the time off per injury has doubled, which is a worrying trend. Read the full article here: https://ema.co.nz/proactive-safety-culture-is-new-zealands-best-defence/#msdynmkt_trackingcontext=e22e5256-309d-43e5-a4f6-ffd663d30000

Measles Outbreak

New Zealand is currently facing a growing measles outbreak, with health officials warning of potential community transmission. Here’s what you need to know:

🧬 Why It Matters

• Measles is highly contagious — up to 90% of non-immune individuals exposed will become infected.
• It can cause immune amnesia, erasing the body’s memory of past infections.
• Serious complications include pneumonia, hearing loss, brain inflammation, and in rare cases, fatal neurological disorders.

📍 Current Situation

• Confirmed Cases: Four recent cases have been reported — two in Manawatū, one in Nelson, and one in Auckland. Notably, three of these have no links to international travel, indicating local transmission.
• Exposure Sites: Students from four schools in Feilding may have been exposed via a school bus route on October 18. Families have been advised to monitor for symptoms and stay home if exposed.
• Hospital Alert: An infectious person spent over nine hours in Auckland City Hospital’s Emergency Department, prompting a public health alert.

⚠️ Health Risks

• Measles is extremely contagious — one person can infect up to 18 others.
• It can cause serious complications like pneumonia, hearing loss, brain inflammation, and in rare cases, fatal neurological disorders.
• The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

💉 Vaccination Concerns

• Vaccination rates are worryingly low in some areas. For example, only 69% of two-year-olds in the Manawatū district are fully vaccinated.
• Health officials are urging catch-up vaccinations, especially for children and those born after 1969 who may not have received both doses.

🧭 What You Should Do

• Check your vaccination status — especially if you were born after 1969.
• Monitor for symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash.
• Avoid public places if you suspect exposure or symptoms. https://www.immune.org.nz/

Diabetes Action Month

This November, Diabetes New Zealand is calling attention to a growing health crisis: the increasing number of children and young people being diagnosed with diabetes. https://www.diabetesactionmonth.org.nz/

 

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

This November, Gut Cancer Foundation is shining a light on pancreatic cancer, its risks, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. With a commitment to vital research, education, advocacy, and patient support, our mission is to improve and save the lives of all Kiwis affected by pancreatic cancer (which has the worst survival rate of any major cancer) https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/pancreatic-cancer-awareness-month/

Our cause areas

The Movember Institute of Men’s Health

Bringing together the world’s best minds in men’s health

Mental health and suicide prevention

Suicide is largely preventable. Here’s how we’re making a difference

Prostate cancer

Globally, ~10.8M men are living with or beyond prostate cancer. Here’s what we’re doing about it

Testicular cancer

Our approach to the world’s most common cancer among men aged 15-39 https://nz.movember.com/

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Funding Calls

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2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Fund Roadshow

The Royal Society is running a Marsden Fund 2026 roadshow at the University of Auckland. Representatives from the Royal Society will present an overview of the Marsden Fund and schemes, the timeline and assessment criteria, and share tips on how to write a strong application.  There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the presentation.

Questions can be sent in advance to submissions@auckland.ac.nz, or submitted via the registration form. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed.

This event is open to UoA research staff who are planning on applying for the Marsden Fund 2026.

Key information:

• Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025
• Time: 12:30-13:30 pm
• Location: Arts & Education Building – 201, Room 342, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus.

Register via Eventbrite here. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed. A recording of the Roadshow will be available later on the funder’s website.

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

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Undergraduate–Postgraduate Pairing Scholarship – 7 scholarships remaining!

This $800 scholarship supports undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience by shadowing a postgraduate student. Undergraduates will assist with tasks like literature reviews, data analysis, and mapping, while learning valuable research skills and contributing to real projects. If you have postgraduate students that would benefit from this opportunity, please submit a short application.

Applications should include a copy of the undergraduate student’s academic transcript and a short paragraph justifying the proposed project and pairing. This is a great opportunity for collaboration, skill-building, and mentoring across levels of study.

Please email Emma Ryan (e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz) for details or with ready applications.  

From the Rangahau Committee co-chairs, Emma and James

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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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Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) – Round 4 & 5
The Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) is available to UoA researchers and professional research staff to foster the development of new and emerging research partnerships with international collaborators.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Networking & Engagement Grants (up to $10,000) Project Planning Grants: Up to $12,000 if the University of Auckland is a Partner, or up to $25,000 if the University of Auckland leads the project. Duration: 18 months	2025 Funding Rounds: Round 4: Notify of Intention to Submit: 22nd August 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 29th August 2025 Round 5: Notify of Intention to Submit: 24th October 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 31st October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Applicant Information, Guidance & Evaluation Criteria If you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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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, Missions	For the Horizon Europe 2025–2027 funding period, there are five Missions under “Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”  of which New Zealand is an associated country enabling organizations to be a funded entity in consortium projects. The 5 Missions are: 1. Adaptation to Climate Change 2. Cancer 3. Restore Our Ocean and Waters 4. Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities 5. A Soil Deal for Europe	All the 2025 calls for Missions have closing dates in September 2025 onwards GUIDELINES Missions – Work Programme 2025 WEBSITE EU Funding & Tenders Portal- portal to find topics EU Funding & Tenders Portal- setting up your own account SUPPORT ResearchHub Resources here
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.

MBIE Horizon Europe Roadshow

New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) and EURAXESS Australia & New Zealand are organising a Horizon Europe roadshow with a series of information and networking events, to provide more information about the opportunities and empower New Zealand’s research community to engage with the programme.

The sessions will include:

• General information about how to participate in Horizon Europe 
• In-depth practical information and guidance 
• Presentations from some of New Zealand’s successful Horizon Europe recipients
• Thematic workshops with New Zealand’s National Contact Points 

When: Monday 10 November, 1-4.30pm

Where: Auckland Business Chamber

For enquiries, please contact Rosie Boxall (Research Manager International) at international.research@auckland.ac.nz.

HORIZON EUROPE Introductory Guide: Applications for the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme are due in September/October. Dr Kelly Kilpin has joined the international team and created an Horizon Europe introduction guide for researchers. For more information, or if you have any questions about Horizon Europe funding opportunities, please email International.Research@auckland.ac.nz or visit the Horizon Europe Research Hub page
Audience	Event/Opportunity	Details:
ALL	MBIE Horizon Europe Roadshow	New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) and EURAXESS Australia & New Zealand are organising a Horizon Europe roadshow with a series of information and networking events, to provide more information about the opportunities and empower New Zealand’s research community to engage with the programme. The sessions will include: General information about how to participate in Horizon Europe  In-depth practical information and guidance  Presentations from some of New Zealand’s successful Horizon Europe recipients Thematic workshops with New Zealand’s National Contact Points  When: Monday 10 November, 1-4.30pm | Where: Auckland Business Chamber | Register to attend the Roadshow here
CLUSTER 5: Climate, Energy & Mobility	Advancing climate science: A Horizon Europe matchmaking event (Online)	A virtual matchmaking event for draft 2026 Cluster 5 calls (Climate, Energy and Mobility) under Horizon Europe. This event will bring together researchers and innovators across multiple time zones from Canada, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and New Zealand to forge new collaborations and share expertise in polar climate research. This event focuses on a specific set of Horizon Europe calls (Cluster 5, Destination 1) from the draft 2026-2027 Work Programme: HORIZON-CL5-2026-07-D1-01: Next generation climate monitoring and related capabilities HORIZON-CL5-2026-07-D1-02: Advancing European climate risk assessments HORIZON-CL5-2026-07-D1-03: Economics of climate change and cost of inaction HORIZON-CL5-2026-07-D1-06: Closing knowledge gaps on Earth system science in support of global and regional assessments and climate policy These topics address critical knowledge gaps and aim to advance our understanding of a changing climate, with a particular focus on the high-latitude regions and their global impacts. If you would like to be sent a copy of the draft work programme, which details the scope of these calls, please contact us. Event registration will close on October 31.  Register here Event Details: Date: November 6, 2025 (1PM – 3PM Ottawa Time, 7 – 9AM NZDT) | Platform: MS Teams
ALL	TUM Global Visiting Professor Program	The TUM Global Visiting Professor Program is designed to foster international collaboration by inviting distinguished professors from global institutions to engage in short-term teaching and research stays at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). These stays, ranging from one week to three months, aim to enrich TUM’s academic environment through joint research projects, proposal development for third-party funding, and research-oriented teaching in English. The program also supports sustainability-focused initiatives and interdisciplinary work, aligning with TUM’s Sustainable Futures Strategy 2030. This scheme presents a positive opportunity for Horizon Europe collaborations, particularly in building and strengthening transnational research networks. By enabling visiting professors to initiate or deepen partnerships with TUM faculty.  The emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and societal relevance aligns well with Horizon Europe’s mission-driven approach. Eligibility requirements include affiliation with an international higher education institution (titles such as Professor, Associate Professor, or Lecturer are accepted), and securing a TUM host (either a TUM Professor or Junior Fellow). The program offers up to €10,000 per project. Applications must include a CV, publication list, and a host statement, and are submitted via TUM’s online portal. Costs covered include travel, accommodation, and honoraria for public lectures Next deadline:  January 31, 2026: Stay possible from April 1, 2026. Scheme link TU Munich and Horizon Europe: Researchers considering Horizon Europe opportunities are advised to consider using the leveraging the program when reflecting on the track record and profile that TU Munich has within Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe.  Research interests in the following Clusters and areas are advised to consider this opportunity: Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy, and Mobility This cluster focuses on the green transition, including sustainable transport, clean energy systems, and climate resilience. Visiting professors with expertise in renewable energy technologies, urban mobility, or climate modelling could collaborate with TUM researchers to co-develop proposals addressing these challenges. Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment This cluster supports research on biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and circular bioeconomy. Professors specializing in agroecology, environmental systems, or biodiversity conservation could use their TUM visit to initiate joint research and teaching activities that feed into Horizon Europe proposals.
CLUSTER 5: Climate, Energy & Mobility	Calls (topics) closing soon	A number of Cluster 5 calls (topics) across multiple destinations will close January/February 2026 If you are contacted by European partners to participate in these calls, please contact the Research Funding Team and your local FIRST to register your participation. The relevant calls can be found on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
ALL	Upcoming:  “Horizon Europe 201 – Who, What, When, Why & How”	The Research Funding Team will be delivering a “Horizon Europe 201 – Who, What, When, Why and How” session. This in person event will cover the expectations and practicalities of being part of a Horizon Europe consortia, both at the pre- and post-award stage. We will address some of the common myths regarding this funding scheme and present some strategies to allow researchers to navigate the process with confidence. Dates/Sessions and registration information will be circulated once confirmed.

