Issue 109 – Monday 25 September 2023
HeadsUp
Last week was graduation and, given the sparkling spring day, what a celebratory colourful occasion it was. How heartening that so many staff were on stage and so many of our students graduated. So many of our people were in the thick of it: Michael directing traffic on stage left, JR enthusiastically proclaiming student names…and earlier in our building I had some lovely meet-ups. Parents, partners…and PhD students are part of our scene for so long, then often move on to other endeavours with a long gap till graduation. It was like seeing old friends. Wonderful.
If that was a day of sunny elation, it feels like back to the ‘old familiar’ of rain and bewilderment in the last couple of days. Puzzling over how best we move forward with an engaging curriculum and wondering why more students aren’t at our doors to enroll in these times in which Aotearoa is beset by environmental challenges. Is it a case of cognitive dissonance? Over-persuasion by parents towards more pragmatically defined career outcomes? Poor- PR on our part?
And bewilderment also prevails as I look south to another university where it was just announced that physical geography, geophysics and GISci are among the programmes to be cut. And during times of unprecedent ‘climate events’ (such euphemism) and concerns around planning our cities, land-use and collective futures. Our solidarity should surely be made known to colleagues whose careers are disrupted by this turmoil. And perhaps such career-trauma just down the road puts into perspective the spectre of some of us needing to teach differently as curriculum change beds in?
To less reflective matters:
Examining theses: While committing to marking a thesis is an extra task that can get squeezed by intervening commitments, please try to complete the task in the requested 6 weeks. Chasing reports creates more work and students are left wondering. Not a good look.
Supervising students: Postgraduate students can reasonably expect to have contact with supervisors every couple of weeks. Please bear in mind that even a brief encouraging conversation can make all the difference to progress on a thesis journey.
Data management: The university has a new policy – please see the inclusion in p-cubed below.
Success! Some excellent results for our School from the latest MBIE Endeavour Round.
Karen Fisher is part of the team lead by Lincoln Agritech who were awarded a Research Programme “Safeguarding Te Mana o te Awa o Waikato from emerging climatic pressures.”
Giovanni Coco is working with Simon Thrush on his Smart Idea “Carbon Footprints Underwater.”
Annual Leave: as summer awaits, look ahead and book that annual leave. If you have large accrued balances, expect contact from me and/or HR. Better still, save us the hassle and book time off!
End of year party: Have you RSVP-ed and diaried 23rd November yet??
All for now
Robin Kearns
General Announcements
Supervisors – any Hons students with November submission entering the Nov/Dec PhD scholarship round?
Technically we could try and get a Hons student submitted in November into the Nov/Dec UoA Doctoral Scholarship round but we would need to work to fast track this so please let Jennifer Eccles/Gretel Boswijk know asap if you have a student trying to do this.
Wahapu bug re PRESS account balances
It has been flagged that PRESS account balances showing in Wahapu may be wrong so please bear this in mind if your balance is not what you expect and you are applying to spend money. The problem has been flagged.
Supervisors – Struggling Students
Do you have a research student who you know is struggling or has dropped out of contact? Retrospective alterations to enrolment (suspensions etc) are becoming very hard to get so flag any potential problems early with SGS (or the appropriate advisor) so this is logged and appropriate processes triggered.
Supervisors – PhD top-up scholarships
Do you have an externally funded PhD studentship in the works through the scholarships office where the money was secured after 1st September 2022, the student has yet to be given an offer, it is not sourced from a foreign government, and the stipend is less than the current UoADS ($33k/pa). If so please flag it with the PhD advisor (j.eccles@auckland.ac.nz) during the admission process so we can figure out if they can be considered for a PhD stipend top-up.
Support for Māori, Moana and Indigenous doctoral candidates and supervisors – MAI ki Tāmaki
MAI ki Tāmaki is a nationwide Māori, Moana and Indigenous professional network that progresses doctoral candidates through manaakitanga, writing retreats, events, and workshops.
It is now hosted by Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services and is coordinated by Abigail McClutchie our Kaiārahi and Dr Te Kawehau Hoskins, Pro Vice-Chancellor Maori (academic lead).
As part of this Kaupapa Māori professional network a Doctoral Learning programme has been created with assistance from staff across Te Tumu Herenga and the School of Graduate Studies.
Workshops coming up September / October You can attend online or in-person. Click on the links to book a workshop.
