Wellington Faculty of Science

27/11/2024

Want to help Wellington's urban Kākā thrive?

We have two fully-funded PhD scholarships. One scholarship is for a student studying AI to help create a machine-learning model for recognising individual birds without the need for manual marking, and another for an Ecology student to study urban kākā ecology in Wellington. Your research could revolutionise how we understand and safeguard these incredible birds facing urban challenges.

Apply now and make a real difference for wildlife!

AI PhD Scholarship: https://wgtn.link/ngwqwq
Ecology PhD Scholarship: https://wgtn.link/5xusqz

Applications close 1 February 2025.

22/09/2024

In 2025, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will introduce a new degree giving students the skills to address complex environmental challenges.

"This programme is designed to bridge the gap between environmental knowledge and social action, preparing our graduates to change their world for the better," says Dr Brendon Blue, programme director of new degree. “It aims to produce graduates who can work across multiple perspectives on environmental issues.”

In 2025, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will introduce a new degree giving students the skills to address complex environmental challenges.

29/08/2024

Master of Environmental Studies student Claire Grant (they/them) is diving deep into Environmental Studies and exploring new ways to understand our waterways. Their research is about reimagining river management using interdisciplinary thinking, inclusive decision-making, and prioritising the long-term sustainability of our rivers over short-term gains. Their journey shows how combining scientific expertise with diverse viewpoints can generate more inclusive and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Master of Environmental Studies student Claire Grant (they/them) was inspired to study science to make a difference for their community. Through their studies, they've discovered that while the scientific perspective is crucial, making room for diverse viewpoints can generate more inclusive and sust...

28/08/2024

Join us at Rutherford House from 4.30–7 pm on Wednesday 4 September for our Matira—Research showcase. Find out more about our fantastic researchers and how their research has been applied in the real world. Meet 25 of our world-class researchers who are investigating solutions to some of the world's biggest problems and increasing understanding of the human condition.

The four research themes we are showcasing are: health, society and politics, science and technology, and climate change, sustainability and conservation. The showcase will be followed by a panel discussion led by Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith.

Join us for a showcase of the work of our researchers, followed by a panel discussion.

12/06/2024

⛔ Both Cotton lifts are currently out of action. Please use the stairs to access upper floors. Property Services is working with Disability Services to provide support to anybody who requires it. Contact Property Services Helpdesk on 0800 100 140 if you need assistance. We are aiming to get one lift back online by Monday 17 June.

30/05/2024

In 2019, Isabella Lenihan-Ikin was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for four years of post-graduate study at the University of Oxford. Now speaking five years later, Isabella reflects on her journey to the UK and the motivations behind her research. She encourages more Kiwi students to consider applying for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarly awards in the world. Each year, 100 people from throughout the world are made Rhodes Scholars—including three New Zealanders.

“There might be a picture of what a Rhodes Scholar is or must be, but there are so many different versions of a Rhodes Scholar. You shouldn’t think: ‘I need to change who I am in order to try and get the scholarship’ because you are enough, and your identity and all that you bring is what will make you a great Rhodes Scholar. Anyone who thinks that they should apply should definitely apply.”

If you’re interested in applying to become a Rhodes Scholar, find out more here:

Isabella Lenihan-Ikin, a 2019 graduate from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, reflects on her experiences as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford and encourages students to consider applying.

27/05/2024

In a recent article featured in Knowable Magazine, Professor Phil Lester (from Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora—School of Biological Sciences) warns about the harm invasive wasp species can cause to local flora and fauna. Professor Lester is no stranger to just how invasive wasp species can be, with areas of Aotearoa having some of the world's highest density of wasp nests per hectare.

“When you walk through the forest, you should smell the sweetness of the honeydew and hear the birds. But with the wasp, you don’t hear the birdsong, you don’t smell the honeydew.”

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4ea6aIn

An invasive yellow-legged wasp has been decimating beehives in Europe — and bedeviling Georgia since last summer. Researchers are working nest by nest to limit the threat while developing better eradication methods.

22/05/2024

Congratulations to Dr Zaramasina Clark, from Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora—School of Biological Sciences, who has been awarded a fellowship worth $650,000 from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC). Dr Clark's research looks at ovulation failure, which is a major cause of infertility. https://bit.ly/4bwUuh4

Dr Zaramasina Clark, from Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora—School of Biological Sciences, has been awarded a fellowship worth $650,000 from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).

