Ni sa bula vinaka . Welcome to the latest edition of Doctoral News, and happy Macawa ni Vosa vakaViti – Fijian Language Week.

It was fantastic to see more than 150 doctoral candidates cross the graduation stage last month, marking the culmination of years of hard work and research. In this issue of Doctoral News, you will find several doctoral graduation stories to leave you feeling inspired.

Whether you're nearing the end of your doctoral journey or just getting started, we encourage you to continue engaging with the many career-related opportunities as part of our Focus on Doctoral Careers throughout September and October. This week, we highlight the Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme (DELP), which is a fantastic opportunity to expand your career thinking, connect with innovators, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset to create impact across any field. 

Read on to learn more, plus discover more news, notices, scholarships, and resources for every stage of your doctoral journey. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Te Kura Akoranga Tohu Paerua | The School of Graduate Studies (SGS)

News

Research Showcase Exhibition coming soon

Our 2026 Research Showcase public exhibition will be on display from 20 October to 22 October, and we invite you to come along and explore this wonderful display of doctoral research. With over 100 entries this year, there are many academic posters and research images to explore. Bring along your friends and whānau, and come and check it out! 20-22 October, Science Foyer (302 Ground Floor) City Campus.

We also invite you to join us at the interactive exhibition and prizegiving, where you can chat to the doctoral candidates behind the research, and see who has won prizes for their posters and images. Book your ticket. 22 October, 4-6pm.

First Sāmoan astrophysicist graduates with PhD

On 22 September, Dr Sean Richards became the first Sāmoan to graduate with a PhD in Physics from Waipapa Taumata Rau. Sean’s doctoral research used advanced computer simulations to better understand how stars evolve, exchange material with companion stars and ultimately end their lives in spectacular supernova explosions. Read Sean's story.

Opportunities

Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme

The Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme is a free, year-long programme for doctoral candidates from any discipline. Through workshops, a residential retreat and opportunities to connect with entrepreneurial leaders, you’ll develop an entrepreneurial mindset, explore diverse career pathways and gain insights into the wider innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. You’ll also build valuable networks and develop skills you can apply across academia, industry, government, social enterprise and beyond. Applications close on 1 November 2026. Apply now.

Researcher Skills and Career Planning for Academia and Beyond 

In this workshop with Dr Julia Mouatt, Researcher Development Manager, you will explore what the key capabilities and skills academic careers demand, practical tips for planning your path forward, and how to identify the transferable skills you're developing that hold value well beyond academia. 29 October. Register now.

PVC Global and Graduate Research's Doctoral Community Update

Join Professor JR Rowland (PVC Global and Graduate Research), senior members of the School of Graduate Studies, and AUSA representatives for a webinar-style update on the Graduate Research Support Model Review. Changes in management and student support structures, and opportunities for student representation will be discussed. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, so bring your questions about the future of doctoral programmes and support services. 30 October. Register now.

What's on

Career development

9 October: Academic Career Perspectives: Research and Publishing (Zoom)
12 October: NEW! Doctoral Career Series: Preparing for the Job Market (City Campus)
16 October:  Academic Career Perspectives: Teaching (Zoom)
20 October: Doctoral Morning Tea: Career Lounge (City Campus)
23 October:  Academic Career Perspectives: Service (Zoom)
29 October: Researcher Skills and Career Planning for Academia and Beyond (Zoom)

Candidature essentials

19 October: Fundamentals of Project Management for Research Projects (Zoom)
4 November: Literature review: Organising and writing workshop (City Campus)
10 November: Abstract writing workshop (City Campus)
Ongoing: English Language Learning Groups (City Campus)
Ongoing: Writing in English Workshops (City Campus)

Research environment

On-demand course: Academic and Research Integrity
On-demand: He Korowai Mātauranga

Research knowledge and skills

8 October: Writing a data management plan (Zoom)
14-15 October: Introduction to machine learning (Zoom)
15 October: Introduction to the Unix shell (Zoom)
21 October: Responsible AI in Research (Zoom)
22 October: Prompt engineering for research: A hands-on introduction
27 October: AI for Literature Reviews (Zoom)
29 October: Introduction to version control with Git (Zoom)
3 November: Managing research data (Zoom)
4-5 November: Introduction to Deep Learning (Zoom)
Ongoing: Research Ethics Advice – Drop‑in Sessions for Postgraduate Students (Zoom)

Communication, influence and impact

20 October: Publish Smarter: Choosing Where to Publish (Zoom)

Notices

Open Access Week 2026 

International Open Access Week (19-24 October) is a global opportunity to celebrate the benefits of making research more openly available and explore how we can increase the visibility, accessibility and impact of our work. Learn more at Open Access at UoA. 