- Abstract writing Thur, 28 Sept 2023, 10-11.30am
- Raising your research profile Wed, 11 Oct 2023, 10am -12pm
Connect with MAI ki Tāmaki
- To receive regular MAI Ki Tāmaki email updates and events email: mai@auckland.ac.nz
- If you are a MAI Ki Tāmaki Doctoral candidate or Supervisor join the Facebook Group.
Discover more on the MAI ki Tāmaki website.
Changes in Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui | General Library
We’re excited to share that the way we use our Library spaces is changing. Over the past few years, we’ve gathered feedback on the spaces you need to study and work effectively, and in response to this, are making changes to Levels 1 and M in Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui | General Library. From 1 October 2023, these floors will be closed for refurbishment and will reopen for Semester One 2024.
Read more about the upcoming changes: [https://newslibrary.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/2023/09/05/changes-in-te-herenga-matauranga-whanui-general-library/]
Managing research data at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland
What should you know about managing research data at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland?
The University’s new Research Data Management (RDM) Policy came into effect 1st July 2023. It applies to all research staff and students, and the University community that are involved in the management of research data. You can find guidance and support on the ResearchHub.
Key changes:
- If you are working with sensitive or restricted data, you are required to prepare a Data Management Plan.
- Where possible ethics applications should enable data publication and reuse and avoid statements to keep data indefinitely or to destroy digital data.
- If you are collaborating with external parties, you will need a Data Sharing Agreement.
- Digital research data should only be stored on University-managed research data storage.
- Researchers are responsible for publishing research data (or a descriptive record) to enable FAIR, CARE, and Māori Data Sovereignty
Support and training is available in bookable workshops or by request. The Centre for eResearch offers practical advice on a range of data management and research computing topics and can pair this advice with information on how to access related University services and support. Email us at researchdata@auckland.ac.nz.
Whakawhanaungatanga – Communities
We have the science director of Planet Labs Ltd visiting on the 2nd October.
Planet is one of the world’s largest suppliers of Earth Observation imagery in the world and they support world-class science across many domains:
- Staff, Post-docs, Phds, Masters, Hons – if you want to present your research to him (or have students who should), please see the linked planning grid and add your name/initials to the SoE research presentation slot. Elevator pitch style! VERY KEEN for students who are using earth observation data in anyway in their work to come and show off what they are doing 😊.
- Planning grid for research talk sign up: JoeMascaro_Planet.xlsx
- All, please come to the talk he is giving at 1600 on Monday 2nd Oct. 302-G20. A good turnout would be appreciated!
- All, opportunity for drinks in OGH after the talk.
Earth Science in an Age of Change
Abstract
Earth is in the midst of a climate crisis—including rapidly changing forests, high-risk agricultural practices, and melting polar ecosystems—a biodiversity crisis caused by widespread and endless habitat destruction, and a global economy still reeling from the worst pandemic in a century. In this time of great change, it is vital that humanity build the tools required to measure it. To this end, Planet is a public benefit corporation that operates the largest fleet of earth observation satellites in history. With >120 SuperDove imaging satellites now in orbit, Planet is imaging the entire land surface of the Earth on a near-daily basis, with 8-band multispectral sensors at ~3.7m per pixel. Planet also operates a constellation of 19 high-resolution SkySats, capable of 0.5m 4-band multispectral imaging in a tasking configuration. Planet’s massive dataset has unique applications for monitoring the status of Earth’s ecosystems and human activities that influence them. Through Planet’s Science Programs, More than 25,000 users have led a wide variety of research efforts, including climate change in the cryosphere, terrestrial ecosystems and vegetation dynamics, wildlife biology, threats to coral reefs and other marine habitats, agricultural productivity, and disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Given the enormity of Planet’s dataset, many users are pioneering new methods in remote sensing, including and especially data fusion. We will share results from Planet’s researcher network, synthesize the potential scientific value of Planet’s persistent monitoring capability, and discuss methods by which the data can be accessed by the scientific community.
Bio
Joe Mascaro is a tropical ecologist and Director, Science Strategy & Programs at Planet, a San Francisco-based aerospace company that operates the largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Joe works with scientists, universities and individual investigators to utilize Planet’s unprecedented imaging resources to enhance primary research and education, improve forest monitoring and conservation, expand food security, and promote ecological resilience for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Conservation Jobs Great Barrier Island
Two exciting leadership positions have opened up with the Tū Mai Taonga Project on Aotea Great Barrier Island.