09/05/2024

Two Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington students have been awarded prestigious internships with NASA.

23/04/2024

PhD student Oscar Crehan is well on his way to developing a new approach to save coral reefs from bleaching, thanks to a scholarship from Wellington UniVentures.

22/04/2024

Combining Biotechnology and Data Science has given Katie Chu-Fong the skills to collaborate with others to tackle real-world problems.

“I am really inspired by the intersection of technology and science, specifically biology. There is so much potential in scientific research that would be difficult to analyse without the skills that I have learnt in Data Science.”

A fascination with the intersection of biology and technology—and understanding how data can be used to solve real-world problems—was the driver behind Katie Chu-Fong’s decision to combine Biotechnology and Data Science in her university studies.

11/04/2024

Last month our Coastal Ecology Lab held their annual Open Day as part of this year's Seaweek. Staff and students hosted around 650 visitors throughout the day—with highlights for attendees including a touch tank, a virtual reality dive, a treasure hunt, and of course a sausage sizzle. This lab is the hub of our marine biology research so it's a treat for us to show off our amazing research and facilities. This is an annual event so keep your eyes peeled in early 2025 for info on our next open day!

04/04/2024

The Cotton lift closest to the Hub is no longer operational. Please use the stairs to access upper floors or use the lift at the far end. Property Services will keep you updated as they begin a refurbishment project.

27/02/2024

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Science recently had the privilege of hosting retired astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper alongside space industry experts from across Aotearoa—Dr Jessica Dallas from the New Zealand Space Agency, Julia Rothman from Rocket Lab (both alumni of the University), Randy Po***ck from the Robinson Research Institute, and Jude Rushmere from Nova Systems. Read more about the event: https://bit.ly/4bM3gs5

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Science recently had the privilege of hosting retired astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper.

22/02/2024

Professor Rebecca Priestley (from our School of Science in Society) has an event on this Sunday with Kim Hill as part of Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts. Rebecca and Kim will be discussing Rebecca's book "End Times?", which was recently longlisted for the Ockham Book Awards General Nonfiction Prize.

Tickets for the event are available here: https://bit.ly/4bOlfOw

📷 by Victoria Birkinshaw

21/02/2024

For the first time ever, information about our 141 wild species of hebes and speedwells is now available in a single place. The volume was compiled by Emeritus Professor Phil Garnock-Jones, whose lifelong dedication led him to compile this invaluable resource—even in retirement. With generous support from Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Professor Garnock-Jones presents a wealth of knowledge including names, descriptions, distributions, habitats, and colour photographs of these unique plants.

“All 124 native hebes and their relatives and 17 naturalised speedwells are now included in the world-wide genus Veronica,” says Phil. “It’s New Zealand’s largest plant genus. Some species are widespread and common, but many are quite localised.”

While the return to the original classification of Veronica sparked debates in New Zealand, it was readily accepted overseas. "By expanding Veronica to encompass these New Zealand plants, we now have a classification that’s based on the evolutionary history of these plants," Phil explains.

The new 528-page Flora of New Zealand treatment was published by Landcare Research and is available as a free pdf on their website: https://bit.ly/48ecXfN

Professor Garnock-Jones is currently putting the finishing touches on a photographic book featuring the stunning flowers of New Zealand. Stay tuned for more floral wonders!

📷 A sample of flowers of native and naturalised New Zealand Veronica shows the variation in size, shape, and colour. The scale bar represents 10 mm.

20/02/2024

Applications for the $20,000 Jeremy Bloomfield Memorial Scholarship are closing 1 March.

The grant is funded by our commercialisation office, Wellington UniVentures and open to any Te Herenga Waka postgrad interested in transforming their research project into a product or service with real world impact. Previous winners include Oscar Crehan, a PhD student in marine biology researching novel ways to save coral reefs, Injy Johnstone from the Faculty of Law investigating New Zealander’s attitudes to net-zero 2050, and Baptiste Roucau, Ph.D. who used the scholarship to develop a tool helping kids build emotional resilience.

To find out more and apply before 1 March, visit: https://bit.ly/3fr2uII

Wellington UniVentures is funding a scholarship in memory of Jeremy Bloomfield, who worked for Wellington UniVentures’ (previously Viclink’s) School Support Services team from 2014 until his passing in August 2019. Amongst Jeremy’s passions were a love for education and the environment.