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

 

HeadsUp

Kia ora koutou

I’m clicking ‘approve’ while Robin is away (returning late this week). It was heartening to see lots of faces at the School of Environment’s desk at Open Day last Saturday.

If a good fraction of them decide to enrol in our first-year courses or our programmes, then things are looking well for 2026!

Early signs for 2026 enrolments are apparently quite positive for the Faculty as a whole, and with our new suite of ENV 100-level courses exceeding the enrolments of their forebears (in aggregate), the signs for our School are promising.

Many thanks go to Nick R, Anthony, Joe, Luitgard and JC, as well as our excellent postgraduate students (Aimee, Mitchell, Danielle, Brandon, Emily, Madalen, Adele, Rebekah, Charlotte, Louise, Martin, Moss and Samantha) for organising and helping at Open Day. 

Tom (Acting HoS)

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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Science Postgraduate Poster Competition

The Science Postgraduate Poster Competition is our annual event celebrating and showcasing postgraduate student research. This year’s poster competition features a poster exhibition in the Science Foyer, as well as during the Postgraduate Information Evening.

Students can access a range of resources that help them create an engaging academic poster:

• Designing Research Posters: resources on Postgraduate Skills Hub (click here to access)

Poster submission closes on Friday, 5 September at 4 pm. All information, including the prize pool, judging criteria and registration link, can be found on the Science Postgraduate Poster Competition webpage.

Please note that the Science Postgraduate Poster Competition is the precursor of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Research Showcase (Academic Poster Category). Starting from this year, the top 25 PhD entries will progress to the SGS Research Showcase. However, the Science Postgraduate Poster Competition remains open to all science postgraduate research students with a new award for the best Masters/Honours poster entry.

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Supervisor accreditation

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 reaccreditation.

Re-accreditation requires two parts.

Supervisors must complete online:

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.
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.

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:

• 11 September 2025 (Zoom) Orientation to Doctoral Education Policy and Procedures (ORIDOC) – Workday
• 15 September 2025 (Zoom) *NEW* Adapting Research Supervision: Practical Approaches for Uncertain Times – Workday
• 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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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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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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Temporary Closure – ENV Collection Store

The School of Environment Geological Collections store will be closed from the end of this week (August 22nd) until the end of October 2025 while the facility is relocated to its new premises. This is to enable the safe packing, transport, and reinstallation of the Collections, including all shelving, storage cupboards, and associated materials. The move will begin on 4 September 2025 and is expected to continue throughout September and October.

During this period, the Collections will be unavailable for research, teaching, loans, or reference access. The holdings include nationally and internationally significant specimens across several sub-collections: Palaeontology (fossils), Petrology (rocks), Geothermal (rocks and minerals), Speleothem (stalactites, stalagmites), and Mineralogy. Many specimens are irreplaceable due to the source material no longer being available or collection sites now being protected, and their safe relocation is a priority.

If you have urgent requirements for specimens or materials, please contact Neville as soon as possible so these can be addressed before the closure.  Bear in mind much of the collection is already packed and large requests will need to wait until after the move is complete.

We appreciate your patience during this move and look forward to welcoming you to the new facility later this year.

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Career Panel Series for ECRs: Exploring Career Paths Within and Beyond Academia

Are you an early career researcher looking to explore your next career steps? Hear from UoA PhD and postdoc alumni as they share how they’ve navigated careers across academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond. Get practical insights, ask questions, and leave inspired for your next step.

Three sessions, each with different panellists — join one or all!

When: (1–2 pm, Zoom)
Thurs 4 Sept
Thurs 11 Sept 

Full details & registration via Eventbrite

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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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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 15^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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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 Visitor Seminar – October 9th, 1pm – 2pm, 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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ANZIC calls for funding proposals

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

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

Submit your proposal by 8 September!

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

 

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Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025

For those of you interested in improving and reducing waste, the Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui will be held at the University of Auckland over 8-10 September this year. More details here and to come: Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025 | Zero Waste Network New Zealand

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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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This month starting is charged with awareness for different topics

Breathe Better September https://www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/our-work/breathe-better-september. It is a reminder Spring is a season where asthma attacks are more frequent, if you suffer asthma follow your doctor’s instructions, if you are planning outdoor activities. please see the pollen index on Metser vice

Cervical Screening Awareness Month

Regular cervical screening is one of your best protections against cervical cancer. Find out what it is, who needs to screen, when to do it and about the National Cervical Screening Programme. https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/cancer-screening/cervical-screening

 

Blue September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in New Zealand, with around 4,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Regular testing and awareness of symptoms are crucial for early detection and management. https://prostate.org.nz/

 

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers in New Zealand. With more women dying from ovarian cancer than all other gynaecological cancers combined, it’s an important time for us to shine a light on ovarian cancer and raise awareness of the symptoms.

Gynaecological cancers include

• ovarian cancer
• uterine (otherwise known as endometrial or womb) cancer
• cervical cancer
• vulvar cancer
• vaginal cancer
• gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

In general, there is little that can be done to prevent ovarian cancer, which is why everyone must know the symptoms to watch out for.
https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/gynaecological-cancer-awareness-month/

 

World Alzheimer’s Month

What is dementia?
Dementia mate wareware is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect how well our brains work.
Dementia mate wareware can affect anyone, and as people get older the chances of developing dementia mate wareware increase.
The most common form of dementia mate wareware is Alzheimer’s disease – which around two-thirds of people with dementia mate wareware have.

Being a Dementia Friend doesn’t have to take lots of your time or be a big commitment. Some simple Dementia Friendly actions you can take include being kind and helpful to people during your day, thinking about how you communicate, or offering to help someone in supermarket or on the street. https://alzheimers.org.nz/

 

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month

The ninth day of the ninth month symbolises the nine months of pregnancy, and events to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are held globally throughout the month of September. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have the privilege of being the first in the world to mark it!
https://www.fasd-can.org.nz/june_2025#:~:text=We%20also%20launched%20our%20theme%20for%20FASD%20Awareness,photo%20with%20your%20local%20MP%20after%20discussing%20FASD.

 

Sepsis Awareness Month

Sepsis Awareness Month is designated for September each year, including 2025. This month has been recognized since 2011 by the Sepsis Alliance as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise awareness about sepsis, which is a leading cause of death in hospitals. https://www.sepsis.org.nz/

 

September 4th is World Sexual Health Day

World Sexual Health Day is observed annually on September 4th to raise awareness about sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for everyone. Led by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), the day aims to break down social and cultural barriers surrounding sexuality, promote comprehensive sexual education, and advocate for a world where sexual health and well-being are prioritized. The theme for World Sexual Health Day 2025 is “Sexual Justice: What Can We Do? https://www.oratoa.co.nz/events/world-sexual-health-day-2025

Both Sept 7th Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies Day www.un.org/en/observances/clean-air-day and Sept 5th – 11th Conservation Week www.doc.govt.nz/news/events/conservation-week offer valuable opportunities to promote health and safety in the workplace and community. Blue Skies Day encourages outdoor activities under clear skies, which can boost mental well-being, reduce stress, and promote physical health—especially when paired with sun safety and asthma awareness during spring. Conservation Week, on the other hand, highlights the importance of protecting natural environments, which directly supports respiratory health by reducing pollution and preserving green spaces. Together, these initiatives foster a culture of wellness, environmental responsibility, and proactive safety—reminding us that a healthy planet contributes to healthier people.

 

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

Lifeline Aotearoa is encouraging supporters to take part in their own meaningful activity For The Dawn https://forthedawn.org.nz on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September 2025.

