Antarctic scholarships 2026

Two outstanding young researchers have been awarded Antarctica New Zealand scholarships, recognising their potential to advance our understanding of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship

Cullen Mackay, University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

Ella Yelich-O’Connor Antarctic Doctoral Scholarship

Emilija Reuter, University of Canterbury

Presented at the Mayor's International Antarctic Civic Reception marking the start of the research season in Christchurch, the scholarships celebrate both the promise of emerging Antarctic scientists and the generosity of the people and organisations who invest in them.

By backing talented researchers at a pivotal stage in their careers, scholarship supporters are helping create new knowledge about Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, while building the next generation of scientific leaders.

"The future of Antarctic science depends on curious, talented people being given the opportunity to pursue ambitious ideas," says Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Prof Jordy Hendrikx.

"Cullen and Emilija are tackling important questions about the Southern Ocean ecosystem that will help us better understand and respond to environmental change.

"Every scholarship is an investment in people, knowledge and the future. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make these opportunities possible."

Antony Harris, New Zealand Post's Head of Stamps and Collectibles, says the organisation is proud to support the emerging generation of researchers.

"The continent continues to inspire curiosity and discovery, and it's exciting to see young scientists building the knowledge we'll need to understand and protect this extraordinary region."

Meet the researchers

Cullen Mackay, University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

Discriminating sources of iron to assess future trajectories of the Ross Sea ecosystem

A hot topic of conversation for ocean researchers is the future of phytoplankton—a foundational species in the marine food web—in a warming world. But temperature might not be the biggest influencer of these microscopic powerhouses.

Primary production in the Southern Ocean is often limited by the availability of iron (Fe), which is an essential micronutrient for growth. While a small amount of warming has a proportional effect on phytoplankton growth, a similar increase in iron availability can result in a biomass boom.

For his Master of Science, Cullen is identifying isotopic signatures, so we can tell if iron in the water column has originated from deep seawater, sea ice or glacial ice. He’s then going to use these to quantify sea ice and glacial contributions to dissolved iron in coastal water samples and assess how this might change as a warming climate increases Antarctic ice melt.

The scholarship contributes $10,000 towards his studies.

"I'm incredibly grateful to have received this scholarship. This support gives me the opportunity to trace the journey of iron through the Ross Sea and explore how its sources shift as the Antarctic environment changes,” Cullen says.

Emilija Reuter, University of Canterbury

Abundance and distribution of Antarctic krill predators: Insights for conservation measures and fisheries management

As predators, marine mammals and seabirds play a key role in maintaining a functional ecosystem in the Southern Ocean. Because of this, their populations are often used to gauge the health of the ecosystem as a whole.

Data on their populations are vital for governing bodies such as CCAMLR (the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), which uses the best available science to set catch limits and consider conservation proposals such as marine protected areas.

For her PhD at the University of Canterbury, Emilija is using three complementary methodologies to gather more information on populations of Adélie penguins, emperor penguins and crabeater seals across the Eastern Antarctic pack ice. She is estimating population sizes and identifying drivers of those populations, such as resource availability and pressure from commercial fishing activity.

Emilija will use this information to discuss how well-situated the currently proposed East Antarctic MPA is. That is, which key habitats are included, and how to best monitor the predator populations within its area? She aims to prepare a paper with her findings for direct submission to CCAMLR.

The scholarship contributes $20,000 towards her studies.

"I believe science is at its best when it is fit-for-purpose and delivered to the people who can use it to inform positive change. I’m so grateful for this scholarship as it will help me complete my studies and also get my work into the hands of decision-makers,” Emilija says.