Postgraduate Research Scholarship Programme

“Antarctica and the Southern Ocean valued, protected and understood”
Antarctica New Zealand Vision

Antarctica New Zealand was established in 1996 to develop, manage and execute New Zealand’s activities in respect of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. In particular we focus on facilitating and managing high quality science and improving awareness of the importance of Antarctica in a global context.

Antarctica New Zealand recognises the value of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean as a unique environment for scientific research to enhance understanding of the global environment. As a result, we have a strong commitment to the valuable contribution that Antarctic science can make to the international scientific knowledge base and understanding of Antarctica and global ecosystems and processes.

The science strategy New Zealand Science in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (2004-2009) has been published by Antarctica New Zealand to provide a basis for describing, managing and enhancing New Zealand’s science activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, in particular in the Ross Sea region.

The science strategy identifies three themes intended to focus Antarctic and Southern Ocean research activities in the future. These themes are:

• Antarctic Physical Environments Research
• Southern Ocean Research
• Antarctic Ecosystems Research

The Postgraduate Research Scholarship Programme is designed to encourage researchers to pursue interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Besides Antarctica New Zealand, New Zealand Post, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World and Helicopters New Zealand are generously supporting this scholarship programme.

Three scholarships are offered annually. For the 2009/2010 season, these are:

New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship For research in the 09/10 season Award of $10,000 plus logistics support in Antarctica
Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Scholarship For research in the 09/10 season Award of $10,000 plus logistics support in Antarctica
Sir Robin Irvine Doctoral Scholarship For Doctoral research in the 09/10 and 10/11 seasons Award of $20,000 per annum (total of $40,000) plus logistics support in Antarctica
Also, currently being supported is the: Helicopters New Zealand Doctoral Scholarship For Doctoral research in the 08/09 and 09/10 seasons Award of $20,000 per annum (total of $40,000) plus logistics support in Antarctica

The scholarship award is expected to contribute to research costs, travel (including travel to and from Christchurch from their home institute, and accommodation in Christchurch when in transit to and from Antarctica), fees and living expenses incurred during the scholarship period.

Antarctica New Zealand will bear the costs for the scholar’s transport between Antarctica and Christchurch, living costs at Scott Base or in the field, reasonable transport needs in Antarctica, field equipment supplied at Scott Base, clothing hire and e-mail communications.

The successful New Zealand Post and Kelly Tarlton's scholars will receive $5,000 after July 1 once they have signed a scholarship agreement, and $5,000 on receipt of a satisfactory final report at the end of the scholarship period.

The Doctoral scholar will receive $10,000 after July 1 once they have signed a scholarship agreement, $20,000 on receipt of a satisfactory interim report and the balance on receipt of a satisfactory final report at the end of the scholarship period.