Walk, run, stretch, or hold space to contemplate, and watch the sunrise alone or with friends!

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10 September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organisations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.

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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

HeadsUp

Spring teases its approach with sun and slightly longer days. Spring graduation soon too. I look forward to seeing many colleagues on stage. Last week I saw proceedings from the other side; my sister graduated with her PhD from AUT so I was out with whanau. From the audience perspective, every colourfully robed academic on stage is one more person who’s cared enough about bearing witness to student success to front up and be there. A smaller scale ceremony allowed warm touches. One example was that, as they were capped, every PhD student was asked to remain on stage alongside staff as a gesture of now belonging to the academy. While our numbers sadly don’t allow that, we can welcome graduates in other ways like diarising the Faculty reception prior to the ceremonies and coming along regardless of whether you will be on stage. To quote kiwi songwriting legend, Neil Finn, in these times “we need more MUFGAL” (things that ‘Make Us Feel Good About Life”. I reckon graduation is one of the big ones in our university world.

Thanks to all who completed the Kōrero Mai Survey. As I write we are at a 61% response rate. Pleasing ! While not quite at the 75% threshold needed for the Faculty to shout us a morning tea, a solid enough rate to allow meaningful discussion of results at a later date.

In the media, Tom Dowling’s been interviewed on RNZ about his novel collaboration: University of Auckland and NZDF creating reflector to help people lost at sea | RNZ . Keep getting the good work out there, people!

In other matters, I’m away the next 2.5 week and am grateful that Tom Baker will be Acting Head. Please contact him for approvals and any urgent matters, wise thoughts etc as my email responsiveness may be intermittent at times.

Finally, as a reminder – our third all-staff meeting of the year will be Wed 17th Sept, 11am It will include some guests from the Faculty to update us a few changes afoot in research and teaching. Be there unless there is a very compelling reason not to. Thanks! See you in early September …

Robin Kearns

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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Opportunity for extra research support (<$10k) in 2025

Kia ora koutou

The faculty has some extra funds available and are asking for proposals for small (<$10k) research projects (funds need to be spent before the end of this year). If you are in need of some extra research support, please send a brief description of your proposed research activities and a clear and justified budget to James (j.muirhead@auckland) by Monday August 25.

Funding will be awarded based on:

• A description of what the funding is for – a decent paragraph is enough. Research activities should be those that are usually eligible for funding via RDF (guidelines at this page).
• A clear and justified budget up to a maximum of $10k per application.
• Strategic alignment and quality of the proposed funding.

Cheers,
Rangahau committee

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PhD Supervisors – Reaccreditation

If you receive an automated Hono reminder about needing to complete DPPRS (Doctoral Policy & Procedures Reaccreditation for Supervisors) or ORIDOC that does not match with your due date listed under the accreditation tab in Wahapū, please disregard the Hono reminder.

Keep in mind, however, that in March 2026, many of you will be due for reaccreditation and will therefore be required to complete the DPPRS module before that date or they will lose your accreditation. 

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Temporary Closure – ENV Collection Store

The School of Environment Geological Collections store will be closed from the end of this week (August 22nd) until the end of October 2025 while the facility is relocated to its new premises. This is to enable the safe packing, transport, and reinstallation of the Collections, including all shelving, storage cupboards, and associated materials. The move will begin on 4 September 2025 and is expected to continue throughout September and October.

During this period, the Collections will be unavailable for research, teaching, loans, or reference access. The holdings include nationally and internationally significant specimens across several sub-collections: Palaeontology (fossils), Petrology (rocks), Geothermal (rocks and minerals), Speleothem (stalactites, stalagmites), and Mineralogy. Many specimens are irreplaceable due to the source material no longer being available or collection sites now being protected, and their safe relocation is a priority.

If you have urgent requirements for specimens or materials, please contact Neville as soon as possible so these can be addressed before the closure.  Bear in mind much of the collection is already packed and large requests will need to wait until after the move is complete.

We appreciate your patience during this move and look forward to welcoming you to the new facility later this year.

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Science Postgraduate Poster Competition

The Science Postgraduate Poster Competition is our annual event celebrating and showcasing postgraduate student research. This year’s poster competition features a poster exhibition in the Science Foyer, as well as during the Postgraduate Information Evening.

Students can access a range of resources that help them create an engaging academic poster:

• Designing Research Posters: resources on Postgraduate Skills Hub (click here to access)

Poster submission closes on Friday, 5 September at 4 pm. All information, including the prize pool, judging criteria and registration link, can be found on the Science Postgraduate Poster Competition webpage.

Please note that the Science Postgraduate Poster Competition is the precursor of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Research Showcase (Academic Poster Category). Starting from this year, the top 25 PhD entries will progress to the SGS Research Showcase. However, the Science Postgraduate Poster Competition remains open to all science postgraduate research students with a new award for the best Masters/Honours poster entry.

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Career Panel Series for ECRs: Exploring Career Paths Within and Beyond Academia

Are you an early career researcher looking to explore your next career steps? Hear from UoA PhD and postdoc alumni as they share how they’ve navigated careers across academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond. Get practical insights, ask questions, and leave inspired for your next step.

Three sessions, each with different panellists — join one or all!

When: (1–2 pm, Zoom)
Thurs 28 Aug
Thurs 4 Sept
Thurs 11 Sept 

Full details & registration via Eventbrite

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Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University Tertiary Educators Survey

We are a group of researchers from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University undertaking a national survey exploring how tertiary educators in Aotearoa New Zealand understand and apply hope in their teaching practice. Whether you see hope as central to your pedagogy or view it more critically, we’re interested in your experience.

Take the survey now by following this link:  Educator Hope in Higher Education Survey

Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes and is anonymous. It asks about your views on hope, how (or whether) you use it in your teaching, and what supports or challenges your ability to teach with hope.

All responses are confidential and de-identified. No personal or identifying information will be linked to your responses. At the end of the survey, you may choose to enter a draw for one of five $50 grocery vouchers; entry is completely optional and your contact details will be kept separate from your survey data.

The research team consists of staff at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University, with expertise in sociology, digital education, planning, and critical pedagogies. 

Thank you for considering being part of this project. We appreciate your time and insights!

 

We would like to thank our advisory panel for their input into this survey, particularly Associate Professor Te Hurunui Clarke (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu), University of Waikato.

Any questions? Feel free to contact us at hopeinhighered@gmail.com 

Ngā mihi nui,
The Hope in Higher Education Research Team

Dr. Alice Beban; Associate Professor Elaine Khoo; Dr. Clare Mouat; Lisa Vonk.

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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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Faculty of Science Breakfast Stall | Every Wednesday during semester time from 8:30 am to 9:30 am | 302-G80 

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Research Scholarship Information Sheet 2025/26 – Open Now

 

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority have established this scholarship as a product of the

Tūpuna Maunga Education Strategy.

The scholarship applies to research that aligns with the Tūpuna Maunga Values,
enhancing and protecting the mauri and wairua of the Tūpuna Maunga.

All details about the scholarship, including an overview of the Tūpuna Maunga Values
can be found in the application portal.

Who is eligible?

• You must be a member of a research or education institution.
• You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Research must align with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Policy and
  
  approved project list (refer to maunga.nz/research/ for details)
• Applications are open to research from a range of fields including
  conservation, archaeology, creative arts, urban-planning, and design, applied
  sciences, social sciences, cultural heritage, business, and commercial studies.

How much funding is available?

• A funding pool of $10,000 available annually to support research projects
  across the Tūpuna Maunga.