This mana whenua led project aims to prove landscape-scale operational methodologies and build community support that open pathways to a predator free Aotea.
It is currently working in Te Paparahi and the Broken Islands to remove feral cats and rats, under the hello do you know the hot chilliguiding vision and tikanga of Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea.
Tū Mai Taonga is seeking a Science & Project Support Manager to ensure the project is integrated with emerging scientific knowledge and that its learnings support the predator free 2050 vision, to manage the project’s GIS system and data reporting, and to add depth and managerial capacity to the Project’s operations team on Aotea, Great Barrier Island.
Tū Mai Taonga is seeking a Rat Operations Manager to lead the project’s Pathway to Eradication programme and implement an adaptive operational plan that initially gathers learnings on outer islands in order to eradicate rats from Aotea, Great Barrier Island.
The Rat Operations Manager will liaise with technical advisors to maintain a robust and innovative operational plan and will manage teams to carry it out.
https://www.tumaitaonga.nz/vacancies
School of Environment Research Awards 2023
Rangahau Committee are calling for nominations for the annual School of Environment Research Awards
This year we have five ENV Research Award categories. Please nominate your colleagues using this Google Form (the google form will only take a couple of minutes to complete, and you must sign in using your UoA email). The form includes information about each award. Students
- Hiroki Ogawa School Citizenship Award
- Research Communication Award
- Early Carer Research Award
- Engagement with Indigenous Values and Knowledge Award
- Transdisciplinary Award
Deadline to nominate your candidates: 30 Sept 2022
We will be very pleased to receive your nominations and will be waiting for you to celebrate our Researchers.
CO2 in control? Rethinking freshwater ecosystem dynamics in the Anthropocene
Join Ngā Ara Whetū: Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society and the School of Environment for a guest speaker seminar from Assoc Prof Adam Hartland on rethinking freshwater ecosystem dynamics in the Anthropocene. RSVP required for catering purposes.
Adam is a Senior Scientist at Lincoln Agritech Ltd (Kirikiriroa), and A/Prof Geochemistry at Te Whare Wānaga o Waikato . Adam’s research is highly collaborative. Building from a foundation in aqueous chemistry and branching across natural and social science domains. Leading on from his Rutherford Discovery Fellowship (2017 – 2022), his work addresses climate impacts in modern aquatic systems, drawing on first principles, and quantitative historical and palaeo evidence.
FUNDS FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH HAPORI MAORI
School of Environment has a small budget for enabling engagement with Maori, particularly through koha or contributions that may be needed to initiate research relationships. In disbursing that putea, priority is given to academic staff working on behalf of groups of staff or students, pre/consultation activities for ethics approval and collaborations that are not readily funded through other mechanisms. As it is desirable to utilise the budget before the end of the academic year, however, all well-reasoned proposals will be considered. If interested, email a brief, one paragraph description of a proposed activity and a budget for how funds will be utilised to Brad (b.coombes@auckland.ac.nz). Although there are no prescribed maxima or minima for these grants, the limited scope of the overall budget will likely preclude grants in excess of $1000. Applicants should also be mindful of UoA guidelines or policies for gifting and koha.
HORIZON EUROPE Information Session
Date: Thursday 26 October, 10-11 am, followed by morning tea (11-11:30)
Location: 302-140
Rangahau have invited Mark Hurdley (Research Manager – International, ORSI) to give a presentation on Horizon Europe Funding. This will explore the opportunities that are available, what the funder is looking for, and the support available from UoA with time for general Q&A.
We have a limited number of 1:1 sessions with Mark following the morning tea to discuss specific calls and funding opportunities. If you would like to meet with Mark, please email Kelly Kilpin asap as slots are limited and will be on a first come first served basis.
For more information on HORIZON EUROPE, including a list of the open/upcoming funding opportunities please see the Research Hub.
Please RSVP to Kelly (Kelly.Kilpin@auckland.ac.nz) catering purposes by Wednesday 18 October
MARSDEN CLUB
Date: Tuesday 24 October, 12-1, followed by lunch (12-1)
Location: TBC
Are you thinking of applying for a Marsden Grant this year? The School of Environment Marsden Club will be running again this year. This is open to all potential applicants (standard and fast-start) to the Marsden 2024 round, and will be an opportunity to hear advice and tips from previous applicants, share useful resources and outline support/peer-review arrangements to develop a successful application.
Please RSVP to Kelly Kilpin for catering purposes, any questions/queries please ask either Kelly or Sila.