 

Lloyd’s Register Foundation: Small grants scheme
The Small grants scheme will support organisations interested in advancing the Lloyd’s Register Foundation mission of engineering a safer world. They will support projects which can: Initiate, build or consolidate partnerships with organisations in the relevant sectors. Test out ideas through pilot studies, proof of concept projects or activities targeting the heritage, maritime and public sectors. Projects or activities should demonstrate the potential to lead to future collaborations, clear knowledge exchange, or create/accelerate impact.
Value/Duration: Up to GBP10,000 (approx. NZD23,000) for no more than 12 months.	Internal Deadline: 12pm, Friday 31 October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea. The proposall could include:  multi-stakeholder workshops collaborative inquiries ethnographic research travel to key events collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns projects to link up voices and perspectives.
Value/Duration: From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.	Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Kick-off

The Session is designed to provide you with the essential information and insights to help you get started on your EOI and boost your chances of success.

• Overview of the Marsden Fund and its schemes. Dr Cherie Lacey (Research Impact Manager, Te Puna Tiketike | Research and Innovation Office, and former Marsden panellist) will share advice on articulating the potential impact of your research.
• Panel Q&A – Hear directly from past Marsden panellists and awardees (Fast-Start and Standard). They’ll discuss how EOIs are developed and assessed, and answer your questions with practical tips from their experience.
• Light refreshments and continued the conversation with colleagues and speakers.

AUDIENCE: UoA research staff applying for the 2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden round, and research support staff (FIRST).

Key information:

• Date: Wed 29 October 2025
• Time: 10:00-12:30 pm
• Location: Arts & Education Building – 201, Room 440, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus.

Register via Eventbrite here. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed. Please note that only the presentation portion of this session will be recorded.

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

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Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme – open for applications.

The CUHK Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme supports researchers to visit CUHK (inbound) and/or host visits of CUHK faculty members (outbound). The University of Auckland is one of CUHK’s priority partners, allowing researchers to access the scheme to initiate and to strengthen their collaboration with their CUHK peers via visits between January and December 2026. The scheme encourages the development of collaborative research projects primarily in four strategic research areas: China: Tradition & Modernity Innovative Biomedicine Information & Automation Technology Environment & Sustainability. Applications are submitted by CUHK faculty members by Friday 31 October 2025. For inquiries, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz

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Faculty of Science Commercial Seed Funding
The Faculty of Science announces our next funding round for the development of commercially-focused research and capability. The aim is to support early-stage work that will make a difference to the tech development pathway. A range of commercial R&D or skill development activities could be supported, including experiments to determine whether a particular idea is commercially feasible, development of initial proof-of-concept results for commercial funding applications, IP and Freedom to Operate searches, or market research. Researchers may also apply for this funding to support their personal development (commercial and entrepreneurial skills).
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadline
Up to $10,000. Start early in 2026 and finish prior to December 2026.	10th November 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, application form) can be found here. Contact your Research Programme Coordinator (RPC) or FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz if you have any queries.

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NZPA Industry Collaboration Funding 2025
The New Zealand Product Accelerator (NZPA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Industry Collaboration Funding. This funding supports early career researchers from New Zealand universities PROs and IRANZ member institutions to collaborate with industry on projects that address real business needs and deliver practical, commercial outcomes. Following last year’s success, where 10 projects were funded, we’re looking forward to another round of impactful research–industry partnerships.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Up to $10,000 per project Duration: maximum six months unless otherwise agreed with NZPA	Friday, 14th November 2025
Interested researchers can download the application form and instructions and submit their completed applications here For any queries, please contact nzpa@auckland.ac.nz If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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

Publications

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HeadsUp

Kia ora.

As the teaching semester begins to wind up and exams approach there’s lots going on behind the scenes at present, preparing for next year. And yesterday we in the SLT (senior leadership team) of the Faculty had the first of two October away days developing direction for the immediate future. More on that at the next staff meeting.

Closer to home…

Firstly…

I’m pleased to announce that Mila Adam has agreed to serve as Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning) for the next three years. Congratulations, Mila. With Mila’s appointment, Tom moves to DHoS (Academic programmes) for the next year,

Congratulations

Blair has conveyed the happy news that he, Melanie, Brielle, Heidi have been thrilled to welcome a son/brother, Elliot Trey Sowman who arrived weeks early. Excellent news!

Congrats too to Martin Brook, who gave his inaugural professorial lecture last week .It was a well-attended, highly illustrated and enjoyable journey though the numerous locations and research interests that have informed Martins career.

Korero mai/Engagement survey

Last week, 16 academic staff gathered to workshop survey results. All units are asked to identify an action point to take forward. We identified re-looking at the School’s teaching allocation model. We will explore alternative models used in other units as part of Ako committee deliberations bringing a progress update back to the November 19th staff meeting.

Colleagues in the media

Great to hear Shane on RNZ news speaking about the harrowing aftermath of the Whakaari eruption at the coronial inquest.

Security

We’ve sustained two thefts of computing gear from office spaces lately. While some units of the university have introduced swipe card access to areas of buildings housing academic offices, I feel that would be a retrograde step in the quest to be a welcoming School accessible to students. The downside of accessibility however is that it can be be taken advantage of, so, please

• Lock your offices if you are going out of sight, even for a few minutes;
• Report to Security any suspicious activity;

Vigilance is sadly a necessary disposition to complement openness and availability.

And on a happier note

Mark your calendars – the afternoon of Wednesday 3rd Dec is the School’s annual End of Year gathering at the Bowling Club. Time to start flexing those arms in preparation, folk!

All best for the week

Robin

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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AWIS Dress-Up Quiz Night (Tonight)

A group of final-year Communication Studies students at AUT are working with the New Zealand Association for Women in the Sciences (AWIS) as part of a public relations paper.

The team are organising a science-themed dress-up quiz night on Tuesday October 14th, 6pm at AUT’s Vesbar (City Campus). This event is all about celebrating women in STEM in a fun, student-friendly way, while also raising awareness of the awesome mahi AWIS does to support women in science across Aotearoa.

Some important things to know:

• The quiz is free entry! And although intended for women in STEM, it’s open to everyone.
• There are lots of amazing prizes up for grabs.
• There will be a guest speaker on the night, who will share her experiences in the field.
• It is a great chance for women in STEM to meet others in the science community – both at uni and beyond!

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Repair Café

Tēnā koutou | Greetings all,

The Faculty of Engineering & Design Sustainability Committee would like to invite you to our upcoming Repair Café on Friday, October 17th, 2025, a community event where we come together to fix broken items, share knowledge, and reduce waste.

Repair Café  Hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Design Sustainability Committee, CIRCUIT Centre, University Sustainability Hub, Ngā Ara Whetū, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and in collaboration with Repair Network Aotearoa.

No registration required – just drop in!

Location: Unleash Space B402
Date: Friday, 17^th October

Time: 9am – 1pm
What to Bring: Electric/Electronic items, Jewellery, Clothing, small Furniture or Woodwork.

Please see our QR code or click on the link on what can be repaired:

https://tinyurl.com/2hxjz2vw

Let’s work together to breathe new life into old items and foster a culture of sustainability. If you have any questions, please contact foed-sustainability@auckland.ac.nz

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Nga mihi | Kind regards,

FOED Sustainability Committee

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Postgraduate Research Showcase 2025- 6^th November

Are you a School of Environment PhD or Masters student nearing completion and keen to share your research findings with staff and peers? Have you a poster or presentation that you are working on?

The Postgraduate Research Showcase is an opportunity to present a research poster or give an oral presentation on your topic. In addition to sharing your research with the School, there are prizes worth $1,500 to be won.

If you are interested in being involved in the Research Showcase, and would like more information, please contact Larry Murphy (l.murphy@auckland.ac.nz) as soon as possible. People intending to present a poster (A1 size) will need to submit a pdf file to Larry by the 23^rd October so that it can be printed in time for the Showcase.

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New Research Platform Booking and Billing Tool – Infinity X 

Infinity X is now live and being used by three platforms: Auckland Genomics, the Te Kaihōpara research vessel, and the Biomedical Imaging Research Unit (BIRU). It will be rolled out across other platforms; Infinity X will fully replace iLab used by some platforms in Science by the end of 2025. Getting started: many existing users will have their details pre-loaded into the tool and will be contacted with setup instructions as each platform goes live. Visit Infinity X, the platform booking and billing tool, for training and support information. See Booking and billing project for information on the project.

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University Fund and Webinars

Upcoming Funding

• Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) –  connect with international.research@auckland.ac.nz no later than 24 October to inform intention to submit by 31 October deadline. Projects up to $25k, click here for further information.
• Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme – deadline is 31 October. Keywords include Innovative Biomedicine; Information & Automation Technology; Environment & Sustainability. Follow links regarding the inbound and outbound schemes.
• Applied Doctorates Scheme – proposals on the theme of Energy, deadline is 27 Oct. Click here to learn more and submit.

Webinars and training

• Beyond the data: Valuing Good Research Practice and Authorship – online workshop series, 15 Oct | 22 Oct, 11:00 am -12:30 pm. Part 1: The Basics and More: Full details and registration via Eventbrite. Part 2: Authorship and Publishing: Full details and registration via Eventbrite.

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Introduction to R Workshop

An introductory R Workshop is being run on Tuesday 28^th and Wednesday 29^th of October 2025. The course will be run by the Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC) in the Department of Statistics. Please download the schedule here and registration form here.

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 attached.
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 attached (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.