Application details
This year’s scholarship application round is open on 30 June and closes 10pm, 31
August 2025. A decision about the applications will be made by 6 October 2025, with
the funding becoming available as early as November 2025.

Applications are submitted via SmartyGrants

Timeframe & Expectations

• Open to both new and on-going research projects.
• Monthly check-ins required with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research
  scholarship lead.
• Final report submitted to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Board Members in
  June 2026.

About the Tūpuna Maunga Authority
The Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) hold a paramount place in the historical,
spiritual, ancestral, and cultural identity of the thirteen iwi and hapū of Ngā Mana
Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori tribes of Auckland).
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is the statutory authority established under the Ngā
Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 to govern the
fourteen Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
Head to www.maunga.nz to find our more. 

FINAL Research Scholarship Information Sheet_25-26

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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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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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NIWA Auckland Science Fair

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

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

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

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ANZIC calls for funding proposals

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

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

Submit your proposal by 8 September!

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

 

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Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025

For those of you interested in improving and reducing waste, the Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui will be held at the University of Auckland over 8-10 September this year. More details here and to come: Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025 | Zero Waste Network New Zealand

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Repair Café: Call for Volunteers!

The Faculty of Engineering and Design Sustainability Committee, CIRCUIT Centre, Ngā Ara Whetū, and Sustainability Hub and other faculties are collaborating with Repair Network Aotearoa to host our own Repair Café at the University for our staff and students!

Repair Cafés are pop up events where expert repairers help visitors fix their broken household items for free. It’s all about bringing communities together, sharing skills between generations, keeping repair skills alive, and saving stuff from going to landfill, instead expanding the lifespan of your belongings, and learning how to maintain them.

We are looking for volunteers for the following areas: sewing, electrical (must be qualified electrician), electronics assessment, general (such as bike repairs, chairs, woodwork etc), jewellery and any other skills!

The event will likely be hosted one afternoon either the 14^th or 15^th October at the City Campus. Final details TBC.

 

If you are interested in finding out more information and to volunteer, please send an email to foed-sustainability@auckland.ac.nz and the team will send through details.

Download the Repair Café Handbook here: Repair-Café-Handbook- May 2023

 

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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The Health, Safety and Wellbeing committee has welcomed Melanie Kah and Jennifer Salmond, they will contribute to robust discussions.

 

• Update to UoA Alert:

UoA Alert https://uoa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/16370/~/uoa-alert
Android users can download the app here.
Apple users, please download in the App store.

• Be well – The University of Auckland has a whole raft of resources to help you with your well being

 

Daffodil Day 25 August 2025

💛 Volunteer for the Street Appeal

• Give just 2 hours of your time on Friday 29 or Saturday 30 August to collect donations at various locations across Auckland.
• Volunteers aged 18+ or 14–17 with a guardian are welcome.
• Sign up via https://volunteeringauckland.org.nz/roles/6489/be-a-hero-this-daffodil-day-2025-street-appeal-collector

.

🌼 Fundraise Creatively

🎨 Support Local Art & Culture

🎶 Tune into the ANZ Donation Station

💰 Donate Online or In Person

• Make a donation at daffodilday.org.nz or any ANZ branch throughout August.
• You can also support fundraisers like this Givealittle campaign https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/daffodil-day-august-2025

Rak Day

Here are some ideas for Random Acts of Kindness you can do on September 1st:

• Pay it forward: Buy a coffee or a meal for the person behind you in line.
• Leave a thoughtful note: Write a kind message for a friend, family member, or colleague.
• Help a neighbor: Offer to mow their lawn, help with groceries, or lend a hand with a task.
• Volunteer your time: Donate your time to a local charity or organization.
• Donate blood: Give the gift of life by donating blood.
• Give to a good cause: Support a charity or crowdfunding campaign.
• Offer a compliment: Pay someone a genuine compliment.
• Reach out to someone: Connect with a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.

 

Looking for activities for this spring? The Best Things to Do in Auckland This Spring
https://www.aucklandnz.com/collections/the-best-things-to-do-in-auckland-this-spring

Influenza Tracking

Influenza is a common disease with fairly non-specific presenting symptoms. To understand the epidemiology of influenza we collect information from several different systems based in the community, laboratories and hospitals.

https://info.flutracking.net/reports/new-zealand-reports/

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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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2026 Kupe Leadership Scholarships

There are 16 scholarships available and along with a $22,000 stipend (or $10,000 + on campus studio accommodation) and tuition fees for the academic year, scholars also receive mentoring and a unique leadership development programme alongside a cohort of diverse, passionate future leaders. The cross disciplinary nature of the programme provides a rich learning environment for the scholars, and they gain a tremendous amount of insight from their peers.

For more information go to Kupe Leadership Scholarships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology: Global Research Outreach Program
The Global Research Outreach (GRO) Program is an annual call for proposals that invites the world’s leading universities to propose innovative research ideas that will be evaluated for their novelty and alignment with Samsung’s various research fields.
Value/Duration:	Internal Deadline
Up to USD150,000 (approx. NZD260,000) for one year, starting January 2026.	12pm, Wednesday 20 August 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info): GUIDELINES Guidelines Research Theme description Funder Portal If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST.

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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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Researcher Skills & Development Fund 2026
The RSD Fund has been established to help enhance and expand researcher development offerings across the University to supplement existing funding sources for the design, development, and delivery of researcher development offerings. Please note this fund is distinct from the Research Development Fund (RDF), also known as FRDF – Faculty Research Development Fund, which provides internal funding for research.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that can be sought per request. The total amount of the fund available is $500k for 2026. Duration: 12 months	Friday 29th August 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Guidelines  If 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.

2025 Research Development Fund (RDF)

The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce that the 2025 funding round of the Contestable Research Development Fund (RDF) is now open for applications.

Three award types are being offered by the Faculty of Science in the 2025 contestable round, as outlined below. The total funding amount is yet to be confirmed; however, based on previous years, we anticipate allocating approximately $1 million, with expenditures distributed across 2026, 2027, and 2028.

 

Award type	Duration	Minimum and maximum funding available per application	Estimated Number of Awards
Research Fellowship Award	Up to 3 years	$100,000 – $200,000	4
Staff Research Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	9
Aronui Pūtaiao Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	2

 

Key Dates

Date	Funding allocation process step
1st July 2025	Application Forms and Guidelines are available on the FoS Staff Intranet.
1st September 2025	Applications must be submitted via RFM/InfoEd by 4:00 PM.
Early October 2025	RDF Panel meets to review applications and make funding recommendations
Late October 2025	Results announced
1st January 2026	Awards begin

 

• Full details, including guidelines and the application form, are available on the research page of the staff intranet.
• For general queries, in the first instance, please contact your School/Department Research Programme Coordinator (RPC), or Fos-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• For an overview of the Research Development Fund, visit the Research Hub RDF page.
• Queries about the Aronui Pūtaiao Award can be directed to Te Taura Here Pūtaiao, and the Associate Dean Māori via FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, 1^st September 2025.