ENV Masters thesis seminars 24 Oct 2023, Rm 302-140
The Masters thesis students (90 and 120 pt) will present 15 minute research summaries on 24 Oct starting at 9 am. The school encourages staff to attend. It is an opportunity for students to get comments and feedback, and for us to foster a research culture.
Phil Shane (DGA)
| Lorna Strachan (Chair) | |||
| 9.00 | Hannah | Martin | Geological investigation of the Mangatangi Fault |
| 9.15 | Natasha | Ngadi | sedimentation and oceanographic processes at the Northern Hikurangi |
| 9.30 | Gabriel | Abazu | Engineering geological investigation of rainfall-triggered landslides |
| 9.45 | Ari | Pola | |
| 10.00 | Maggie | Bray | Geostatistical approaches for identifying rootless volcanic cone groups |
| 10.15 | Dannielle | Cripps | resilience to climate change and fire in critically endangered gumland ecosystems |
| 10.30 | Thomas | Wood | Sediment connectivity and forestry activity within the Te Hoiere/Pelorus catchment |
| 10.45 | Lalita | Garg | coastal cliff erosion risk assessment for Taranaki |
| JC Gaillard(Chair) | |||
| 11.00 | Tai | Wright | Decolonising food systems |
| 11.15 | Crystal | Fa’asolo | Decolonising Disaster Studies |
| 11.30 | Jordyn | Hunter | Climate Change Discourse on Pro-Environmental Policies and Behaviours |
| 11.45 | Deborah | Larkins | Exploring citizen science through different cultural context |
Please get in touch with Sonia for more information.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR DOCTORAL CANDIDATES
Wondering what happens once you’ve finished your doctorate? Join a tailored programme of six 50-minute workshops to support all doctoral candidates in career management, hosted by CDES. The focus of the series is understanding and developing your unique career identity, and then honing and practising employability skills so you can confidently articulate your value. Workshops 1-5 will be offered twice each week, over the lunch break (either 12.00-1.00pm or 1.00-2.00pm). Attend the whole series or ‘pick and mix’ depending on what you need. Please register using the links below.
GSNZ: Auckland Hochstetter Lecture 6.30 pm Tuesday 26th September 2023 Auckland Museum Auditorium – Lorna Strachan
Kia ora koutou,
Auckland’s own Lorna Strachan is this years Hochstetter Lecturer giving a talk entitled “Kaikōura Earthquake – Tales from the seafloor”.
She will giving the talk at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 26th September 2023 at the Auckland Museum Auditorium (use the Newmarket/underground carpark side entrance).
Please register at https://myaccount.aucklandmuseum.com/160942?premove=Y&promo=GEOSCIENCE23 but (anticipating the odd potential bit of IT grief) I’m told people without tickets won’t actually be turned away from this free event. Please circulate the attached flyer to anyone interested.
I look forward to seeing some of you there! Ngā mihi,
Jennifer
The following Australian Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) may be of interest to some ENV staff and postgraduate students:
AINSE Specialist Committee members needed (expressions of interest close 15 October 2023).
AINSE is seeking expressions of interest from Ph.D. and Masters-qualified researchers with extensive experience in conducting research at ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron, AND extensive experience in the fields of either:
- Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, or
- Archaeology, Geosciences and Environmental Sciences.
The AINSE Specialist Committees undertake scholarship application reviews approximately 4-5 times per year to provide expert advice and recommendations to the AINSE Board and Member Representatives. Members are committed to full meeting attendance. Membership is voluntary. Meetings are ordinarily held online.
To be considered for committee membership please send a short CV (no more than one page) outlining research expertise directly to the Managing Director of AINSE, Michelle Durant, executive@ainse.edu.au by Sunday 15th October 2023.
7th AINSE Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) School – Expressions of Interest now received
(applications close 30 September 2023). (flyer available online)
AINSE is now accepting Expressions of Interest directly from students for the 7th AINSE Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) School, to be held Monday 4th to Friday 8th December 2023.
Expressions of Interest close Saturday 30th September 2023.
This school is targeted at female-identifying students in STEM degrees who are about to complete their first year of full-time undergraduate study (or part-time equivalent).
A key component of the WISE School is an ongoing mentorship program in which students are allocated mentors from across site at ANSTO. AINSE will be coordinating mentor and student meetings throughout 2024 to provide additional networking and educational opportunities for the students.
