Date:  20 October 2020

DOC is offering 10 postgraduate scholarships worth up to $15,000 each for one year of conservation-related research in the natural and social sciences.

DOC’s Deputy Director-General Biodiversity and Engagement Ken Hughey says strong, scientifically robust evidence is needed to make the right conservation decisions.

“Top-notch research can help Aotearoa tackle the biodiversity crisis and be a place where Papatūānuku thrives and New Zealanders’ lives are enriched through connections with nature and heritage.”

Applications for the scholarship are open to Masters or Honours students enrolled at a New Zealand university or NZQA accredited tertiary institution who will be undertaking research on a relevant topic in the 2021 academic year.

To qualify, students will need to align their research to DOC research priority areas, which include biodiversity, pests, freshwater, marine and coastal, visitors and heritage, and climate change.

“I’m pleased that the scholarship is open to social sciences. Understanding people’s values will help us encourage communities to become more involved in protecting and conserving our taonga species.

“We also hope to receive research submissions that delve into Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view).”

Ken Hughey says he’ll be happy to see research results that challenge current thinking on conservation and point DOC toward new ways to work towards New Zealand’s conservation goals.

“With this scholarship, DOC is building capability and capacity in conservation related science in Aotearoa. I hope this scholarship programme will help to encourage talented students into a career in conservation science.”

Scholarship applications are open from 20 October 2020 to 1 December 2020.

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