Ministry of Fisheries Postgraduate Scholarships in Quantitative Fisheries Science 2007

In collaboration with NIWA, the Ministry of Fisheries is offering postgraduate scholarships for Masters and PhD students. These scholarships have been established to allow graduate students to develop expertise in quantitative fisheries science in New Zealand. The research undertaken will contribute to quantitative fisheries research programmes with particular emphasis on the assessment of fish stocks or ecosystem modelling. The Ministry of Fisheries wishes to develop this area of research, as there is a shortage of trained quantitative fisheries graduates in New Zealand to undertake research and contribute to the sustainable use of fisheries.

The objectives of the Ministry of Fisheries Graduate Scholarships in Quantitative Fisheries Science are:

• to attract high performing New Zealand students into quantitative marine science;
• to promote and encourage excellence in quantitative fisheries research;
• to encourage postgraduate students to contribute to priority research areas identified by the New Zealand Government;
• to provide opportunities for students to carry out research with NIWA and/or MFish scientists in established and new quantitative fisheries research programmes;
• to train students at the postgraduate level by sharing and using the combined expertise of university academics, MFish and practising NIWA scientists; and
• to facilitate the professional development of postgraduate students by exposure to an applied commercial research environment.

Applicants with majors or minors in mathematics, statistics, biology, economics or computer science are encouraged to apply. We prefer that applicants have taken at least one statistics or calculus course at the second year level. Stock assessment and/or ecosystem modelling will be a major but not exclusive focus of the scholarship programme. It is recognised that a small post-graduate project (MSc) may be a component of a bigger project relating to this criterion. Research is most likely to be carried out at a NIWA facility.

Scholarships Available

• PhD – $30,000 pa + research expenses for three years
• Masters – up to $25,000 pa + research expenses for two years

The number of scholarships available at PhD and MSc levels is dependent on the number of suitable applicants.

Eligibility

• Preference will be given to New Zealand citizens.
• Study must be undertaken within New Zealand (with the possibility of some course work being undertaken through an Australian university).
• You must be eligible to undertake an MSc or PhD at any New Zealand University.
• You must undertake full-time study.
• A suitable university supervisor and NIWA or MFish co-supervisor must be agreed prior to application.
• There are no age restrictions.
• Study must commence within 6 months of receiving this scholarship.
• You may hold other scholarships but these must be disclosed to the Ministry of Fisheries. Students are encouraged to apply for additional scholarships that cover the payment of fees.

Selection Procedures

Candidates will be selected on the following basis:

• Academic achievement
• Suitability of supervisor (university) and co supervisor (NIWA or MFish)
• Feasibility and applicability of proposed research
• Relevant skills and experience

A Selection Committee that will comprise individuals from MFish, NIWA and at least one independent advisor will review applications. The decision of the Committee will be final and no discussion will be entered into.

Terms and Conditions

You must have the agreement in principle of a University for you to undertake the proposed study prior to application. By this it is meant that a suitable supervisor and co supervisor has been sought, and a proposal has been developed in conjunction with NIWA, MFish and the University. The scholarship will be terminated if you are not subsequently accepted into an MSc or PhD programme.

Guidance on development of application

Students with an interest in quantitative fisheries who are looking for research direction are encouraged to contact MFish to discuss potential thesis topics.

Prior to applying all students must contact MFish to discuss mentorship, potential thesis topics and other relevant issues.

For further information about these scholarships please contact Rebecca Lawton at the Ministry of Fisheries – rebecca.lawton@fish.govt.nz, tel 04 819 4251.

Applications close 30 November 2006