The 2023 WISE School will run as a 5 day online event, with a select number of students being invited to ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus for the final 2 days of the program (Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th December).
Interested students should submit a short Expression of Interest Form directly to applications@ainse.edu.au, and a brief letter to their AINSE Member Representative per the details in the form.
For more information, please see our WISE website.
AINSE Postgraduate Orientation Week – Expressions of Interest now received from future scholarship applicants (applications close 30 September 2023)
Coinciding with the international celebrations of Nuclear Science Week in the third week of October, the annual AINSE Postgraduate Orientation Week welcomes new postgraduate scholars in the AINSE PGRA and RSS programs, and provides all postgraduate students with the opportunity to establish enduring networks with like-minded colleagues across Australia and New Zealand. This year’s O’Week event will run from 16th – 18th October 2023 as an online event via Zoom.
Alongside our new scholarship recipients, AINSE are now accepting Expressions of Interest directly from interested Honours and postgraduate students from AINSE-member institutions who are looking to apply for an AINSE postgraduate award in 2024.
These interested students can learn about the broad range of research supported by ANSTO’s landmark facilities, engage in a virtual tour of ANSTO, and participate in social activities as part of the worldwide Nuclear Science Week celebrations. On the morning of Wednesday 18th, the program will be differentiated and these interested students will attend a specialised workshop focused on the application process for 2024 AINSE scholarships.
Expressions of Interest close Saturday 30th September.
Interested students should submit a short Expression of Interest Form directly to applications@ainse.edu.au, outlining their intent to apply for a 2024 AINSE scholarship.
For more information, please see our Postgraduate O’Week website.
Applications open for the 2024 Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme – Applications close 30th September
The Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme is a free year-long programme for University of Auckland doctoral candidates from all disciplines. It is designed to develop your multidisciplinary thinking and skills and boost your professional network and future opportunities.
Entrepreneurial careers occur within and beyond the world of start-ups and entrepreneurial skills are relevant in numerous contexts, including academia, social enterprises, community and government organisations, and corporate settings. This programme will equip you with the tools and frameworks to develop ideas, opportunities and solutions and realise impact and value from them in a myriad of contexts.
The programme has relevance to doctoral candidates from all disciplines. Past participants have come from fields as diverse as Statistics, Dance and Opthalmology.
Applications are open to all current confirmed doctoral candidates at the University of Auckland.
Benefits
· Free programme (valued at $5k)
· Create a network of peers from all faculties
· Exposure to a network of innovative and entrepreneurial leaders
· Knowledge of entrepreneurial ecosystems such as professional service firms, impact, social and commercial investors, incubators and accelerators, government organisations, social and commercial start-ups, community and social organisations and corporates
Participation in the Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership programme is designed to support students to freely share and explore ideas. To enable this, all participants will sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Reviews from past participants
“With DELP’s guidance, I now better recognize the powerful potential that lies within the intersection of our research skills and entrepreneurial spirit inherent in PhD candidates.”
“This course is beautifully run and unlike any other I have participated in at the University.”
“It was something I greatly looked forward to each month.”
Timing and commitment
Participation in the Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership programme involves a year-long commitment with mandatory participation in monthly afternoon workshops, a residential overnight workshop at Waitakere Resort and additional work and reflection required in participants’ own time.
For more information and application details
Post Graduate Wellbeing ….. where to go
If you are currently coordinating a PG course, could you please post the inforgraphic slide to your Canvas course page so students will know the resources that are available throughout the University.
3k writing grant available for students
Funds are available to support students writing up their thesis as publication(s). Each grant is worth $3000 (120 hours at 25$ all included). There is no deadline to apply. Applications are evaluated as they come by members of Rangahau (2 weeks turn over max.), until we use all the funds available.
Do you have a good candidate in mind? Please complete this form and submit to melanie.kah@auckland.ac.nz.
Rangahau – Research
New Research Group
Kia ora e te whānau
Are you interested in research in the natural resources space with a big focus on helping transform society to a low pollution and sustainable future? I’d like to help build a proactive group of students and staff in this space who come together to discuss research and contribute as critic and conscience of society. I’m imagining a group in which we may differ in our approach to the problem but where we are committed to doing our bit as geoscientists and social scientists for a liveable future.
If you’d like to participate in this group and help make it meaningful, please get in touch with JR (j.rowland@auckland.ac.nz) or Eduardo (eduardo.fritis.perez@auckland.ac.nz) – all students and staff from any field in the geosciences and social sciences welcome.