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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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Publications

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Not at the Same Time: Lalanga/weaving Indigenous, Anti-ableist and Geological Temporalities to Re-think Time in Higher Education
S Fonua, T Baice, E Sadera, D Fa’avae – Philosophy and Theory in Higher Education, 2025

Elangasinghe, A., Patel, H., Dirks, K N., Hamilton, A. Fan, W., Chen, S., Talbot, N., Lim, S., Januch, J., Brook, M., Wells, B., Williams, D. E., Davy, P., Pattinson, W., Salmond, J.A. (2025) A novel approach for quantifying elongated airborne mineral particles (EMPs) using an automated scanning electron microscope (SEM), Atmospheric Environment, Volume 354, 121217, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2025.121217

HeadsUp

Good news

Good news is always the best news, especially in these ominous times. I’m therefore grateful to Murray Ford for keeping a vigilant eye on how our suite of first year course are tracking. He notes that 254 students have taken 2 or more ENV10X courses and 35 have taken all four courses. These are not only great numbers; they also speak to a student cohort engaging with a school-wide curriculum that promises, regardless of their ultimate major, a breadth of exposure to context. By way of comparison, in 2024 only 2 students took Geog 101,102, Envsci 101 and Earthsci 120. An ongoing well-done to all involved in the development and delivery of these courses. Elsewhere, others in the Faculty are watching with admiration and interest.

ENV in the media

It’s been another good fortnight for our School in the media. Jen Eccles offered expert comment on the magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck in far Eastern Russia and had our phones buzzing with tsunami emergency warnings. And Nick Lewis offered a Newsroom commentary reflecting on ideas gleaned at the Institute of Australian Geographers conference last month. Perhaps whether via in-School talks or in the media we should be doing more of this. There’s an indirect public investment in our conference participation, after all. (Newsroom – What NZ’s industrial policy can learn from the Aussies)

Outreach

I am often reminded of the efforts that go on behind the scenes and without a big fanfare. On Tuesday last week, for instance, there was the first lecture of a yearly series of events for the Year 13 Scholarship Geography students in partnership with the Auckland Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) organised by JC Gaillard. There were about 50 students from 13 schools from all around Auckland. Just one example of doubtless many. Thanks to all who promote the School, often out of regular working hours and sometimes off-campus.

Chemical waste responsibility

Thanks to our technical services team we are about to make a considerable saving and see the equivalent of the common exhortation in parks to deal with your own litter. Starting this year, the cost of disposing chemical waste—including old chemicals and sensitive substances that must be disposed of annually—will be charged to the account of the student, their supervisor, or the associated research project. We want to move away from the School paying for research chemical disposal (a process that costs ENV around $20-$30k per year) and return responsibility to those who purchases the chemical(s). Reasonable? I think so.

A new Deputy Head

I’m pleased to announce that Mila Adam has agreed to take up the position of Deputy Head (DHoS Teaching and Learning) from later this year. We are still working through details but am grateful that Mila will join the leadership team, bringing her enthusiasm and passion for innovative teaching to the role. I hope to recruit a third DHoS (in this case Research) later this year.

All-staff meeting

The next staff meeting will be on Wednesday 17th September (meeting then kai) – a little delayed due to first my absence (Tom Baker will kindly be Acting HoS 18 August – 3 September) then second graduation.

Kōrero Mai, staff engagement survey

A reminder that an invitation to participate will arrive today, Monday 4th Please be generous with your time and willingness to participate. The results will be a useful barometer for us as a School.

Have great fortnight.

Robin Kearns – Head of School

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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School of Environment BBQ

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Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University Tertiary Educators Survey

We are a group of researchers from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University undertaking a national survey exploring how tertiary educators in Aotearoa New Zealand understand and apply hope in their teaching practice. Whether you see hope as central to your pedagogy or view it more critically, we’re interested in your experience.

Take the survey now by following this link:  Educator Hope in Higher Education Survey

Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes and is anonymous. It asks about your views on hope, how (or whether) you use it in your teaching, and what supports or challenges your ability to teach with hope.

All responses are confidential and de-identified. No personal or identifying information will be linked to your responses. At the end of the survey, you may choose to enter a draw for one of five $50 grocery vouchers; entry is completely optional and your contact details will be kept separate from your survey data.

The research team consists of staff at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University, with expertise in sociology, digital education, planning, and critical pedagogies. 

Thank you for considering being part of this project. We appreciate your time and insights!

 

We would like to thank our advisory panel for their input into this survey, particularly Associate Professor Te Hurunui Clarke (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu), University of Waikato.

Any questions? Feel free to contact us at hopeinhighered@gmail.com 

Ngā mihi nui,
The Hope in Higher Education Research Team

Dr. Alice Beban; Associate Professor Elaine Khoo; Dr. Clare Mouat; Lisa Vonk.

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School of Environment Seminar Series

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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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Faculty of Science Pronouns Workshop | Monday 18 August 2 pm to 3:30 pm | 302-140 

Join Andy Fey (he/they), co-chair of the Rainbow Staff Network, for an engaging and informative session focused on the importance of personal pronouns and how to use them in everyday interactions. Whether you are new to using pronouns or seeking to deepen your understanding, this workshop is a welcoming space for learning and discussion. Afternoon tea will be provided as part of the workshop.

*RSVP here*

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Faculty of Science Breakfast Stall | Every Wednesday during semester time from 8:30 am to 9:30 am | 302-G80 

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Early Career Researcher Career Planning Workshop Series 

This two-part, in-person ECR Career workshop series is a structured, interactive programme designed for postdocs, research fellows, PhD candidates, and other early career researchers who want to take a strategic approach to their career development. 

Over two half-day sessions, participants will explore career options both inside and beyond academia, reflect on their professional identity, and develop an action plan for the next steps in their career journey. 
 
Workshop Dates 

Participants must attend both sessions. 

• Session 1: Monday 11 August, 9:30 – 12:30 

• Session 2: Monday 18 August, 9:30 – 12:30

Venue: 

Building 201 – Arts & Education, Auckland City Campus 

Before the Workshop 
Confirmed participants will receive a short pre-workshop digital workbook (~1–2 hours to complete) to help you prepare and make the most of the sessions. 
 
Register your interest here 

Any questions can be sent to: researcherdevelopment@auckland.ac.nz 

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Research Scholarship Information Sheet 2025/26 – Open Now

 

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority have established this scholarship as a product of the

Tūpuna Maunga Education Strategy.

The scholarship applies to research that aligns with the Tūpuna Maunga Values,
enhancing and protecting the mauri and wairua of the Tūpuna Maunga.

All details about the scholarship, including an overview of the Tūpuna Maunga Values
can be found in the application portal.

Who is eligible?

• You must be a member of a research or education institution.
• You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Research must align with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Policy and
  
  approved project list (refer to maunga.nz/research/ for details)
• Applications are open to research from a range of fields including
  conservation, archaeology, creative arts, urban-planning, and design, applied
  sciences, social sciences, cultural heritage, business, and commercial studies.

How much funding is available?

• A funding pool of $10,000 available annually to support research projects
  across the Tūpuna Maunga.

Application details
This year’s scholarship application round is open on 30 June and closes 10pm, 31
August 2025. A decision about the applications will be made by 6 October 2025, with
the funding becoming available as early as November 2025.

Applications are submitted via SmartyGrants

Timeframe & Expectations

• Open to both new and on-going research projects.
• Monthly check-ins required with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research
  scholarship lead.
• Final report submitted to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Board Members in
  June 2026.

About the Tūpuna Maunga Authority
The Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) hold a paramount place in the historical,
spiritual, ancestral, and cultural identity of the thirteen iwi and hapū of Ngā Mana
Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori tribes of Auckland).
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is the statutory authority established under the Ngā
Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 to govern the
fourteen Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
Head to www.maunga.nz to find our more. 

FINAL Research Scholarship Information Sheet_25-26

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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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NIWA Auckland Science Fair

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

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

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

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ANZIC calls for funding proposals

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

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

Submit your proposal by 8 September!

