Scholarships
Supporting Future Leaders in Antarctic Research
Antarctica New Zealand works with a number of generous sponsors to award scholarships to postgraduate research students. These scholarships provide a means for new talent to enter New Zealand’s Antarctic research community. The scholarships are awarded annually, and include a stipend and logistics support to conduct or participate in research in Antarctica. The awards are competitive and attract students of a very high calibre.
Applications for 2021 scholarships are closed
Antarctica New Zealand Sir Robin Irvine Doctoral Scholarship
This years scholarship recognises the importance of a talented, vibrant, and sustainable research community within New Zealand that is focused on the big questions facing Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and the relevance of this region for the rest of the planet.
- For doctoral research
- Stipend of $20,000 per annum over two years (total of $40,000); and
- Logistics support in Antarctica*
New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship
New Zealand's presence in Antarctica is important to our nation and New Zealand Post has a long association with the continent – ever since Sir Edmund Hillary was postmaster at Scott Base in 1957. Supporting up-and-coming New Zealand scientists through this scholarship is a key way that New Zealand Post continues its close association with the white continent.
- For master’s or doctoral research
- Stipend of $10,000 over one year; and
- Logistics support for one season in Antarctica*
*Subject to programme availability. Planned fieldwork must be aligned with an existing field event. Contact Antarctica New Zealand Science Programme Advisor, Dr Esme Robinson with any questions.
2020 Scholars
Antarctica New Zealand Doctoral Scholarship
Holly Still
University of Otago- Improving the flow law used in large-scale ice sheet models.
Holly is using a combination of field studies at the Priestly Glacier, laboratory investigations in New Zealand, and computer modelling to improve understanding of glacier ice flow. There are current limitations in the way that ice flow (flow law) is represented in large-scale ice sheet models. Holly’s research aims to improve model simulations of ice sheet behaviour by improving the flow law for glacier ice, and this will further understanding of ice sheet response to climate change. Holly travelled to Antarctica in the 2019/20 season (K062).
New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship
Theo Calkin
Victoria University of Wellington - Sub-ice shelf processes and ice stream behaviour at WAIS Grounding Zone, Kamb Ice Stream, Antarctica.
Theo is using information from ice cores collected at Hot Water Drill Site 1, and imagery collected by the NASA under-ice robot ICEFIN to better understand the Kamb Ice Stream, and the processes controlling the stream flow. The information will contribute to future projections of how the Ross Ice Shelf will respond and contribute to climate change and sea level rise. Theo travelled to Antarctica in the 2019/20 season (K862).
Antarctica New Zealand Doctoral Scholarship
Matthew Tankersley
Victoria University of Wellington - Constrained geopotential modelling of the ocean cavity and geology beneath the Ross Ice Shelf.
Matthew will use information collected during the ROSETTA-Ice project to examine the seafloor features beneath the Ross Ice Shelf, to better understand how these features may influence ocean circulation and heat flux. This research will contribute to further understanding about the stability of the Ross Ice Shelf, and how the Ross Ice Shelf may contribute to sea level rise in the future. Matthew travelled to Antarctica in the 2019/20 season (K863).
Antarctica New Zealand Doctoral Scholarship
Taylor Hamlin
University of Otago/ Manaaki Whenua Whenua Landcare Research - Movement and breeding ecology of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) in the Ross Sea.
Taylor is investigating the foraging behaviour of Adélie penguins at Cape Bird, and this will involve tagging adult birds and observing chick growth. This research will further our understanding of important foraging locations for the penguins, as well as the factors that influence breeding success. This work will feed into understanding the conservation benefits of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area. Taylor travelled to Antarctica in the 2019/20 season (K083A).