If you’ve already got something happening in this space and we aren’t involved, let us know so we can be 😉
Thanks JR
Funding for Research Retreats
The Rangahau Committee has a small amount of funding set aside to sponsor Research retreats (e.g grant writing workshops, paper writing). This can be up to 2k per team, with a minimum 2 SoE participants.
If you have an idea that you would like considered, please submit a short paragraph explaining the intention and benefits of the retreat to katarzyna.sila-nowicka@auckland.ac.nz.
Proposal development support
The Rangahau Committee has a small fund set aside to help with proposal development (e.g. writing support, support to scope proposals etc). If you have an idea that fits within this scope please get in touch with Kelly Kilpin to discuss further.
Funding
Announcements
| Horizon Europe Bid Registration – University of Auckland as a Partner/Collaborator |
| New Zealand researchers can now apply to Pillar 2 of the Horizon Europe funding programme. Following an increased level of interest and bidding activity, and to ensure a smooth funding application process when the University of Auckland is invited to join a project as a collaborator.
Please refer to the below attachments for further details and register bid via registration link provided. · Horizon Europe Bid Registration Process · Horizon Europe – Cluster Information Days *Please notify FIRST at the earliest possible opportunity if they intend to partner on a Horizon Europe bid (Pillar 2) |
| Building your Knowledge Capability in Responsiveness to Māori within your Research |
| The workshops will be primarily presentation based with Q&A. These sessions will provide a general 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, where are we today, and how it applies to research. |
| Before the Workshops
Those without any experiences in the study of the Treaty of Waitangi should consult these resources before attending: https://teara.govt.nz/en/te-tiriti-o-waitangi-the-treaty-of-waitangi · Workshop2: Putting the Treaty into Practice in a Research Context (Part 2/2): 2nd October 2023 at 1-4pm via zoom. Christine explores application of the main Treaty concepts to the major stages of research. Please register bid via registration link provided. |
Funding Calls
| MBIE Catalyst 2023 : Strategic – New Zealand-NASA Research Partnerships | |
| This funds aims to build a strategic relationship with NASA by partnering in global research initiatives that unlock information about the environment, Earth systems, and climate through observation of the Earth from high-altitude and space. Areas of mutual interest are Natural hazards, Water and climate modelling, Environmental monitoring, and Biodiversity. | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline: |
| Up to $75,000 (excluding GST) over a maximum of 6 months is available for each successful feasibility study. | 12 noon, Monday 6 November 2023. |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
· Website If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
|
| Spencer Foundation: Research-Practice Partnerships – Collaborative research for educational change | |
| This fund is intended to support education research projects that engage in collaborative and participatory partnerships. It aims to facilitate the long-term accumulation of knowledge in new ways as researchers and practitioners work together to ask practitioner- and policy-relevant questions on key topics in specific settings over time. | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| · Value: up to USD400,000 (circa NZD660,000).
· Duration: up to a maximum duration of 36 months (three years) |
Two – Stage Submission Process:
· Intent to apply: 17th October 2023 (this is the funder deadline date) · Full Proposal: 5:00pm, Monday, 6th November 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
|
| MBIE 2024 Endeavour Fund (Smart Ideas) | |
| This fund aims to catalyse and rapidly tests promising, innovative research ideas with high potential for benefit to New Zealand, to refresh and enable diversity in the science portfolio.
For the 2024 investment round, the Science Board will aim to fund at least 49 Smart Ideas proposals. |
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| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline: |
| · Total funding pool: $18 million
· Value: $0.4 – $1 million over the term of the contract · Duration: 2 or 3 years |
· Registration: 12noon, Tuesday, 24 October 2023
· Concept Proposal: 12noon, Monday, 13 November 2023 · Full Proposal: TBD (selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal) |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info, templates):
· Website * The funder will be holding virtual endeavour fund roadshows on 2nd ,10th, and 11th of October. It is highly recommended to attend to at least one of the sessions and you can do it by following this link. If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
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| MBIE 2024 Endeavour Fund (Research Programmes) | |
| This fund aims to support ambitious, excellent and well-defined research ideas which have credible and high potential to positively transform New Zealand’s future in areas of future value, growth, or critical need.