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The Future of Sustainability

Waipapa Taumata Rau has unlimited access to an upcoming virtual conference called The Future of Sustainability, put on by Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability. Sessions will be held over three days – Wed 5 to Fri 7 Nov.

I encourage you to have a look at the line up of sessions, and to register interest to receive more conference details. I have been to many of these conferences over the last decade, in person and online, and they create a wonderful sense of community for sustainability practitioners. 

You can find out more at The Future of Sustainability 
Register now

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ENV – LEGO Masters event

Schedule

• 6 Nov. 2025
• Build time: 10 am to 3pm
• Voting and judging: 3 pm to 4pm
• Awarding ceremony with drinks and nibbles: 4pm onward

Venue

• Build time: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16
• Judging: 303-G15 and G16
• Awarding ceremony: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16

Teams

• One GEOG team
• One EARTHSCI team
• One ENVSCI team
• One GISCI team
• One TECH-PRO STAFF team

Each team is composed of a team leader and a build team. The team leader is in charge of recruiting at least two team members (1 staff and 1 student) but the team may also rely on shifts, that is, team members may change throughout the day as long as they always include one staff and one student. Duration of shifts is up to the team leader.

Process

Two days before the event, each team is allocated an object from which they have to develop their builds and must feature in their build. They have two days to think of/design their build and the story it shows.

On the day, each team is provided with a large base plate. All sorts of bricks and minifigures are available on a separate table sorted by colours.

Teams have 5 hours to build. After 5 hours all teams are invited to stop building. Builds are brought in the judging rooms where students and staff can look at them. Everyone present (except members of the build teams and team leaders) are invited to judge by dropping a single brick (for their favourite build) in a ballot/brick box. There are five of these boxes: one for each build/team.

Voting closes at 3:30 pm and ballots/bricks are tallied by members of SEC who announce the results by 4 pm when drinks and nibbles are served.

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Blue & Green Technology Conference 2025 

Join global leaders in government, industry and academia at the Blue & Green international cleantech and innovation conference on 2-3 December. Hosted by Ngā Ara Whetū, with strong support from the European Union, it’s a platform for bold ideas, and climate-smart collaboration. If you’re working towards a climate-resilient future, this is the right room to be in! Register by 20 October to secure early bird rates.

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School of Environment Disciplinary Lectures – November

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Requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026

We are now seeking requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026. If there are software titles that you require for teaching or research purposes, please let us know using this form.
Please submit all titles that will require a contribution from the School’s software budget next year – regardless of whether they are new, existing or upgrades. If we do not receive a request for a particular title, we will assume that it is no longer required and reallocate the budget accordingly. Any questions please contact Thomas Mules. Thank you.

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PhD Supervisor Re-accreditation by 1 March 2026

In March 2026, which marks 5 years from the date all then-accredited supervisors were initially loaded into Wahapū, many ENV accredited doctoral supervisors will be due for re-accreditation.

Re-accreditation requires two parts.

Supervisors must complete:

1. Doctoral Policy and Procedure Reaccreditation for Supervisors (DPPRS) before the deadline. This course takes 60-90 minutes and you can do it any time before 1 March. (ONLINE ONLY)
2. Complete 4 other SGS accredited courses. There are a mixture of online and in person courses available for anyone who has yet to complete this requirement (MIX OF ONLINE & IN-PERSON).

Anyone who has not met these criteria (check your Wahapū profile, accreditation) will not be able to be added onto any new supervision teams until they have regained accreditation.

The most up-to-date list of events is always available in the the Supervision Hub, and are listed in the monthly Supervisor News newsletter, delivered by email to all accredited supervisors.

Here are a few:

• 15 October (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday
• 23 October (In person) Orientation to Doctoral Education Policy and Procedures (ORIDOC) – Workday
• 6 November (In person) Developing doctoral candidates’ critical thinking: A practical guide – Workday
• 20 November (In person) Introduction to Research Supervision at UoA – Workday
• 20 November (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday

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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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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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ECR Career Planning: Two-Part Workshop

Dates: Monday 10 November & Monday 17 November, 9:30am–12:30pm
Location: City Campus, 58 Symonds Street
Register your interest here

This two-part, in-person workshop is designed for early career researchers — including late-stage PhD candidates in their final year, postdocs and research fellows — who are at a transition point and actively exploring their next career steps, within or beyond academia.

The two sequential sessions provide a structured space in which participants can reflect, explore options, and plan their next steps. They are especially valuable for individuals considering a range of career possibilities.

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EarthFest 2025 Call for Participants

EarthFest is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest annual STEM festival dedicated to the Earth sciences. Through interactive exhibits and exciting demonstrations, presented by people who work with Earth science every day, we aim to bring Earth science to life for people of all ages and interests. Best of all, EarthFest is FREE for everyone! This year, the 1-day festival will be held on Saturday, 22 November at the Fickling Convention Centre in Three Kings

We are currently calling all researchers or practitioners who are keen to share Earth Science with the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. This could be in the form of an exhibit, demonstration, educational resources, or career presentations. If you are interested, please register now to reserve your spot by following this link (https://forms.gle/pRC1pCEyzinsgbQKA) or scanning the QR code on the flyer.

Please email earthfest@gsnz.org.nz if you have any questions.

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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Measles Outbreak

 

New Zealand is currently facing a measles outbreak, with 11 confirmed cases—10 in Northland and one in Queenstown—primarily affecting individuals who were not immunised. Health officials are urging vigilance, especially among those returning from school holidays or international travel, as measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in communities with low vaccination coverage. Alarmingly, only about 61% of children under five in Northland are fully immunised, with rates even lower among Māori children. This is concerning because measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death. Vaccination with two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine remains the most effective protection, offering up to 99% immunity. Public health experts and community leaders are emphasizing the importance of immunisation not only to protect individuals but also to prevent outbreaks that can devastate vulnerable populations, as seen in the 2019 Samoa epidemic. With measles still circulating globally, ensuring high vaccination coverage is critical to safeguarding public health in Aotearoa

https://www.immune.org.nz/

Oct 15^th

World Handwashing Day

Global Handwashing Day (GHD) is an international hand washing promotion campaign to motivate and mobilize people around the world to improve their hand washing habits

 

Oct 16^th

New Zealand ShakeOut

New Zealand’s main civil defence drill for 2025 is New Zealand ShakeOut, a national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi happening on Thursday, 16 October at 9:30 am. Participants are encouraged to sign up for the drill and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold” during an earthquake and a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation) if they are in a coastal area.

 Oct 17^th

Loud Shirt Day

Loud Shirt Day is the national fundraising campaign for The Hearing House and the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme

Oct 20^th

Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Disease Awareness

The Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day aims to spread the word of a family of diseases that range from life threatening forms to more benign forms. It aims to raise awareness for the need of more accurate diagnostics, better treatments, further investments in research

Oct 20^th

Osteoporosis Day

Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile, so that they break easily – even as a result of a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability.

 

Can osteoporosis and fractures be prevented? Yes, if action is taken early!

 

Oct 16th

World Food Day

World Food Day 2025 is calling for global collaboration in creating a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future. By working together, across governments, organizations, sectors, and communities, we can transform agrifood systems to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy diet, living in harmony with the planet.

https://youtu.be/3QtW5tHIQu4?si=89jcmQTxEOoyO7_M

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Funding Calls

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2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Fund Roadshow

The Royal Society is running a Marsden Fund 2026 roadshow at the University of Auckland. Representatives from the Royal Society will present an overview of the Marsden Fund and schemes, the timeline and assessment criteria, and share tips on how to write a strong application.  There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the presentation.

Questions can be sent in advance to submissions@auckland.ac.nz, or submitted via the registration form. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed.

This event is open to UoA research staff who are planning on applying for the Marsden Fund 2026.

Key information:

• Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025
• Time: 12:30-13:30 pm
• Location: Arts & Education Building – 201, Room 342, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus.

Register via Eventbrite here. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed. A recording of the Roadshow will be available later on the funder’s website.

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

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Undergraduate–Postgraduate Pairing Scholarship – 7 scholarships remaining!

This $800 scholarship supports undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience by shadowing a postgraduate student. Undergraduates will assist with tasks like literature reviews, data analysis, and mapping, while learning valuable research skills and contributing to real projects. If you have postgraduate students that would benefit from this opportunity, please submit a short application.

Applications should include a copy of the undergraduate student’s academic transcript and a short paragraph justifying the proposed project and pairing. This is a great opportunity for collaboration, skill-building, and mentoring across levels of study.

Please email Emma Ryan (e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz) for details or with ready applications.  

From the Rangahau Committee co-chairs, Emma and James

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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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Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) – Round 4 & 5
The Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) is available to UoA researchers and professional research staff to foster the development of new and emerging research partnerships with international collaborators.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Networking & Engagement Grants (up to $10,000) Project Planning Grants: Up to $12,000 if the University of Auckland is a Partner, or up to $25,000 if the University of Auckland leads the project. Duration: 18 months	2025 Funding Rounds: Round 4: Notify of Intention to Submit: 22nd August 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 29th August 2025 Round 5: Notify of Intention to Submit: 24th October 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 31st October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Applicant Information, Guidance & Evaluation Criteria If you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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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, Missions	For the Horizon Europe 2025–2027 funding period, there are five Missions under “Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”  of which New Zealand is an associated country enabling organizations to be a funded entity in consortium projects. The 5 Missions are: 1. Adaptation to Climate Change 2. Cancer 3. Restore Our Ocean and Waters 4. Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities 5. A Soil Deal for Europe	All the 2025 calls for Missions have closing dates in September 2025 onwards GUIDELINES Missions – Work Programme 2025 WEBSITE EU Funding & Tenders Portal- portal to find topics EU Funding & Tenders Portal- setting up your own account SUPPORT ResearchHub Resources here
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.

Horizon Europe: Introductory Guide: Applications for the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme are due in September/October. Dr Kelly Kilpin has joined the international team and created an Horizon Europe introduction guide for researchers. This is available, alongside other Horizon Europe support materials on the ResearchHub.