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

 

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Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025

For those of you interested in improving and reducing waste, the Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui will be held at the University of Auckland over 8-10 September this year. More details here and to come: Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025 | Zero Waste Network New Zealand

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Repair Café: Call for Volunteers!

The Faculty of Engineering and Design Sustainability Committee, CIRCUIT Centre, Ngā Ara Whetū, and Sustainability Hub and other faculties are collaborating with Repair Network Aotearoa to host our own Repair Café at the University for our staff and students!

Repair Cafés are pop up events where expert repairers help visitors fix their broken household items for free. It’s all about bringing communities together, sharing skills between generations, keeping repair skills alive, and saving stuff from going to landfill, instead expanding the lifespan of your belongings, and learning how to maintain them.

We are looking for volunteers for the following areas: sewing, electrical (must be qualified electrician), electronics assessment, general (such as bike repairs, chairs, woodwork etc), jewellery and any other skills!

The event will likely be hosted one afternoon either the 14^th or 15^th October at the City Campus. Final details TBC.

 

If you are interested in finding out more information and to volunteer, please send an email to foed-sustainability@auckland.ac.nz and the team will send through details.

Download the Repair Café Handbook here: Repair-Café-Handbook- May 2023

 

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Health Safety & Wellbeing

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Update to UoA Alert:

UoA Alert

Android users can download the app here.
Apple users, please download in the App store.

 

We are almost done with winter and next season is on its way. Spring in Auckland is a beautiful time: flowers bloom, temperatures rise, and the days get longer. Here are some practical and uplifting tips to help you prepare for the season:

🌱 Home & Garden Prep

• Declutter & Deep Clean: Clear out winter clutter and freshen up your space.
• Garden Refresh: Prune plants, plant spring flowers (like daffodils or tulips), and fertilize your lawn.
• Outdoor Furniture: Clean and set up your patio or balcony for spring lounging.

👕 Wardrobe Transition

• Swap Out Winter Clothes: Store heavy coats and bring out lighter layers.
• Check for Spring Essentials: Think breathable fabrics, rain jackets, and comfy sneakers.
• Donate Unused Items: A great time to give away clothes you didn’t wear over winter.

🧘‍♀️ Health & Wellness

• Get Active Outdoors: Take advantage of the milder weather with walks, hikes, or bike rides.
• Allergy Prep: Stock up on antihistamines if you’re sensitive to pollen.
• Spring Produce: Enjoy seasonal fruits and veggies like asparagus, strawberries, and spinach.

🗓️ Lifestyle & Planning

• Plan Spring Activities: Look into local events, markets, or weekend getaways.
• Set New Goals: Spring is a great time for a fresh start—personal, professional, or creative.
• Update Your Routine: Adjust your schedule to make the most of longer daylight hours.

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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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Hono data integration are impacting research projects

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

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

What does this mean?

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

Resolutions and Timeframes 

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

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

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2026 Kupe Leadership Scholarships

There are 16 scholarships available and along with a $22,000 stipend (or $10,000 + on campus studio accommodation) and tuition fees for the academic year, scholars also receive mentoring and a unique leadership development programme alongside a cohort of diverse, passionate future leaders. The cross disciplinary nature of the programme provides a rich learning environment for the scholars, and they gain a tremendous amount of insight from their peers.

We have an online session coming up for potential applicants to attend if they want to learn a bit more about Scholarship, please see link below.

Wednesday 23 July, 12-12.45pm (lunchtime): Online Session

For more information go to Kupe Leadership Scholarships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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Researcher Skills & Development Fund 2026
The RSD Fund has been established to help enhance and expand researcher development offerings across the University to supplement existing funding sources for the design, development, and delivery of researcher development offerings. Please note this fund is distinct from the Research Development Fund (RDF), also known as FRDF – Faculty Research Development Fund, which provides internal funding for research.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that can be sought per request. The total amount of the fund available is $500k for 2026. Duration: 12 months	Friday 29th August 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Guidelines  If 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.

2025 Research Development Fund (RDF)

The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce that the 2025 funding round of the Contestable Research Development Fund (RDF) is now open for applications.

Three award types are being offered by the Faculty of Science in the 2025 contestable round, as outlined below. The total funding amount is yet to be confirmed; however, based on previous years, we anticipate allocating approximately $1 million, with expenditures distributed across 2026, 2027, and 2028.

 

Award type	Duration	Minimum and maximum funding available per application	Estimated Number of Awards
Research Fellowship Award	Up to 3 years	$100,000 – $200,000	4
Staff Research Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	9
Aronui Pūtaiao Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	2

 

Key Dates

Date	Funding allocation process step
1st July 2025	Application Forms and Guidelines are available on the FoS Staff Intranet.
1st September 2025	Applications must be submitted via RFM/InfoEd by 4:00 PM.
Early October 2025	RDF Panel meets to review applications and make funding recommendations
Late October 2025	Results announced
1st January 2026	Awards begin

 

• Full details, including guidelines and the application form, are available on the research page of the staff intranet.
• For general queries, in the first instance, please contact your School/Department Research Programme Coordinator (RPC), or Fos-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• For an overview of the Research Development Fund, visit the Research Hub RDF page.
• Queries about the Aronui Pūtaiao Award can be directed to Te Taura Here Pūtaiao, and the Associate Dean Māori via FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, 1^st September 2025.

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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.

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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

HeadsUp

Last week I was at a Senior Leadership Team (SLT1) retreat for two days. I’d never heard of a place called the Generator but it worked well as a venue for generating better understanding of each other’s perspectives and a collective vision of how we might move forward together as a team.

For the uninitiated there are two leadership teams in the Faculty. SLT1 comprises the Dean, her Deputy and the Heads of the academic ten units plus the Directors of Finance, Special Projects, and Operations and two Associate Deans: Academic and Research. A wider SLT2 group includes other key players in the Faculty such as Assistant Deans the Technical Services Manager.

Last week one fascinating process at the two ‘away days’ was each participant being asked to tell our story in 7 minutes: something of our childhood and the ways it’s influenced us, what gives us most enjoyment in the workplace, what our non-work interests are, who and what has had most impacted on our career. A lot to touch on in in a few minutes. And such diversity yet common threads. Why take the time? Working as a team is more effective when there is mutual understanding and empathy for vantage points.

While the retreat’s timing did not anticipate the change, since it was planned our Dean Sarah Young has been appointed as DVC (Educations). With Mike Kingsley in Exercise Science seconded to be Acting Dean for the next year, all the more prompt for a collective approach to leadership and shared vision for the Faculty. While Mike is quick to dismiss any potential for an acting career, he will be an excellent Acting Dean with his measured, insightful, and good-humoured manner. I will ensure he visits us as a School in the coming weeks.

The two days left a sense of moving ahead as a Faculty with a confidence borne of steadily better enrolments and strong research performance, notwithstanding uncertainties and gaps such as social science funding. We will benefit from the visioning exercise that completed the retreat and the collective identification of four key areas we want to take forward as Faculty leaders. More soon on that. For now, as the third largest School in the university largest faculty (Science at Auckland is about the size if University of Waikato) , we as Te Kura Mātai Taiao /School of Environment can likewise take heart from our improved enrolments, solid research profile, excellent teaching and – I hope! – leadership.

As ever, input and suggestions are welcome as we move forward.

Research

This week, you will have seen the DVC (Research) announced the forthcoming development of Signature Research Areas (SRAs) which will offer opportunities for members of the School, Faculty, University as a whole. Stay tuned for updates both from the DVC’s office as well as locally from our Rangahau co-Chairs Emma and James.