For the 2024 investment round, the Science Board will aim to fund at least 19 Research Programmes proposals. |
|
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| · Total funding pool: $39 million
· Value: $0.5 million or more per year · Duration: 3, 4 or 5 years |
· Registration: 12noon, Monday, 27 November 2023
· Full Proposal: 12 noon, Monday, 26 February 2024 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info, templates):
· Website * The funder will be holding virtual endeavour fund roadshows on 2nd,10th, and 11th of October. It is highly recommended to attend to at least one of the sessions and you can do it by following this link. If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
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| Ngā Puanga Pūtaiao Fellowships for Māori and Pacific STEM researchers | ||||||||||||||||||
| The objective of the Fellowship (0.8 FTE) is to invest in Māori and Pacific Peoples to establish careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) research and to grow the network of Māori and Pacific Peoples in the research, science and innovation (RSI) system. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Value/Duration: | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Internal Deadline: 2:00pm, Thursday 19 October 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Further Information:
· Website If you are interested, please notify your FIRST (research support) of your intent to apply for this scheme to receive important information and updates in relation to this fund |
| (MBIE) Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund 2024 | |
| This fund invests in activities that strengthen capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori and the science and innovation system.
Funding is available through two schemes, each in support of the Fund’s aims: · Connect Scheme: Build new connections between Māori organisations and the science and innovation system. · Placement Scheme: Enhance the development of an individual(s) through placement in a Partner organisation. |
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| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| The work programme term for both Connect and Placement schemes is up to 2 years.
· $150,000 (ex GST) – max funding per proposal for projects up to 1 year in length · $250,000 (ex GST) – max funding per proposal between 1-2 years in length |
12 noon, Monday, 2 October 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
· Website MBIE will also host a 1-hour webinar to talk through the application process and answer any questions at 10 am on 12 September 2023. If interested, please register for the webinar here. If you are interested, please also get in touch with FIRST team. |
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| Open Access Support Fund | |
| This fund aims to support the payment of Open Access fees for researchers publishing high-impact research. This fund is intended to support the following priority cohorts to be published openly and immediately in high-impact journals:
· Postgraduates · PhD candidates · Early career researchers (ECRs) · Indigenous researchers · Transdisciplinary researchers |
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| Value/Duration: | Deadlines: |
| The Faculty of Science Research Committee has $125K to distribute in 2023 as part of this fund | This funding is available Q3-Q4 2023 |
| · Details on eligibility criteria can be found on the Research Hub and the Faculty of Science. Research intranet.
· To apply please complete the following open access fund Application Form. Please contact the FIRST team (Kelly or Alex or Sophie) for more information on how to apply for this funding. |
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| Catalyst: Seeding (Round3) | |
| Catalyst seeding facilitates new small and medium pre-research strategic partnerships that cannot be supported through other means, and with a view to developing full collaborations that could be supported through Catalyst: Strategic over time. Funding is for research exchanges, research activities, and expenses related to hosting workshops for new strategic research partnerships with international collaborators | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| · Seeding General: up to $80,000 (excl. GST) in total for up to two years
· NZ – Japan Joint Research Projects: up to $30,000 (excl. GST) per annum for up to two years |
5pm, Tuesday 10 October 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
· Website To register to apply, please email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty and department. If you are interested, please also get in touch with your research programme coordinator. |
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| Catalyst: Leaders (Round3) | |
| HOPE Meetings are held for excellent graduate students and young researchers selected from countries/areas around the Asia-Pacific and Africa region. These meetings give an opportunity for the participants to engage in interdisciplinary discussions with Nobel Laureates and other distinguished scientists pioneering the frontiers of knowledge. | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| Supports excellent PhD students and/or young researchers to attend the HOPE meetings with Nobel Laureates for 5 days including flights, accommodation, and meeting registration. | 5pm, Tuesday 10 October 2023 |
| Further Information (funding call, guidelines, registration info):
· Website To register to apply, please email the following information to the Funds Advisor Team via submissions@auckland.ac.nz: title (e.g. Dr, A/P, Professor), full name, email address, faculty and department. If you are interested, please also get in touch with your research programme coordinator. |
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| The Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund (TIF) | |
| The Waipapa Taumata Rau (TIF) is a fund that encourages research staff from across the University to develop cross-faculty research partnerships, aspiring toward high-quality Transdisciplinary research outputs, research learning initiatives, and successful applications to external research funders. | |
| Value/Duration: | Internal Deadline |
| Grants up to $60,000
· Small Grants ($10,000–$20,000) · Large Grants ($20,000–$60,000) |
5pm, Monday 30 October 2023 |
| To apply for this funding round, please:
· Complete the revised application form found here (Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund) and email a copy to ORSI via internalawards@auckland.ac.nz by the internal deadline. · For the purpose of creating a record in the Research Funding Module (RFM), please nominate one PI to arrange for the application to be uploaded and submitted for faculty/LSRI sign-off by by the internal deadline. Application Form, Guidelines and FAQs can be accessed at the link below: Transdisciplinary Ideation Fund If you are interested, please also get in touch with your research programme coordinator. |
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Health, Safety and Wellbeing
S8 Tiger WDXRF Series-2
S8 Tiger WDXRF Series-2 at University of Auckland is renowned across the world for producing multi-element profiles (from carbon to uranium) of any type of material with a high degree of accuracy and speed. Universities and research organisations conduct fundamental investigations into novel materials; hence, analytical instruments must provide accurate data for element concentrations on a wide range of samples. Modern X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment is outfitted with cutting-edge hardware and software, ensuring the finest analytical performance. At the same time, because they are simple to use, our XRF spectrometers are excellent for production settings. All-in-one equipment for checking raw material, monitoring manufacturing, and evaluating finished goods!