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation: Small grants scheme
The Small grants scheme will support organisations interested in advancing the Lloyd’s Register Foundation mission of engineering a safer world. They will support projects which can: Initiate, build or consolidate partnerships with organisations in the relevant sectors. Test out ideas through pilot studies, proof of concept projects or activities targeting the heritage, maritime and public sectors. Projects or activities should demonstrate the potential to lead to future collaborations, clear knowledge exchange, or create/accelerate impact.
Value/Duration: Up to GBP10,000 (approx. NZD23,000) for no more than 12 months.	Internal Deadline: 12pm, Friday 31 October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea. The proposall could include:  multi-stakeholder workshops collaborative inquiries ethnographic research travel to key events collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns projects to link up voices and perspectives.
Value/Duration: From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.	Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Kick-off

The Session is designed to provide you with the essential information and insights to help you get started on your EOI and boost your chances of success.

• Overview of the Marsden Fund and its schemes. Dr Cherie Lacey (Research Impact Manager, Te Puna Tiketike | Research and Innovation Office, and former Marsden panellist) will share advice on articulating the potential impact of your research.
• Panel Q&A – Hear directly from past Marsden panellists and awardees (Fast-Start and Standard). They’ll discuss how EOIs are developed and assessed, and answer your questions with practical tips from their experience.
• Light refreshments and continued the conversation with colleagues and speakers.

AUDIENCE: UoA research staff applying for the 2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden round, and research support staff (FIRST).

Key information:

• Date: Wed 29 October 2025
• Time: 10:00-12:30 pm
• Location: Arts & Education Building – 201, Room 440, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus.

Register via Eventbrite here. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed. Please note that only the presentation portion of this session will be recorded.

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

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Applied Doctorates Scheme – Call for project proposals on the theme of Energy

The call for project proposals on the theme of Energy is now open for the inaugural cohort of the Applied Doctorates Scheme. This new national initiative, supported by MBIE, supports doctoral research that is industry-connected, transdisciplinary, future-focused, and grounded in Aotearoa. The first cohort will focus on the theme of Energy. Each cohort will include up to 12 doctoral candidates, selected through a competitive process. Proposals are welcomed from across sectors and disciplines.

Submission deadline: 27 October 2025 (11.59pm)

Visit www.applieddoctorates.nz to learn more and access the submission portal. For inquiries, please contact secretariat@applieddoctorates.nz.

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Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme – open for applications.

The CUHK Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme supports researchers to visit CUHK (inbound) and/or host visits of CUHK faculty members (outbound). The University of Auckland is one of CUHK’s priority partners, allowing researchers to access the scheme to initiate and to strengthen their collaboration with their CUHK peers via visits between January and December 2026. The scheme encourages the development of collaborative research projects primarily in four strategic research areas: China: Tradition & Modernity Innovative Biomedicine Information & Automation Technology Environment & Sustainability. Applications are submitted by CUHK faculty members by Friday 31 October 2025. For inquiries, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz

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Faculty of Science Commercial Seed Funding
The Faculty of Science announces our next funding round for the development of commercially-focused research and capability. The aim is to support early-stage work that will make a difference to the tech development pathway. A range of commercial R&D or skill development activities could be supported, including experiments to determine whether a particular idea is commercially feasible, development of initial proof-of-concept results for commercial funding applications, IP and Freedom to Operate searches, or market research. Researchers may also apply for this funding to support their personal development (commercial and entrepreneurial skills).
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadline
Up to $10,000. Start early in 2026 and finish prior to December 2026.	10th November 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, application form) can be found here. Contact your Research Programme Coordinator (RPC) or FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz if you have any queries.

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NZPA Industry Collaboration Funding 2025
The New Zealand Product Accelerator (NZPA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Industry Collaboration Funding. This funding supports early career researchers from New Zealand universities PROs and IRANZ member institutions to collaborate with industry on projects that address real business needs and deliver practical, commercial outcomes. Following last year’s success, where 10 projects were funded, we’re looking forward to another round of impactful research–industry partnerships.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Up to $10,000 per project Duration: maximum six months unless otherwise agreed with NZPA	Friday, 14th November 2025
Interested researchers can download the application form and instructions and submit their completed applications here For any queries, please contact nzpa@auckland.ac.nz If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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

Publications

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HeadsUp

There’s always something interesting going on as Head of School. Sometimes the word ‘interesting’ is a bit of a euphemism, but mostly its genuinely positive and lively.

These next two weeks I’m having the last of this year’s School’s ADPR conversations. It’s a marathon with so many direct reports but always rewarding, especially meeting with postdocs/research fellows many of whom I don’t otherwise talk with often.

 

Korero Mai

There have been a number of workshops at central and faculty level of late, delving into the results of Korero Mai, the staff survey. As intimated at the staff meeting, we’ll have a round table discussion about results and ‘take forward’ messages along with the “what might we do about …?” question. This will include lunch and be held

Tuesday 7th October, 1-2pm in the Ontology Lab, Level 5 of Building 302

 

Martin’s Inaugural

Another important diary note: For the second time this year we have one of our colleagues giving their inaugural professorial lecture, These are significant and hard-won career milestones and equally significant moments in the life of the School and Faculty. Next week we have the occasion celebrating Martin Brook’s promotion to professor. Martin’s topic is “Geoscience, society, and university teaching”

Thursday, 9 October 2025, 6:00pm – 6:30pm refreshments; 6:30pm – 7:30pm lecture, 303-G20 PLT1
(registration link: https://MartinBrook.eventbrite.co.nz)

 

Thanks

Finally …. Thanks to those staff who assisted our outreach efforts participating in the Science Majors event last week. And thanks too to Blair through whose efforts we may finally have a solution to housing the precious dendro/wood collection curated by Gretel.

Enjoy the longer evenings and the prospect of warmer days….and thinking of which, book that annual leave (before you’re asked or required to!).

Robin Kearns, Head of School

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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Please take 5 mins before 30 Sept to make a nomination for the ENV Research Awards
Nominations requested for ENV Research Awards

The ENV Research Awards are coming up on November 6^th 2025.
We are opening calls for nominations for the school-wide awards. Please take a moment to think about nominating your colleagues, postdocs, research students or even yourself.

Nominations are open for a couple more days for the school-wide awards. Anyone can make a nomination (students, staff).Self-nominations also welcome. Click the link here .

The five awards available are: (more info on the awards is found in the nominations link).

1. Hiroki Ogawa School Citizenship Award
2. Research Communication Award
3. Engagement with Indigenous Values and Knowledge Award 
4. Early Career Research Award 
5. Transdisciplinary Award 

If you have any questions please email Emma Ryan: e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz

On behalf of the Rangahau Committee

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Postdoctoral and Research Fellow ENV Contestable Fund

For:  Postdoctoral Researchers and Research Fellows in the School of Environment,

The Rangahau Committee is offering a contestable fund, available exclusively to postdocs/research fellows to support urgent research needs.

The funding available consists of a total pool of $5,000, and the deadline for applications is the end of the first week of October 2025.

Please submit a short application to joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz, 1 or 2 paragraphs, outlining the purpose of the funding request and the budget requested (up to $1000 per person). The funds will need to be spent by the 1^st of December (e.g., research consumables, training, analyses, urgent field/lab expenses, travel etc.)

 

Kind regards,
Joali
On behalf of the Rangahau Committee

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New Research Platform Booking and Billing Tool – Infinity X 

Infinity X is now live and being used by three platforms: Auckland Genomics, the Te Kaihōpara research vessel, and the Biomedical Imaging Research Unit (BIRU). It will be rolled out across other platforms; Infinity X will fully replace iLab used by some platforms in Science by the end of 2025. Getting started: many existing users will have their details pre-loaded into the tool and will be contacted with setup instructions as each platform goes live. Visit Infinity X, the platform booking and billing tool, for training and support information. See Booking and billing project for information on the project.

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University Fund and Webinars

Upcoming Funding

• Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) –  connect with international.research@auckland.ac.nz no later than 24 October to inform intention to submit by 31 October deadline. Projects up to $25k, click here for further information.
• KU Leuven Global Seed Fund (GSF) 2026 – deadline is 9 Oct for 1-year projects of up to €30,000 (KU Leuven), plus $25,000 NZD (University of Auckland). KU Leuven is one of the most successful European Institutions in Horizon Europe, with expertise and participation in Pillar projects in Cluster 1 – Health (42 projects) and Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space (57 projects).      They are the coordinator on twelve projects in Cluster 4, six projects in Cluster 1, and five in Clusters 2 and 5.  Interested researchers should contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz; click here for more information.
• Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme – deadline is 31 October. Keywords include Innovative Biomedicine; Information & Automation Technology; Environment & Sustainability. Follow links regarding the inbound and outbound schemes.
• Applied Doctorates Scheme – proposals on the theme of Energy, deadline is 27 Oct. Click here to learn more and submit.

Webinars and training

• Beyond the data: Valuing Good Research Practice and Authorship – online workshop series, 15 Oct | 22 Oct, 11:00 am -12:30 pm. Part 1: The Basics and More: Full details and registration via Eventbrite. Part 2: Authorship and Publishing: Full details and registration via Eventbrite.

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ENV – LEGO Masters event

Schedule

• 6 Nov. 2025
• Build time: 10 am to 3pm
• Voting and judging: 3 pm to 4pm
• Awarding ceremony with drinks and nibbles: 4pm onward

Venue

• Build time: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16
• Judging: 303-G15 and G16
• Awarding ceremony: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16

Teams

• One GEOG team
• One EARTHSCI team
• One ENVSCI team
• One GISCI team
• One TECH-PRO STAFF team

Each team is composed of a team leader and a build team. The team leader is in charge of recruiting at least two team members (1 staff and 1 student) but the team may also rely on shifts, that is, team members may change throughout the day as long as they always include one staff and one student. Duration of shifts is up to the team leader.

Process

Two days before the event, each team is allocated an object from which they have to develop their builds and must feature in their build. They have two days to think of/design their build and the story it shows.

On the day, each team is provided with a large base plate. All sorts of bricks and minifigures are available on a separate table sorted by colours.