Staff Engagement Survey

As mentioned last P-cubed, Kōrero Mai, the 2025 staff engagement survey will “go live” from Monday 4 August until Monday 18 August. This is an excellent opportunity for all staff to offer input on what aspects are going well, areas we can do better and provide input of ideas and suggestions as we plan. Yesterday, I attended a briefing on the format and it looks to be an efficient and accessible process which will offer easier access to key findings at a School level in due course. Please be on standby to participate. When I look through all the SET results from students I think of the time they have put into completing these. We too should be generous with a short time of input that may, ultimately, lead to consequential change in our working lives.

Speaking of SETs…

A reminder that it is university policy that all participating classes be thanked and offered some feedback after completing SET assessments to “close the loop”. If you haven’t done so already , now is the time.

Mānawa Mai Open Day

Planning for Mānawa Mai Open Day is well underway – please note Saturday 30 August in your calendar. Big thanks for Nick Richards for his annual coordination of activity. This is a grand chance to showcase our School’s offerings and even if you are not on the planning team, I’m sure those staffing the day will welcome seeing you there as will any prospective students and their parents you might speak with.

Health and Safety

As you may have noticed in the Faculty newsletter, there is a new emphasis on “See something, say something”. The idea is that if you see something that has a potential for leading to an incident or injury, you should report it at once. In other words we should all be aware of our work environment, notice potential risks, and don’t hesitate to report them.

There are three ways to report a safety concern:

• Report it online as an observation via the HSW website
• Report it via the mobile UoA Alert app (available on the App Store or Google Play)
• Notify your supervisor, manager, or Health and Safety Representative

Development Manager

Kate Thompson returns the Development Manager role in the Faculty soon. Any opportunities for postgrad students (eg scholarships) and generally promoting what we do can be discussed with her. Kate’s email is: kate.thompson@auckland.ac.nz

Jody Clarke, who has been filling Kate’s role, returns to being Alumni Relations Faculty Manager. She works to strengthen our engagement with alumni by recruiting mentors, celebrating success, and ensuring they’re our best advocates. If you have any ideas about how our alumni can help us, please feel free to reach out to Jody: jody.clarke@auckland.ac.nz for a catch-up.

Congratulations

To Salene Schloffel-Armstrong (currently a PT post-doc in our School) who is the recipient New Zealand Geographical Society 2025 President’s Award for Best Doctoral Thesis in Geography.

In the media

Well done Phil Shane – another Newsroom contribution from our School: https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/09/theres-still-time-to-get-off-this-energy-hungry-train/

So….

A rather full Heads-up this week. And, as campus as well as teaching schedules are busy again, may everyone stay heads-up, happy and enjoying the sun.

 

Robin Kearns

Head of School.

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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Small class-related catering activities

Our budget towards small class-related catering activities for semester 2 has been undersubscribed. We have $500.00 still to be allocated. To maximise this budget and make its distribution as fair as possible, we have created an online form where all interested course coordinators can declare their interest and submit a very brief proposal (100 words) outlining how much they need and for which purpose. The cap for each course is set at $150.00 and applications are due by the 1^st of August. Selection will be made by the committee shortly afterwards. Application must be submitted through the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/s7bvNAcFAP

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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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Fulbright New Zealand Scholar Awards: Online information session 

Fulbright NZ Scholar Awards are for New Zealand academics, artists or professionals to lecture and/or conduct research at US institutions. 

To be eligible, applicants must: 

1. have a PhD or the equivalent professional or artistic training or experience 

1. show professional distinction, leadership skills, and strong ambassadorial qualities  

1. plan to undertake full-time lecturing or research at a US institution for a period of three to five months. 

If you want to know more, register for an online information session here 

Date: Thursday 29 July, 5:30-6:30pm  

For inquiries, please contact international.research@auckland.ac.nz 

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Early Career Researcher Career Planning Workshop Series 

This two-part, in-person ECR Career workshop series is a structured, interactive programme designed for postdocs, research fellows, PhD candidates, and other early career researchers who want to take a strategic approach to their career development. 

Over two half-day sessions, participants will explore career options both inside and beyond academia, reflect on their professional identity, and develop an action plan for the next steps in their career journey. 
 
Workshop Dates 

Participants must attend both sessions. 

• Session 1: Monday 11 August, 9:30 – 12:30 

• Session 2: Monday 18 August, 9:30 – 12:30

Venue: 

Building 201 – Arts & Education, Auckland City Campus 

Before the Workshop 
Confirmed participants will receive a short pre-workshop digital workbook (~1–2 hours to complete) to help you prepare and make the most of the sessions. 
 
Register your interest here 

Any questions can be sent to: researcherdevelopment@auckland.ac.nz 

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Research Scholarship Information Sheet 2025/26

 

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority have established this scholarship as a product of the

Tūpuna Maunga Education Strategy.

The scholarship applies to research that aligns with the Tūpuna Maunga Values,
enhancing and protecting the mauri and wairua of the Tūpuna Maunga.

All details about the scholarship, including an overview of the Tūpuna Maunga Values
can be found in the application portal.

Who is eligible?

• You must be a member of a research or education institution.
• You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Research must align with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Policy and
  
  approved project list (refer to maunga.nz/research/ for details)
• Applications are open to research from a range of fields including
  conservation, archaeology, creative arts, urban-planning, and design, applied
  sciences, social sciences, cultural heritage, business, and commercial studies.

How much funding is available?

• A funding pool of $10,000 available annually to support research projects
  across the Tūpuna Maunga.

Application details
This year’s scholarship application round is open on 30 June and closes 10pm, 31
August 2025. A decision about the applications will be made by 6 October 2025, with
the funding becoming available as early as November 2025.

Applications are submitted via SmartyGrants

Timeframe & Expectations

• Open to both new and on-going research projects.
• Monthly check-ins required with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research
  scholarship lead.
• Final report submitted to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Board Members in
  June 2026.

About the Tūpuna Maunga Authority
The Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) hold a paramount place in the historical,
spiritual, ancestral, and cultural identity of the thirteen iwi and hapū of Ngā Mana
Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori tribes of Auckland).
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is the statutory authority established under the Ngā
Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 to govern the
fourteen Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
Head to www.maunga.nz to find our more. 

FINAL Research Scholarship Information Sheet_25-26

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COMPASS Morning Tea 

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

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

 

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Te Akoranga Kairangi

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

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

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

To enrol in TAK or the Colonial History Walk:

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

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

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

Ngā mihi, thanks a lot

Alison and Avril

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Early Career Researcher Career Planning Workshop Series

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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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NIWA Auckland Science Fair

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

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

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

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ANZIC calls for funding proposals

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

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

Submit your proposal by 8 September!

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

 

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Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025

For those of you interested in improving and reducing waste, the Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui will be held at the University of Auckland over 8-10 September this year. More details here and to come: Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui 2025 | Zero Waste Network New Zealand

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Repair Café: Call for Volunteers!

The Faculty of Engineering and Design Sustainability Committee, CIRCUIT Centre, Ngā Ara Whetū, and Sustainability Hub and other faculties are collaborating with Repair Network Aotearoa to host our own Repair Café at the University for our staff and students!

Repair Cafés are pop up events where expert repairers help visitors fix their broken household items for free. It’s all about bringing communities together, sharing skills between generations, keeping repair skills alive, and saving stuff from going to landfill, instead expanding the lifespan of your belongings, and learning how to maintain them.

We are looking for volunteers for the following areas: sewing, electrical (must be qualified electrician), electronics assessment, general (such as bike repairs, chairs, woodwork etc), jewellery and any other skills!