SGS Drop-In Sessions

Our upcoming drop-in sessions are an opportunity for doctoral candidates and supervisors to meet with a Doctoral Adviser and discuss questions about topics such as enrolment, confirmation reviews, changes to candidature, Wahapū, policies and procedures, milestones, and other candidature-related matters. Please note that specific scholarship and examination-related queries cannot be answered during this session.

Faculty of Law: Tuesday, 6 October, 11.30am-12.30pm, Room 810-742. Reserve your slot.

Faculty of  Arts and Education: Tuesday 27 October, Bookings from 10-11am, Walk-ins from 11am-12pm, Room B201-594 and B201-595. Reserve your slot.

Faculty of Science: Wednesday 28 October, 9-11am, 305-G00L1. Reserve your slot.

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences: Wednesday 11 November, 12-2pm, Room 505-110A and 505-110B.

Stay tuned for more drop-in sessions which will be announced in coming months.

Doctoral graduates in the spotlight

Dr Zoé Schelp | Science

After starting university at just 15, Dr Zoé Schelp has graduated a decade later with a psychology PhD that breaks new ground in cognitive neuroscience. Zoé’s graduation ceremony at the Town Hall came just days after the publication of her first scientific paper as lead author. Her thesis, “Mapping the Silent Mind,” explored anauralia, a little-known phenomenon where people can’t imagine sounds. Read more.

Dr Veronika Triariyani Kanem | Arts & Education

Dr Veronika Triariyani Kanem's graduation marked the end of an extraordinary doctoral journey woven from Indigenous knowledge, community relationships and the cultural significance of the noken string bag. Originally from the Muyu region of South Papua, Dr Kanem's PhD research explores the cultural, environmental and social significance of noken, traditional string bags handcrafted by Muyu people and deeply embedded in everyday life, ceremony and identity. Read more.

Dr Annisa Hasanah | Engineering and Design

Dr Annisa Hasanah has had her eyes set on two very different finish lines this year, running her first marathon while completing her PhD in civil engineering. Her PhD showed that the cheapest infrastructure strategy today is not necessarily the cheapest over the next 30 years, once climate uncertainty and service disruption are considered. Read more.

Scene around

Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme graduation

Our 2026 Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme (DELP) cohort celebrated their programme graduation last month, marking the culmination of a year of developing entrepreneurial mindsets, leadership capabilities and valuable new skills. Don't forget that applications for the 2027 Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme close on 1 November. Learn more.

Postgraduate Research Colloquium

The Postgraduate Research Colloquium themed Urban Transformation – Planning, Policy and Development brought together doctoral candidates, academics, and industry professionals to share insights on planning, policy, development, and urban transformation.   The event was initiated by Faculty of Engineering & Design student Mohammad Ali Ashouri Dahnesari, funded by the Creating Connections Grant, which supports doctoral candidates in building inclusive research communities. Learn more about the Creating Connections Grant.

Scholarships

Jon Hosking Research Award

The NEAF Jon Hosking Research Award is designed to assist an eligible PhD or post-doctoral candidate with research funding support of up to AUS$15,000 for specific fieldwork, travel, and/or laboratory analyses, and/or publication of the archaeology and/or coinage of the ancient Near East. Closing date: 29 October. Learn more.

James Fawcett New Zealand Herpetofaunal Postgraduate Research Award

An award to assist postgraduate students with research expenses related to a research project with a focus on New Zealand native reptiles and/or amphibians. Closing date: 29 October.  Apply here.

Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Women of any nationality pursuing a Ph.D./doctoral degree who demonstrate a superior academic record conducting research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences are eligible. Closing date: 15 November. Apply here.