Teams have 5 hours to build. After 5 hours all teams are invited to stop building. Builds are brought in the judging rooms where students and staff can look at them. Everyone present (except members of the build teams and team leaders) are invited to judge by dropping a single brick (for their favourite build) in a ballot/brick box. There are five of these boxes: one for each build/team.

Voting closes at 3:30 pm and ballots/bricks are tallied by members of SEC who announce the results by 4 pm when drinks and nibbles are served.

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ENV Laboratory and Fieldwork Survey 2025

The School Technical Team is again running our annual survey of experiences working in our laboratories and in the field.
Invitations were sent last Monday 8 September to postgraduate students and academic staff. Please check your email for further instructions on how to complete the survey.

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Requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026

We are now seeking requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026. If there are software titles that you require for teaching or research purposes, please let us know using this form.
Please submit all titles that will require a contribution from the School’s software budget next year – regardless of whether they are new, existing or upgrades. If we do not receive a request for a particular title, we will assume that it is no longer required and reallocate the budget accordingly. Any questions please contact Blair Sowman. Thank you.

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PhD Supervisor Re-accreditation by 1 March 2026

In March 2026, which marks 5 years from the date all then-accredited supervisors were initially loaded into Wahapū, many ENV accredited doctoral supervisors will be due for re-accreditation.

Re-accreditation requires two parts.

Supervisors must complete:

1. Doctoral Policy and Procedure Reaccreditation for Supervisors (DPPRS) before the deadline. This course takes 60-90 minutes and you can do it any time before 1 March. (ONLINE ONLY)
2. Complete 4 other SGS accredited courses. There are a mixture of online and in person courses available for anyone who has yet to complete this requirement (MIX OF ONLINE & IN-PERSON).

Anyone who has not met these criteria (check your Wahapū profile, accreditation) will not be able to be added onto any new supervision teams until they have regained accreditation.

The most up-to-date list of events is always available in the the Supervision Hub, and are listed in the monthly Supervisor News newsletter, delivered by email to all accredited supervisors.

Here are a few:

• 6 October (Zoom) Supervision: Supporting Candidates Through the Provisional Year – Workday
• 9 October (Zoom) Managing sensitive research data for supervisors – Workday
• 15 October (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday
• 23 October (In person) Orientation to Doctoral Education Policy and Procedures (ORIDOC) – Workday
• 6 November (In person) Developing doctoral candidates’ critical thinking: A practical guide – Workday
• 20 November (In person) Introduction to Research Supervision at UoA – Workday
• 20 November (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday

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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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School of Environment Visitor Seminar – October 9th, 302-551

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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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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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ECR Career Planning: Two-Part Workshop

Dates: Monday 10 November & Monday 17 November, 9:30am–12:30pm
Location: City Campus, 58 Symonds Street
Register your interest here

This two-part, in-person workshop is designed for early career researchers — including late-stage PhD candidates in their final year, postdocs and research fellows — who are at a transition point and actively exploring their next career steps, within or beyond academia.

The two sequential sessions provide a structured space in which participants can reflect, explore options, and plan their next steps. They are especially valuable for individuals considering a range of career possibilities.

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EarthFest 2025 Call for Participants

EarthFest is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest annual STEM festival dedicated to the Earth sciences. Through interactive exhibits and exciting demonstrations, presented by people who work with Earth science every day, we aim to bring Earth science to life for people of all ages and interests. Best of all, EarthFest is FREE for everyone! This year, the 1-day festival will be held on Saturday, 22 November at the Fickling Convention Centre in Three Kings

We are currently calling all researchers or practitioners who are keen to share Earth Science with the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. This could be in the form of an exhibit, demonstration, educational resources, or career presentations. If you are interested, please register now to reserve your spot by following this link (https://forms.gle/pRC1pCEyzinsgbQKA) or scanning the QR code on the flyer.

Please email earthfest@gsnz.org.nz if you have any questions.

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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Report injuries/incidents same day – The University of Auckland

October in New Zealand represents more settled weather, however winter viruses are still around, and springs blooms carry increased pollen along the cheerful symphony of colours.

Respiratory issues are a major health concern in New Zealand, especially during the spring months like October. Here’s a detailed look at the current situation and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

🌬️ Common Respiratory Issues in NZ During Spring

1. Seasonal Viruses

• Influenza (Flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are widespread across New Zealand, particularly in the South Island.
• The 2025 season has seen a late peak, with cases rising steadily into September and October
• Influenza A (H1N1) and Influenza B are the dominant strains this year.
• COVID-19 continues to circulate and contributes to respiratory illness burden.

2. Chronic Respiratory Conditions

• Asthma affects 1 in 7 children and 1 in 8 adults.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is common among adults aged 45+.
• Bronchiectasis and childhood pneumonia are also significant contributors to hospitalisations

🛡️ How to Manage and Prevent Respiratory Illnesses

  ✅ Prevention Tips

1. Vaccination
   • Get your annual flu shot — this year’s vaccine is well-matched to circulating strains.
   • Stay up to date with COVID-19 boosters if eligible
2. Hygiene Practices
   • Wash and dry hands thoroughly and often.
   • Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue.
   • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
3. Stay Home When Sick
   • If you have symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue), stay home until you’re well.
   • Avoid contact with vulnerable individuals (elderly, immunocompromised, babies)

Consider these other two when possible/required

1. Mask Use
   • Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you’re recovering from illness or around high-risk individuals.
2. Ventilation
   • Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated to reduce airborne transmission.

Mental Health Awareness Week

6 – 12 October 2025

Top Up Together

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is Top Up Together, encouraging you to connect with others as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life.

https://mentalhealth.org.nz/

Breast Cancer Month

1 – 31 October 2025

https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/bcam

Early detection is the key to success,

International Day of Girl Child

11 October 2025

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/girl-child-day

World Arthritis Day

12 October 2025

Could it be arthritis?  

• Pain and stiffness that lasts more than a few days
• Joints that feel warm, red, or swollen
• Trouble moving a joint the way you used to

https://www.arthritis.org.nz/

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction

13 October 2025

Empowering the next generation for a resilient future

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 focuses on the role of education in protecting and empowering children for a disaster-free future.

Many disasters, often worsened by climate change, pose significant threats to the well-being of children and youth. UNICEF reports that around one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk due to climate impacts and related disasters. In 2022, the number of children affected by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh was the highest in over 30 years. In addition to the risk of death and injury, children face further challenges in the form of disruptions in schooling, nutrition, healthcare, and protection issues in the aftermath of a disaster.

To protect children from disasters, countries need to consider their vulnerabilities and requirements when developing national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. It is equally important to empower children and youth and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to disaster risk reduction, as outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

Empowering children, particularly through education, can equip them to protect themselves and become agents of change in their families and communities by sharing what they have learned. This is especially relevant in the context of the global effort to expand early warning systems under the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative.

Check out the list of events around the world and participate.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/disaster-reduction-day

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Funding Calls

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Undergraduate–Postgraduate Pairing Scholarship – 7 scholarships remaining!

This $800 scholarship supports undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience by shadowing a postgraduate student. Undergraduates will assist with tasks like literature reviews, data analysis, and mapping, while learning valuable research skills and contributing to real projects. If you have postgraduate students that would benefit from this opportunity, please submit a short application.

Applications should include a copy of the undergraduate student’s academic transcript and a short paragraph justifying the proposed project and pairing. This is a great opportunity for collaboration, skill-building, and mentoring across levels of study.

Please email Emma Ryan (e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz) for details or with ready applications.  

From the Rangahau Committee co-chairs, Emma and James

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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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KU Leuven Global Seed Fund (GSF) 2026
The GSF aims to initiate or deepen collaborations with researchers from a select group of priority partner institutions, with the goal of developing high-quality proposals for European or other international competitive funding.  Eligible Activities Include:  Organising joint workshops  Reciprocal travel between institutions  Other activities that support the proposed research and strengthen the partnership (to be approved by both institutions)
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Up to €30,000 per project (KU Leuven), plus $25,000 NZD (University of Auckland, matching fund from Global Research Engagement Fund – see below).   Duration: 12 months	9 October 2025 (exact time TBC)
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Guidelines If you are interested, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz and further guidance will be provided.

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Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) – Round 4 & 5
The Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) is available to UoA researchers and professional research staff to foster the development of new and emerging research partnerships with international collaborators.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Networking & Engagement Grants (up to $10,000) Project Planning Grants: Up to $12,000 if the University of Auckland is a Partner, or up to $25,000 if the University of Auckland leads the project. Duration: 18 months	2025 Funding Rounds: Round 4: Notify of Intention to Submit: 22nd August 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 29th August 2025 Round 5: Notify of Intention to Submit: 24th October 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 31st October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Applicant Information, Guidance & Evaluation Criteria If you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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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
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Missions	For the Horizon Europe 2025–2027 funding period, there are five Missions under “Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”  of which New Zealand is an associated country enabling organizations to be a funded entity in consortium projects. The 5 Missions are: 1. Adaptation to Climate Change 2. Cancer 3. Restore Our Ocean and Waters 4. Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities 5. A Soil Deal for Europe	All the 2025 calls for Missions have closing dates in September 2025 onwards GUIDELINES Missions – Work Programme 2025 WEBSITE EU Funding & Tenders Portal- portal to find topics EU Funding & Tenders Portal- setting up your own account SUPPORT ResearchHub Resources here
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.

Horizon Europe: Introductory Guide: Applications for the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme are due in September/October. Dr Kelly Kilpin has joined the international team and created an Horizon Europe introduction guide for researchers. This is available, alongside other Horizon Europe support materials on the ResearchHub.

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation: Small grants scheme
The Small grants scheme will support organisations interested in advancing the Lloyd’s Register Foundation mission of engineering a safer world. They will support projects which can: Initiate, build or consolidate partnerships with organisations in the relevant sectors. Test out ideas through pilot studies, proof of concept projects or activities targeting the heritage, maritime and public sectors. Projects or activities should demonstrate the potential to lead to future collaborations, clear knowledge exchange, or create/accelerate impact.
Value/Duration: Up to GBP10,000 (approx. NZD23,000) for no more than 12 months.	Internal Deadline: 12pm, Friday 31 October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea. The proposall could include:  multi-stakeholder workshops collaborative inquiries ethnographic research travel to key events collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns projects to link up voices and perspectives.
Value/Duration: From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.	Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Kick-off

The Session is designed to provide you with the essential information and insights to help you get started on your EOI and boost your chances of success.