The event will likely be hosted one afternoon either the 14^th or 15^th October at the City Campus. Final details TBC.

 

If you are interested in finding out more information and to volunteer, please send an email to foed-sustainability@auckland.ac.nz and the team will send through details.

Download the Repair Café Handbook here: Repair-Café-Handbook- May 2023

 

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Health Safety & Wellbeing

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Update to UoA Alert:
UoA Alert https://uoa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/16370/~/uoa-alert
Android users can download the app here.
Apple users, please download in the App store.

July 28 World Hepatitis Day 2025 – Let’s Break It Down

Lets celebrate: July 30 International Day of Friendship | United Nations

 

Electrical safety:

Please exercise caution plugging and unplugging items from your desk’s power points, the multiplugs do not have individual switches and there is a small risk of making contact with the exposed prongs.

Be well – The University of Auckland has a whole raft of resources to help you with your well being

Wellbeing is a broad concept that encompasses various aspects of physical, mental, emotional, and social health. While different models may emphasize different elements, here are five widely recognized pillars of wellbeing:

1. Physical Wellbeing

• Involves maintaining a healthy body through:
  • Regular exercise
  • Balanced nutrition
  • Adequate sleep
  • Preventive healthcare
  • Avoidance of harmful habits (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol)

2. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing

• Focuses on psychological health and emotional resilience:
  • Managing stress effectively
  • Practicing mindfulness or meditation
  • Seeking therapy or counselling when needed
  • Cultivating positive emotions and self-esteem

3. Social Wellbeing

• Relates to the quality of relationships and social connections:
  • Building strong, supportive relationships
  • Engaging in community or group activities
  • Feeling a sense of belonging and inclusion
  • Effective communication and empathy

4. Spiritual Wellbeing

• Involves a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection:
  • Practicing gratitude and reflection
  • Engaging in spiritual or religious practices (if applicable)
  • Aligning actions with personal values
  • Feeling connected to something greater than oneself

5. Occupational & Financial Wellbeing

• Pertains to satisfaction and stability in work and finances:
  • Finding fulfilment in work or daily activities
  • Maintaining financial security and planning
  • Work-life balance
  • Opportunities for growth and development

6. Environmental Wellbeing

• Harmony with the Earth and creating surroundings that support your health and happiness. It includes both your natural environment and your personal spaces.
  • Connection to Nature: Spending time outdoors, appreciating natural beauty, and engaging in activities like hiking, gardening, or simply walking in a park.
  • Sustainable Living: Reducing waste, recycling, conserving energy and water, and making eco-friendly choices (e.g., using public transport, supporting local produce).
  • Healthy Surroundings: Keeping your home and workspace clean, organized, and free from clutter or toxins.
  • Community Engagement: Participating in environmental causes or local clean-up efforts to improve shared spaces.

7. Intellectual Wellbeing

• Involves engaging in mentally stimulating activities that expand your knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking.
  • Lifelong Learning: Pursuing education, reading, taking courses, or learning new skills.
  • Creative Expression: Engaging in art, music, writing, or other creative outlets.
  • Curiosity & Exploration: Asking questions, exploring new ideas, and staying open-minded.
  • Problem Solving: Challenging your brain with puzzles, games, or strategic thinking

Would you like help applying these pillars to your own life or creating a wellbeing plan?

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Funding Calls

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Open Access Fund

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

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

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

Please apply here.

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Hono data integration are impacting research projects

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

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

What does this mean?

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

Resolutions and Timeframes 

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

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

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2026 Kupe Leadership Scholarships

There are 16 scholarships available and along with a $22,000 stipend (or $10,000 + on campus studio accommodation) and tuition fees for the academic year, scholars also receive mentoring and a unique leadership development programme alongside a cohort of diverse, passionate future leaders. The cross disciplinary nature of the programme provides a rich learning environment for the scholars, and they gain a tremendous amount of insight from their peers.

We have an online session coming up for potential applicants to attend if they want to learn a bit more about Scholarship, please see link below.

Wednesday 23 July, 12-12.45pm (lunchtime): Online Session

For more information go to Kupe Leadership Scholarships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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Researcher Skills & Development Fund 2026
The RSD Fund has been established to help enhance and expand researcher development offerings across the University to supplement existing funding sources for the design, development, and delivery of researcher development offerings. Please note this fund is distinct from the Research Development Fund (RDF), also known as FRDF – Faculty Research Development Fund, which provides internal funding for research.
Value/Duration:	Deadline
Value: There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that can be sought per request. The total amount of the fund available is $500k for 2026. Duration: 12 months	Friday 29th August 2025
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Guidelines  If 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.

2025 Research Development Fund (RDF)

The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce that the 2025 funding round of the Contestable Research Development Fund (RDF) is now open for applications.

Three award types are being offered by the Faculty of Science in the 2025 contestable round, as outlined below. The total funding amount is yet to be confirmed; however, based on previous years, we anticipate allocating approximately $1 million, with expenditures distributed across 2026, 2027, and 2028.

 

Award type	Duration	Minimum and maximum funding available per application	Estimated Number of Awards
Research Fellowship Award	Up to 3 years	$100,000 – $200,000	4
Staff Research Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	9
Aronui Pūtaiao Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	2

 

Key Dates

Date	Funding allocation process step
1st July 2025	Application Forms and Guidelines are available on the FoS Staff Intranet.
1st September 2025	Applications must be submitted via RFM/InfoEd by 4:00 PM.
Early October 2025	RDF Panel meets to review applications and make funding recommendations
Late October 2025	Results announced
1st January 2026	Awards begin

 

• Full details, including guidelines and the application form, are available on the research page of the staff intranet.
• For general queries, in the first instance, please contact your School/Department Research Programme Coordinator (RPC), or Fos-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• For an overview of the Research Development Fund, visit the Research Hub RDF page.
• Queries about the Aronui Pūtaiao Award can be directed to Te Taura Here Pūtaiao, and the Associate Dean Māori via FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, 1^st September 2025.

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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.

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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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Publications

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New database and paper on Auckland’s faults: 

Over the past year and a half several researchers from the School have been collaborating with external researcher Jill Kenny on a new GIS database of obscured faults in Auckland. After several successful writing retreats (see photo!), the database and associated paper are now published if you are interested in having a look:
 
Kenny, JA Lindsay, JM, Muirhead JD, Eccles JD, Luthfian A, Ingold J, van Wijk K, Miller C, Howe TM, Kirk P (2025) Identifying concealed faults in urban areas: Insights from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysical Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288306.2025.2519722
 
The database: https://auckland.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Auckland_Faults_QGIS_database/29067632

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Shane, Phil 2025. “There’s still time to get off this energy-hungry train”. Opinion piece on the limits to growth in Newsroom.com  https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/09/theres-still-time-to-get-off-this-energy-hungry-train/

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Bulmer, R.; Palacios, M.M.; Masqué, P.; Lundquist, C.J.; Schwendenmann, L.; Trevathan-Tackett, S.M.; Waryszak, P.; Kettles, H.; Macreadie, P. I. (2025). Carbon capture by expanding temperate mangrove forests. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science: 109415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2025.109415

HeadsUp

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Last week I was at the Institute of Australian Geographers conference in Newcastle. I came away with three impressions. First, our current and past postgrads are among our best ambassadors as a School: sharp, engaging and enthusiastic. Outreach at its best. Second, if there was physical geography on the programme, I blinked and missed it. Such a pity. The integrated physical and social perspectives embedded across our School are to be celebrated and one of our strengths. Third, I talked with senior staff from one Australian university who had taken early retirement to save the positions of their younger colleagues. Grim stuff. Let us never take our viability as a School and the prudent management of this university for granted.