Development and improvement of sample techniques for XRF measurements
- Enhancement of XRF analytical performance based on research into the impacts of mineralogy, surface inconsistency, heterogeneity, and water content.
- The creation and approval of quantitative and/or semi-quantitative techniques to be used for in situ XRF analysis.
- Implementation of comprehensive operational procedures, including relevant quality assurance, for a few chosen in situ applications.
- Techniques for sample testing encompass glass beads, pressed pellets, loose powder, and self-supporting pellets.
Improved quantification and correction techniques
Several techniques for quantitative analysis have been created, modified, and improved. By using the suggested methodologies and procedures, in situ element determination using XRF techniques became more precise and accurate. the following enhanced quantification processes, improved correction techniques, or both:
- Widening the scope of the calibrating standard reference materials.
- Using calibration samples with matching matrices and site-specificity.
- Better geology and cement-based sample quantification techniques.
- Correction techniques for the impacts of surface roughness, dilution, and moisture/light matrix concentration.
- An approach for estimating the samples’ effective atomic numbers to aid in quantification.
- Estimation of low-Z matrix composition in support of quality control using the emission-transmission approach.
- In the examination of rock outcrops, corrections for surface roughness, mineralogy, and early research on weathering effects were applied.
Please contact Dr. Harpreet Singh Kainth (harpreet.singh.kainth@auckland.ac.nz) for more information about the brief details of the XRF instrument.
GIScience lab open for business
A reminder that the recently refurbished GIScience lab is open for business, offering a specialised workspace for data visualisation, experimenting with virtual reality tools, filming and collaboration. The lab operates under an online booking system – some activities must be booked and approved in advance. To learn more about the lab or to arrange a tour, please contact Thomas (thomas.mules@auckland.ac.nz).
Supporting Students Wellbeing
Find in this link information related to Students Wellbeing Support that can be useful for students and/or staff.
Publications | Articles
Marta Ribó, Sally J. Watson, Nina I. Novikova, Stacy Deppler, Sarah Seabrook, Rachel Hale, Lorna J. Strachan (2023) Microplastic pollution distribution: differences between marine reserves and urbanised areas. Continental Shelf Research, 267, 105115.
A postgraduate reception hosted by Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services
NASA astronaut Heidemarie Stefanshyn-Piper will give a short talk, answer questions and then there will be a screening of the documentary film, “Woman in Motion” featuring Nichelle Nichols (1932-2022 – Lieutenant Uhura from the original Star Trek television series) and her quest to diversity NASA’s astronaut corps.
Thanks to the help of wonderful volunteering staff and students we provided a great tour for Y10 students from Pukekohe Christian School. After a brisk tour to our labs they learned about their place with a lego set, swam to safety from a rip (VR) and learned how to identify one. They created 3D digital models of their friends and took a VR tour over Mt Taranaki as well as learned where our geothermal energy comes from and how we monitor volcanoes. It is possible such tours will be a way to share current research and cool topics from our school with highschools, but for that we will need our whole school to engage in outreach. Thank you very much to Giovanni, Anthony, Laura, Jaxon, Maike, Sila, Annahlise and Alisha for ENV for your time to be part of this!
Mālō e lelei, Welcome! 
Mālō, Talofa lava, Afio mai, Welcome!