• Overview of the Marsden Fund and its schemes. Dr Cherie Lacey (Research Impact Manager, Te Puna Tiketike | Research and Innovation Office, and former Marsden panellist) will share advice on articulating the potential impact of your research.
• Panel Q&A – Hear directly from past Marsden panellists and awardees (Fast-Start and Standard). They’ll discuss how EOIs are developed and assessed, and answer your questions with practical tips from their experience.
• Light refreshments and continued the conversation with colleagues and speakers.

AUDIENCE: UoA research staff applying for the 2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden round, and research support staff (FIRST).

Key information:

• Date: Wed 29 October 2025
• Time: 10:00-12:30 pm
• Location: Arts & Education Building – 201, Room 440, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus.

Register via Eventbrite here. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed. Please note that only the presentation portion of this session will be recorded.

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

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Applied Doctorates Scheme – Call for project proposals on the theme of Energy

The call for project proposals on the theme of Energy is now open for the inaugural cohort of the Applied Doctorates Scheme. This new national initiative, supported by MBIE, supports doctoral research that is industry-connected, transdisciplinary, future-focused, and grounded in Aotearoa. The first cohort will focus on the theme of Energy. Each cohort will include up to 12 doctoral candidates, selected through a competitive process. Proposals are welcomed from across sectors and disciplines.

Submission deadline: 27 October 2025 (11.59pm)

Visit www.applieddoctorates.nz to learn more and access the submission portal. For inquiries, please contact secretariat@applieddoctorates.nz.

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Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme – open for applications.

The CUHK Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme supports researchers to visit CUHK (inbound) and/or host visits of CUHK faculty members (outbound). The University of Auckland is one of CUHK’s priority partners, allowing researchers to access the scheme to initiate and to strengthen their collaboration with their CUHK peers via visits between January and December 2026. The scheme encourages the development of collaborative research projects primarily in four strategic research areas: China: Tradition & Modernity Innovative Biomedicine Information & Automation Technology Environment & Sustainability. Applications are submitted by CUHK faculty members by Friday 31 October 2025. For inquiries, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz

 

NZPA Industry Collaboration Funding 2025
The New Zealand Product Accelerator (NZPA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Industry Collaboration Funding. This funding supports early career researchers from New Zealand universities PROs and IRANZ member institutions to collaborate with industry on projects that address real business needs and deliver practical, commercial outcomes. Following last year’s success, where 10 projects were funded, we’re looking forward to another round of impactful research–industry partnerships.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Up to $10,000 per project Duration: maximum six months unless otherwise agreed with NZPA	Friday, 14th November 2025
Interested researchers can download the application form and instructions and submit their completed applications here For any queries, please contact nzpa@auckland.ac.nz If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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

 

HeadsUp

Change it seems is the only ‘Business as Usual’.

At this week’s quarterly staff meeting we’ll hear about the university’s new research landscape and teaching responses to AI. Stay tuned as we work through implications of these and other changes.

Teamwork is the only way forward. Eco not ego as I heard someone say at a meeting recently.

Surveys

Two surveys need mention.

First, at the staff meeting there will be initial overview of results of Korero Mai, the staff engagement survey for which we as a School reached a healthy level of participation (thanks!). Given the wealth of insight to be gleaned from the results, there will be opportunities ahead for further consideration and mapping out responses.

Second, the ‘in-School’ annual ENV Laboratory and Fieldwork Survey is currently underway and due to close Friday 20th. Invites were sent via email to academics and PG students last Mon 8th. Please respond as our Technical Services team is reliant on this feedback in best tailoring what they can offer to the needs of the School.

Contracts and Absences

I need to extend some reminders, relating to Contracts and Absences

1. As Patricia, our GSC, outlined by email it normally takes around 2 weeks to set up casual RA/GTA/TA roles and 3-4 weeks to establish fixed-term contracts. Please budget that lead time into any requests for new employment contracts to be set up
2. If you will be overseeing anyone undertaking paid employment, they cannot begin work until a contract is finalised. To do otherwise is in breach of employment law.
3. Employees of the University (ranging from casual RAs to permanent academics) cannot work overseas without permission of the Head of School (HoS) [via the FoS Travel approval form] for more than one month. Any longer period must be either RSL (for academics) or via permission of the Dean via application to the HoS.
4. Regardless of how long you will be away from Auckland for (eg a day trip to Wellington for a meeting, funded by a government agency), a completed Faculty Travel Approval Form is required (it is only reasonable to know of your whereabouts, for insurance reasons etc).

A departure

Finally, Lilian Tang our Research Programme Manager has informed us that “sadly Sophie Wu has resigned. Sophie joined the research support team in 2023, initially on a fixed term contract, which was quickly upgraded to a permanent RPC position. Sophie has been supporting the Environment portfolio and more recently has taken up increased responsibilities managing the Environment MBIE Endeavour research projects. Sophie is highly regarded by her colleagues and collaborators alike, and she will be sorely missed by us all. Her work has consistently shown a high level of professionalism, care, and attention to detail. Sophie has made the decision to return to Korea, to be closer to her whanau and to pursue further studies – a new chapter we know she’ll approach with the same dedication Sophie has shown here. We’ll be organising a farewell to celebrate Sophie and send her off with our best wishes, and we will share the details with you soon.”

 

Lastly, it was great to see so many staff at graduation. Thanks for the turnout. I know it meant a lot to students and families.

Have a great week

Robin

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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ENV – LEGO Masters event

Schedule

• 6 Nov. 2025
• Build time: 10 am to 3pm
• Voting and judging: 3 pm to 4pm
• Awarding ceremony with drinks and nibbles: 4pm onward

Venue

• Build time: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16
• Judging: 303-G15 and G16
• Awarding ceremony: in front of rooms 303-G15 and G16

Teams

• One GEOG team
• One EARTHSCI team
• One ENVSCI team
• One GISCI team
• One TECH-PRO STAFF team

Each team is composed of a team leader and a build team. The team leader is in charge of recruiting at least two team members (1 staff and 1 student) but the team may also rely on shifts, that is, team members may change throughout the day as long as they always include one staff and one student. Duration of shifts is up to the team leader.

Process

Two days before the event, each team is allocated an object from which they have to develop their builds and must feature in their build. They have two days to think of/design their build and the story it shows.

On the day, each team is provided with a large base plate. All sorts of bricks and minifigures are available on a separate table sorted by colours.

Teams have 5 hours to build. After 5 hours all teams are invited to stop building. Builds are brought in the judging rooms where students and staff can look at them. Everyone present (except members of the build teams and team leaders) are invited to judge by dropping a single brick (for their favourite build) in a ballot/brick box. There are five of these boxes: one for each build/team.

Voting closes at 3:30 pm and ballots/bricks are tallied by members of SEC who announce the results by 4 pm when drinks and nibbles are served.

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ENV Laboratory and Fieldwork Survey 2025

The School Technical Team is again running our annual survey of experiences working in our laboratories and in the field.
Invitations were sent last Monday 8 September to postgraduate students and academic staff. Please check your email for further instructions on how to complete the survey.

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Requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026

We are now seeking requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026. If there are software titles that you require for teaching or research purposes, please let us know using this form.
Please submit all titles that will require a contribution from the School’s software budget next year – regardless of whether they are new, existing or upgrades. If we do not receive a request for a particular title, we will assume that it is no longer required and reallocate the budget accordingly. Any questions please contact Blair Sowman. Thank you.

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PhD Supervisor Re-accreditation by 1 March 2026

In March 2026, which marks 5 years from the date all then-accredited supervisors were initially loaded into Wahapū, many ENV accredited doctoral supervisors will be due for re-accreditation.

Re-accreditation requires two parts.

Supervisors must complete:

1. Doctoral Policy and Procedure Reaccreditation for Supervisors (DPPRS) before the deadline. This course takes 60-90 minutes and you can do it any time before 1 March. (ONLINE ONLY)
2. Complete 4 other SGS accredited courses. There are a mixture of online and in person courses available for anyone who has yet to complete this requirement (MIX OF ONLINE & IN-PERSON).

Anyone who has not met these criteria (check your Wahapū profile, accreditation) will not be able to be added onto any new supervision teams until they have regained accreditation.

The most up-to-date list of events is always available in the the Supervision Hub, and are listed in the monthly Supervisor News newsletter, delivered by email to all accredited supervisors.

Here are a few:

• 23 September 2025 (Zoom) Supervision: Managing Productivity & Motivation – Workday
• 25 September 2025 (Zoom) Introduction to Research Supervision at UoA – Workday
• 6 October (Zoom) Supervision: Supporting Candidates Through the Provisional Year – Workday
• 9 October (Zoom) Managing sensitive research data for supervisors – Workday
• 15 October (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday
• 23 October (In person) Orientation to Doctoral Education Policy and Procedures (ORIDOC) – Workday
• 6 November (In person) Developing doctoral candidates’ critical thinking: A practical guide – Workday
• 20 November (In person) Introduction to Research Supervision at UoA – Workday
• 20 November (Zoom) Responsible AI in research for supervisors – Workday

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For capstone teaching staff and supervisors of postgrad students:

Scholarships available for Undergrad-Postgrad Pairing

The Rangahau Committee has several $800 scholarships available for undergraduate students to pair with postgraduate students active in research and provide assistance with the postgrad’s research project. This could include assistance in the field, lab or office and could take many forms (eg data analysis, interview help, data collection, mapping, etc). The aim is to provide undergraduate students interested in research with a scholarship and a taste of postgraduate research life, while the postgraduate student benefits from the assistance (around 30 hours of work required from the undergrad). This could be done in a couple of focused weeks, or a few hours per week over a couple of months – depending on the project. Several of the available scholarships are dedicated to Tuākana students.
Could supervisors please share this opportunity with any postgraduate students and/or high achieving undergrad students.
How do we apply? Supervisors or students (UG or PG) should send an email to the Rangahau Committee by end of 19^th September : e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz with a short paragraph outlining why their reasons for applying and either a summary of their research interests (for UG students) or their research project that requires assistance (for PG students or supervisors).