And in the airport en route home I talked to a colleague already scheming a Newsroom article as an outcome of the conference. Excellent. Let us keep being present in the media. All the more so in these times when the social license of the academic and universities is being called into question (see eg Distinguished Professor Anne Salmond’s commentary https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/06/23/anne-salmond-victim-of-the-day/).

Looking ahead, the university’s Kaimahi/Staff Survey will run again this year. It will be more comprehensive than earlier iterations and is an opportunity to share your views on your work experiences. All permanent and fixed-term staff, including GTAs, employed for at least three months as of the survey date will receive an invitation to participate in early August. The results from these surveys matter to me as Head of School. They provide a barometer on how things are going that is more fine-tuned than feedback via ADPRs or comments in the corridors can ever be. Last time one of these surveys was held, we were just out of Covid-times and there were comments about a lack of a sense of community in the School. That led to my commitment to a catered lunch at each staff meeting as one of a number of small ways to encourage conversation and catching up in a more sustained manner a few times a year. So, when the invitation comes, please participate. Your input matters.

Have a great week.

Robin

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Announcements, Seminars & Events

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For GIS students:

Eagle Technology is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Summer Internships. These are hosted in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, and students in their penultimate and final years of university are being considered. Feel free to let your students know about this as it’s a great way to get GIS experience in the field – but also potentially become a graduate at Eagle Technology in the future. Applications are open until the 18th of July. Here is the link for the application portal: https://www.eagle.co.nz/graduates/summer-interns

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Small class-related catering activities

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

Student Experience Committee

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Visiting Researcher Seminar

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

Grafton Campus: 26 June

For more details and to book, head to Hono:

• Talis the basics 
• Talis Q & A 

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From the OUTREACH COMMITTEE:

Share Your Latest Academic and Career Achievements with Us!

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

https://forms.gle/QAEkcndygHNazXr2A

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Research Scholarship Information Sheet 2025/26

 

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority have established this scholarship as a product of the

Tūpuna Maunga Education Strategy.

The scholarship applies to research that aligns with the Tūpuna Maunga Values,
enhancing and protecting the mauri and wairua of the Tūpuna Maunga.

All details about the scholarship, including an overview of the Tūpuna Maunga Values
can be found in the application portal.

Who is eligible?

• You must be a member of a research or education institution.
• You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Research must align with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Policy and
  
  approved project list (refer to maunga.nz/research/ for details)
• Applications are open to research from a range of fields including
  conservation, archaeology, creative arts, urban-planning, and design, applied
  sciences, social sciences, cultural heritage, business, and commercial studies.

How much funding is available?

• A funding pool of $10,000 available annually to support research projects
  across the Tūpuna Maunga.

Application details
This year’s scholarship application round is open on 30 June and closes 10pm, 31
August 2025. A decision about the applications will be made by 6 October 2025, with
the funding becoming available as early as November 2025.

Applications are submitted via SmartyGrants

Timeframe & Expectations

• Open to both new and on-going research projects.
• Monthly check-ins required with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research
  scholarship lead.
• Final report submitted to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Board Members in
  June 2026.

About the Tūpuna Maunga Authority
The Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) hold a paramount place in the historical,
spiritual, ancestral, and cultural identity of the thirteen iwi and hapū of Ngā Mana
Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori tribes of Auckland).
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is the statutory authority established under the Ngā
Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 to govern the
fourteen Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
Head to www.maunga.nz to find our more. 

FINAL Research Scholarship Information Sheet_25-26

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COMPASS Morning Tea 

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

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

 

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Te Akoranga Kairangi

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

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

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

To enrol in TAK or the Colonial History Walk:

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

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

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

Ngā mihi, thanks a lot

Alison and Avril

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Early Career Researcher Career Planning Workshop Series

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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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NIWA Auckland Science Fair

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

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

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

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ANZIC calls for funding proposals

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

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

Submit your proposal by 8 September!

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

 

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Health Safety & Wellbeing

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Update to UoA Alert:
UoA Alert 

Android users cannot download the app at present; however IT is working to fix this ASAP.

Please exercise caution plugging and unplugging items from live power points.

 

Winter Respiratory Hygiene: Key Practices for Staying Healthy

Winter is peak season for respiratory infections like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and the common cold. Practicing good respiratory hygiene helps prevent the spread of these illnesses and keeps your lungs healthier. Here’s a practical guide:

🧼 1. Hand Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water aren’t available.
• Especially after coughing, sneezing, touching your face, or public surfaces.

😷 2. Mask When Needed

• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially during high transmission periods or if you’re feeling sick.
• Choose well-fitted masks (like KN95 or surgical masks) for better protection.

🤧 3. Cough and Sneeze Etiquette

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash hands.

🏡 4. Stay Home When Sick

• Stay home if you’re experiencing symptoms like cough, fever, sore throat, or fatigue.
• Avoid close contact with others until you’re fever-free (without medication) for at least 24 hours.

💨 5. Ventilation

• Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated by opening windows or using HEPA filters and air purifiers.
• Fresh air dilutes airborne viruses and reduces transmission.

💉 6. Vaccination

• Stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV (if eligible) vaccines.
• Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for preventing serious respiratory illness.

🫁 7. Support Lung Health

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• Use a humidifier if your home is very dry—dry air can irritate the respiratory tract.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet to support immune function.

👨‍👩‍👧 8. Protect Vulnerable Populations

• Be extra cautious around the elderly, infants, and those with chronic illnesses.
• Consider testing before gatherings if you’ve been exposed or have mild symptoms.

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Funding Calls

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Open Access Fund

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

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

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

Please apply here.

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Hono data integration are impacting research projects

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

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

What does this mean?

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

Resolutions and Timeframes 

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

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

 

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2025 Research Development Fund (RDF)

The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce that the 2025 funding round of the Contestable Research Development Fund (RDF) is now open for applications.

Three award types are being offered by the Faculty of Science in the 2025 contestable round, as outlined below. The total funding amount is yet to be confirmed; however, based on previous years, we anticipate allocating approximately $1 million, with expenditures distributed across 2026, 2027, and 2028.

 

Award type	Duration	Minimum and maximum funding available per application	Estimated Number of Awards
Research Fellowship Award	Up to 3 years	$100,000 – $200,000	4
Staff Research Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	9
Aronui Pūtaiao Award	Up to 2 years	$10,000 – $40,000	2

 

Key Dates

Date	Funding allocation process step
1st July 2025	Application Forms and Guidelines are available on the FoS Staff Intranet.
1st September 2025	Applications must be submitted via RFM/InfoEd by 4:00 PM.
Early October 2025	RDF Panel meets to review applications and make funding recommendations
Late October 2025	Results announced
1st January 2026	Awards begin

 

• Full details, including guidelines and the application form, are available on the research page of the staff intranet.
• For general queries, in the first instance, please contact your School/Department Research Programme Coordinator (RPC), or Fos-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• For an overview of the Research Development Fund, visit the Research Hub RDF page.
• Queries about the Aronui Pūtaiao Award can be directed to Te Taura Here Pūtaiao, and the Associate Dean Māori via FoS-researchadmin@auckland.ac.nz.
• Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, 1^st September 2025.

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Funding Calls

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

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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
Further Information (funding call, guidelines website): Funding Call Guidelines Most recent awards WUN member university If you are interested, please also get in touch with your FIRST for internal application form, budget template, and other details.