In this context, conservation science includes the biodiversity, visitor and heritage related responsibilities of DOC. They come from a range of disciplines and perspectives.
These perspectives include the:
- biophysical sciences
- social sciences including economics, and
- Te Ao Māori thinking.
2021 application round
Applications for the next round opens August 2021.
Scholarship details
There are 10 one-year scholarships worth up to $15,000 each. The value of each scholarship will be determined by the selection committee.
Selection criteria
The selection committee uses these criteria:
- Relevance of research topic to the achievement of Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020, the Visitor Strategy and DOC’s policy, strategic and operational priorities.
- Relevance to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Proposed research contributes to relevant body of knowledge.
- Academic merit.
- Genuine interest in research topic and evidence of commitment to conservation science.
Skills we would like to grow
We accept proposals coming from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and reflecting a variety of research approaches and skills. However, we’re wanting to grow specific capabilities we feel are required for the DOC Kaupapa.
We’re interested in:
- behaviour change, for example, environmental psychology, behavioural economics
- taxonomic and morphological based research that can link to function of species in a system
- economic modelling, for example, resource economics, ecological economics
- integrative systems thinking both qualitative or quantitative
- bicultural perspectives for management. For example, inclusion and integration of Mātauranga Māori into mainstream conservation management.
Who can apply
Applications for the scholarship will be open to candidates:
- who are enrolled in, or eligible to enrol in, a full time Masters degree in a New Zealand university or equivalent tertiary institution
- whose proposed course of study includes a minimum research component of 30 Credits, and
- who will undertake research into a topic identified by DOC as a priority for conservation research.
2020 application round
Applications closed 1 December 2020
Scholarship applications for the 2021 year:
- opened 20 October 2020
- closed 1 December 2020.
2020 research priorities
List of 2020 research priorities.
Contacts
Research priorities or general enquiries, email DOC's Capability Development Team: mzarich@doc.govt.nz