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Internship Offer at Oceanum

Oceanum is a New Zealand–based company specialising in environmental data integration, analysis, and visualisation. Datamesh is our cloud-based platform that connects multiple sources of environmental and geospatial data, enabling faster, science-based decision-making. The company works with sectors such as coastal engineering, defence, aquaculture, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The intern will contribute to the development, processing, and visualisation of environmental datasets, with a particular focus on coastal and marine applications. The role supports the improvement of data workflows, the delivery of interactive dashboards and applications, and the development of decision-support tools that enhance industry and research outcomes. Applicants must be currently studying (or recently graduated within the last 12 months) in science, engineering, technology, or related fields.

Please read more and how to apply here. Applications close on 30th September 2025.

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Requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026

We are now seeking requests for software purchase or renewal in 2026. If there are software titles that you require for teaching or research purposes, please let us know using this form.

Please submit all titles that will require a contribution from the School’s software budget next year – regardless of whether they are new, existing or upgrades. If we do not receive a request for a particular title, we will assume that it is no longer required and reallocate the budget accordingly. Any questions please contact Blair Sowman. Thank you.

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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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Nominations requested for ENV Research Awards

The Rangahau Committee is busy planning the annual ENV Research Awards, to be held on November 6^th 2025.
We are opening calls for nominations for the school-wide awards. Please take a moment to think about nominating your colleagues, postdocs, research students or even yourself.

The link for nominations is here . Nominations are due on 30 September 2025. If you have any questions please email Emma Ryan: e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz

The five awards available are: (more info on the awards is found in the nominations link).

1. Hiroki Ogawa School Citizenship Award
2. Research Communication Award
3. Engagement with Indigenous Values and Knowledge Award 
4. Early Career Research Award 
5. Transdisciplinary Award 

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2025 Hochstetter Lecture: Past, Present, and Future Earthquakes on the Alpine Fault: What Lies Beneath and What Lies Ahead? 6 pm Tuesday 16^th September at the Auditorium, Auckland War Memorial Museum

2025 Hochstetter Lecture Information Sheet 

Several decades of painstaking paleoseismological research — using geological measurements to determine the timing and magnitudes of past Alpine Fault earthquakes — have yielded one of the most spatially and temporally extensive paleoearthquake records of any fault worldwide. This record indicates that the Alpine Fault produces large earthquakes on timescales of less than 300 years and that, although the times between one earthquake and the next are remarkably consistent, their inferred sizes vary from depending on which of three sections of the fault rupture at once. More than 300 years have passed since the last major earthquake, in 1717 CE, and the Alpine Fault is thus late in the typical period between successive earthquakes: the likelihood of a magnitude 7 earthquake occurring in the coming 50 years is estimated to be 75%; the odds of that earthquake being larger than magnitude 8 are ~80%.

Scientific drilling studies reveal that the Alpine Fault is also unusually hot, at least along its central section near Aoraki/Mt Cook where the most rapid uplift of the Southern Alps is occurring and where long-term slip rates are the highest. Variations in temperature along the length of the Alpine Fault have since been found to affect the distribution of present-day low-magnitude seismicity and deep aseismic creep, and are likely to influence patterns of slip in future large earthquakes.

Despite substantial advances in understanding the Alpine Fault’s past and present-day seismicity, how and where the fault will slip in a future earthquake and what groundshaking will result are difficult to anticipate without knowing which of many geologically- and geophysically-plausible scenarios eventuates.

This year’s Hochstetter Lecture will review how understanding of the Alpine Fault’s earthquake-generating behaviour has developed in recent years, catalysed by novel paleoseismological, geological, and seismological studies including the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP) and the 450 km-long Southern Alps Long Skinny Array (SALSA), and how technological advances such as optical fibre sensing, “virtual earthquakes”, and artificial intelligence are providing new insight into fault zone structure and earthquake generation.

The concluding portion of the lecture will address what steps the earthquake science community could take now to record invaluable data during the next Alpine Fault earthquake and thus inform global understanding of earthquake rupture phenomena.

Tickets

Tickets for this event are free, or pay what you can, but you do need to book using this link.

When you get to the screen headed ‘Log in or register’ use the ‘Guest checkout’ option, unless you already have an account with Auckland Museum.

Supplementary Hochstetter Lecture:
New Avenues for On- and Offshore Geophysical Sensing Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). 10 am Wednesday 17th September PLT1 (303-G20), University of Auckland. 38 Princes St.

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is a novel method of converting fibre optic cables into hundreds or thousands of closely-spaced strain sensors using an instrument called an interrogator. Pulses of laser light emitted by an interrogator are scattered by optical imperfections as they propagate along a glass fiber; vibrations of the fibre induced by natural and anthropogenic sources (e.g., earthquakes, avalanches, vehicle and pedestrian traffic, etc.) affect the location and degree of scattering and can be detected by recording light scattered back towards the interrogator.

In this seminar, Hochstetter Lecturer John Townend will review some of the lessons learned during recent terrestrial DAS studies undertaken near Haast and Milford Sound, and outline plans for the collection of submarine DAS data across Cook Strait in tandem with active-source seismic surveys. In 2023, a team from The Australian National University and Victoria University of Wellington made DAS measurements along and across the Alpine Fault near Haast on lengths of unused (“dark”) telecommunications fibre. The measurements have an effective spacing along the fibre of 4 m, providing unparalleled insight into near-surface structure and regional earthquake processes. In 2024, a second experiment was begun using similar techniques on fibres running along SH94 between Christie Falls and Milford Sound, through the Homer Tunnel. In addition to earthquake signals, those data also contain records of numerous avalanches, rock falls, and traffic-related processes including vehicle collisions. Later this year, DAS data will be collected by researchers from Earth Sciences New Zealand and Victoria University of Wellington along a section of the Aqualink fiber extending from Wellington to Kaikōura, with the expectation of recording seismicity and airgun shots from the RV Tangaroa.

The Haast, Milford Sound, and Cook Strait case studies highlight geophysical sensing opportunities afforded by the use of on- and offshore using existing telecommunications cables, and illustrate some of the infrastructural and computational challenges posed by terabyte-scale daily data volumes.

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School of Environment Seminar Series – September 25th, 3pm – 4pm, 302-140

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School of Environment Visitor Seminar – October 9th, 1pm – 2pm, 302-551

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The Treaty of Waitangi in a Research Context – part two of a two-part webinar

Build your knowledge capability in Responsiveness to Māori within your research. Register for Part 2 of this introductory two-part webinar series.

This seminar will provide a brief overview of the Treaty of Waitangi as it relates to research. The content focuses on why it was written, what it says, what went wrong and where we are today. Open to all UoA researchers and research staff.   

When: 9:30am –12:30pm, 23 Sept (Zoom)

Part 2/2: Putting the Treaty into Practice in a Research Context with Dean Adam

Full details & registration via Eventbrite

For inquiries, please contact: researcherdevelopment@auckland.ac.nz

Beyond the data: Valuing Good Research Practice and Authorship –online workshop series

Join us for this workshop unpacking the research landscape and discuss Good Research Practice and the Research Integrity Policy authorship and publication.

 

When: 15 Oct | 22 Oct, 11:00 am -12:30 pm (Zoom)

How: Please register using the links below

 

Valuing Good Research Practice

Part 1: The Basics and More

Full details and registration via Eventbrite

 

Valuing Good Research Practice

Part 2: Authorship and Publishing

Full details and registration via Eventbrite

 

If you have any particular research integrity-related areas or questions that you would like to be discussed, please forward these on to researchintegrity@auckland.ac.nz

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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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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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EarthFest 2025 Call for Participants

EarthFest is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest annual STEM festival dedicated to the Earth sciences. Through interactive exhibits and exciting demonstrations, presented by people who work with Earth science every day, we aim to bring Earth science to life for people of all ages and interests. Best of all, EarthFest is FREE for everyone! This year, the 1-day festival will be held on Saturday, 22 November at the Fickling Convention Centre in Three Kings

We are currently calling all researchers or practitioners who are keen to share Earth Science with the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. This could be in the form of an exhibit, demonstration, educational resources, or career presentations. If you are interested, please register now to reserve your spot by following this link (https://forms.gle/pRC1pCEyzinsgbQKA) or scanning the QR code on the flyer.

Please email earthfest@gsnz.org.nz if you have any questions.

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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The school’s Health and Safety committee reminds you of the importance to report any incidents and near misses, even observations both on campus and fieldwork.

From the last meeting we are happy to announce that our lab culture allowed the school to perform well in the health check undertaken by the faculty at the beginning of the year.

2026 will see changes in Inductions and field activity plans

Technology helps keeping you safe

The SOS feature on mobile phones offers a powerful tool to enhance the safety of individuals working in the field, especially in remote or high-risk environments. By enabling quick access to emergency services and automatic alerts to pre-selected contacts, this feature ensures that help can be summoned swiftly in critical situations. Whether it’s a technician working alone in a rural area, a construction worker on a hazardous site, or a field researcher in unpredictable terrain, the ability to trigger an SOS alert—often by simply pressing the power button multiple times—can be life-saving. Many devices also share real-time location data and even capture audio or photos, providing valuable context to responders. This built-in functionality transforms smartphones into essential safety companions, reinforcing personal security and peace of mind for field workers across industries.

📱 iPhone (iOS)

Steps to enable Emergency SOS:

1. Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
2. Toggle on:
   • Call with Hold: Press and hold the side + volume buttons.
   • Call with 5 Presses: Rapidly press the side button five times.
3. Add emergency contacts via the Health app:
   • Open Health > Profile > Medical ID > Edit.
   • Scroll to Emergency Contacts and add trusted contacts.
4. After an SOS call, your iPhone sends your location to emergency contacts and updates them if it changes.
5. On iPhone 14 or later, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite when out of cellular range.

📱 Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

Steps to enable Emergency SOS:

1. Open Settings > Safety and emergency > Send SOS messages.
2. Toggle it on and:
   • Add emergency contacts.
   • Choose trigger method (press power button 3 or 4 times).
   • Enable auto-call, attach photos (front/rear camera), and a 5-second audio clip.
3. Your location is shared for 24 hours with updates every 30 minutes.
4. You can also add Medical Info under the same menu for first responders.

📱 Google Pixel

Steps to enable Emergency SOS:

1. Open the Safety app.
2. Tap Features > Emergency SOS > Manage Settings.
3. Tap Turn on Emergency SOS.
4. Optional:
   • Set up secondary verification (hold screen or countdown).
   • Enable Share info with emergency contacts.
   • Try a demo mode to practice.
5. To activate SOS: Press the power button 5 times.
6. Your Pixel will call emergency services and notify your contacts with location updates.

📱 Xiaomi (MIUI)

Steps to enable Emergency SOS:

1. Go to Settings > Passwords & security > Emergency SOS.
2. Enable the feature and allow permissions.
3. Add emergency contacts.
4. Press the power button 5 times to send an SOS SMS with your location.
5. Optionally, enable sending the last hour’s call history.

📱 OPPO (ColorOS)

Steps to enable Emergency SOS:

1. Go to Settings > Emergency Sharing.
2. Enable:
   • Send SMS automatically with location.
   • Low battery alert (optional).
3. Add emergency contacts via Settings > Security and Emergency.
4. To trigger SOS: Press the power button 5 times quickly.
5. Your contacts receive your location and alerts.

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Funding Calls

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Undergraduate–Postgraduate Pairing Scholarship – 7 scholarships remaining!

This $800 scholarship supports undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience by shadowing a postgraduate student. Undergraduates will assist with tasks like literature reviews, data analysis, and mapping, while learning valuable research skills and contributing to real projects. If you have postgraduate students that would benefit from this opportunity, please submit a short application.

Applications should include a copy of the undergraduate student’s academic transcript and a short paragraph justifying the proposed project and pairing. This is a great opportunity for collaboration, skill-building, and mentoring across levels of study.

Please email Emma Ryan (e.ryan@auckland.ac.nz) for details or with ready applications.  

From the Rangahau Committee co-chairs, Emma and James

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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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Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund
The Waipapa Taumata Rau Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund (TIF)is a fund that encourages research staff from across the University to develop cross-disciplinary research partnerships, aspiring toward high-quality Transdisciplinary research outputs, research learning initiatives, and successful applications to external research funders. The Applicant Team must include researchers from at least two disciplines, and evidence the transdisciplinary aspects of the research.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: NZ$20,000 Duration: 18 months	5pm Monday 29 September 2025
APPLICATION FORM AND GUIDELINES View the documents hereIf you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST.

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KU Leuven Global Seed Fund (GSF) 2026
The GSF aims to initiate or deepen collaborations with researchers from a select group of priority partner institutions, with the goal of developing high-quality proposals for European or other international competitive funding.  Eligible Activities Include:  Organising joint workshops  Reciprocal travel between institutions  Other activities that support the proposed research and strengthen the partnership (to be approved by both institutions)
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Up to €30,000 per project (KU Leuven), plus $25,000 NZD (University of Auckland, matching fund from Global Research Engagement Fund – see below).   Duration: 12 months	9 October 2025 (exact time TBC)
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Guidelines If you are interested, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz and further guidance will be provided.

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Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) – Round 4 & 5
The Global Research Engagement Fund (GREF) is available to UoA researchers and professional research staff to foster the development of new and emerging research partnerships with international collaborators.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: Networking & Engagement Grants (up to $10,000) Project Planning Grants: Up to $12,000 if the University of Auckland is a Partner, or up to $25,000 if the University of Auckland leads the project. Duration: 18 months	2025 Funding Rounds: Round 4: Notify of Intention to Submit: 22nd August 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 29th August 2025 Round 5: Notify of Intention to Submit: 24th October 2025 Final Application Submission Date: 31st October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Applicant Information, Guidance & Evaluation Criteria If you are interested, please get in touch with your FIRST.

 

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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
Horizon Europe, Pillar 2, Missions	For the Horizon Europe 2025–2027 funding period, there are five Missions under “Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”  of which New Zealand is an associated country enabling organizations to be a funded entity in consortium projects. The 5 Missions are: 1. Adaptation to Climate Change 2. Cancer 3. Restore Our Ocean and Waters 4. Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities 5. A Soil Deal for Europe	All the 2025 calls for Missions have closing dates in September 2025 onwards GUIDELINES Missions – Work Programme 2025 WEBSITE EU Funding & Tenders Portal- portal to find topics EU Funding & Tenders Portal- setting up your own account SUPPORT ResearchHub Resources here
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.

Horizon Europe: Introductory Guide: Applications for the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme are due in September/October. Dr Kelly Kilpin has joined the international team and created an Horizon Europe introduction guide for researchers. This is available, alongside other Horizon Europe support materials on the ResearchHub.

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2025 WUN Research Development Fund
WUN RDF grants are intended to help stimulate larger collaborative projects that will strengthen research relationships across WUN. Proposals must address the following issues to be considered: Social justice and human rights; inequality Sustainable world: cities and urbanization; energy transitions; water, and food security Mental health; child and maternal health; ageing Responsible and ethical applications of Artificial Intelligence The application must involve at least three WUN member universities from at least two continents. Researchers may submit proposals for projects led by the University of Auckland or may be named as co-investigators on projects led by researchers at other WUN member universities.
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadline
·         Value: up to £10,000 (around NZ$22,000) ·         Duration: 12 months	Monday 15 September 2025, 9am

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation: Small grants scheme
The Small grants scheme will support organisations interested in advancing the Lloyd’s Register Foundation mission of engineering a safer world. They will support projects which can: Initiate, build or consolidate partnerships with organisations in the relevant sectors. Test out ideas through pilot studies, proof of concept projects or activities targeting the heritage, maritime and public sectors. Projects or activities should demonstrate the potential to lead to future collaborations, clear knowledge exchange, or create/accelerate impact.
Value/Duration: Up to GBP10,000 (approx. NZD23,000) for no more than 12 months.	Internal Deadline: 12pm, Friday 31 October 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected Funding
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Maritime Connected funding will support organisations in the maritime community to connect parts of the maritime system in relation to current or future safety challenges, with preference given to safety challenges relating to decarbonisation, digitalisation, the impacts of climate and safety at sea. The proposall could include:  multi-stakeholder workshops collaborative inquiries ethnographic research travel to key events collaborations, joint advocacy and public awareness campaigns projects to link up voices and perspectives.
Value/Duration: From £2,000 (approx. NZD4,500) to support activities such as meetings and convenings to build skills and knowledge Up to £60,000 (NZD140,000) for bigger projects that bring parts of the maritime sector together.	Internal Deadline: A rolling outline until 27 January 2026
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): Guidelines Funder Portal  If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

 

Summer Research Scholarships- Late Round:

The SRS Late Round is intended for projects that were not advertised in the Main Round, particularly those associated with recently activated external grants.

The cost of an SRS for the Late Round ($6,750) must be covered by supervisors.

Deadline: Send Project Information to Science_Summer_Research_Scholarships@auckland.ac.nz by Friday, September 19th. Projects will be sent to Marketing for advertisement on the Faculty website. For Project Information Template, contact your FIRST.

Applicants will contact supervisors directly to discuss project details. Students will be asked to provide their CVs and transcripts to supervisors. If supervisors require additional supporting documents, such as a writing sample, they should request these directly from the applicants.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the regulations to be considered for a scholarship. There is no flexibility regarding external grants – regardless of the funding source, all SRS scholars must meet the eligibility criteria. Both supervisors and applicants must be aware of these criteria.

Further details can be found here.

After reviewing applications, supervisors should submit their final nominated list to Science_Summer_Research_Scholarships@auckland.ac.nz by October 30, 2025.

2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi: Marsden Kick-off

The Session is designed to provide you with the essential information and insights to help you get started on your EOI and boost your chances of success.

• Overview of the Marsden Fund and its schemes. Dr Cherie Lacey (Research Impact Manager, Te Puna Tiketike | Research and Innovation Office, and former Marsden panellist) will share advice on articulating the potential impact of your research.
• Panel Q&A – Hear directly from past Marsden panellists and awardees (Fast-Start and Standard). They’ll discuss how EOIs are developed and assessed, and answer your questions with practical tips from their experience.
• Light refreshments and continued the conversation with colleagues and speakers.

AUDIENCE: UoA research staff applying for the 2026 Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden round, and research support staff (FIRST).

Key information:

• Date: Wed 29 October 2025
• Time: 10:00-12:30 pm
• Location: Arts & Education Building – 201, Room 440, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus.

Register via Eventbrite here. A calendar invitation will be sent out to all participants when the registration has been completed. Please note that only the presentation portion of this session will be recorded.

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

 

Applied Doctorates Scheme – Call for project proposals on the theme of Energy

The call for project proposals on the theme of Energy is now open for the inaugural cohort of the Applied Doctorates Scheme. This new national initiative, supported by MBIE, supports doctoral research that is industry-connected, transdisciplinary, future-focused, and grounded in Aotearoa. The first cohort will focus on the theme of Energy. Each cohort will include up to 12 doctoral candidates, selected through a competitive process. Proposals are welcomed from across sectors and disciplines.

Submission deadline: 27 October 2025 (11.59pm)

Visit www.applieddoctorates.nz to learn more and access the submission portal. For inquiries, please contact secretariat@applieddoctorates.nz.

 

Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme – open for applications.

The CUHK Internationalisation Faculty Mobility Scheme supports researchers to visit CUHK (inbound) and/or host visits of CUHK faculty members (outbound). The University of Auckland is one of CUHK’s priority partners, allowing researchers to access the scheme to initiate and to strengthen their collaboration with their CUHK peers via visits between January and December 2026. The scheme encourages the development of collaborative research projects primarily in four strategic research areas: China: Tradition & Modernity Innovative Biomedicine Information & Automation Technology Environment & Sustainability. Applications are submitted by CUHK faculty members by Friday 31 October 2025. For inquiries, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz