Talofa lava , 

Welcome to the latest edition of Doctoral News, and happy Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week.

We have an important question for you today: When you tell others about your research, do they get excited or do they end up a bit confused and bored? If you'd like to explain your thesis in a clear and interesting way that makes people sit up and listen, we encourage you to explore our many research communication workshops and resources.

And if you genuinely want your research to have a meaningful impact, we recommend you apply as soon as possible for our new one-year Doctoral Public Impact Programme.

Scroll down for more news, notices, and opportunities, as well as events like our new Doctoral GenAI Guidelines discussion, and see who you can spot in photos from the recent doctoral pizza lunch and PhD mums' picnic. 

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

News

Best Thesis winners announced

Warm congratulations to the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor's Prize for Best Doctoral Thesis 2025, who will be honoured at the University's Celebrating Research Excellence awards in October: 

• Cam Hoffbeck (Faculty of Science)
• Connor Pearson (Faculty of Engineering and Design)
• Julia Musgrave (Auckland Bioengineering Institute)
• Mark de Hora (Liggins Institute)
• Matthew Galloway (Faculty of Arts and Education)

This prize is awarded annually to the five most exceptional theses from the previous year. Criteria for nomination include the demonstrable significance, originality, contribution and excellence of the thesis.

Of the 498 doctoral degrees awarded by the University of Auckland in 2025, 18 theses were nominated for the Best Doctoral Thesis prize by their faculties / LSRIs and reviewed by the Graduate Research Committee judging panel.

Scroll down to learn more about the five winners and click here to find out who the other nominees were.

What's on

Candidate in the spotlight

Dougie 'Atiola | FMHS

Doctoral candidate Dougie ‘Atiola’s journey into research began in a hospital in Tonga. At the age of 14, he was hospitalised with meningitis, which shaped his understanding of healthcare. Now he is pursuing his PhD in Biomedical Science, specialising in genetics and metabolic conditions in the Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology. 

“If my journey helps even one young Pacific person believe they belong in research,” he says, “then the work I’m doing is serving its purpose.” Read more about Dougie and his research in Pacific genetics scholar driven to improve community health outcomes.

Opportunities

One-year impact programme

Would you like to translate your research findings into meaningful real-world impact in the public interest? The School of Graduate Studies' new one-year Doctoral Public Impact Programme will provide you with the knowledge, skills and strategies to do so.

This comprehensive, cohort-based programme is a powerful foundation for candidates planning careers in policy and government, consulting and advisory roles, NGO leadership, applied research, or academia with public purpose. Places are limited. The closing date for applications is Friday 19 June. Apply now.

Three-day impact bootcamp

The three-day Research to Start-Up Bootcamp takes place at City Campus from Wednesday 15 July to Friday 17 July. It will help you explore how your work can create real world impact, and you'll learn how to turn research into opportunities, explore venture fundamentals, and connect with innovators. Apply by Sunday 21 June. Read more.

Scene around

Mothers' Day picnic in the park

PhD mums from across the University took advantage of the beautiful weather to meet in Albert Park for a Mothers' Day picnic lunch. It was a great opportunity to share experiences, advice, and encouragement, and to acknowledge and celebrate the resilience and commitment of mums who pursue doctoral study.

If you'd like to join the PhD Parents' Group, please complete his short online form. 

Scene around

Pizza lunch brings candidates together

One of the most popular events during Doctoral Wellbeing Month was the Doctoral Pizza Lunch, held in the Postgraduate Lounge on Wednesday 20 May. Hosted by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and the Auckland University Students' Association (AUSA), this was a relaxed gathering where many new friendships were made.

Keep an eye on the Doctoral What's On web page for more opportunities to build your doctoral network.

Scholarships

Fine Arts

Carole Ada Cliff Doctoral Scholarship: A $5,500 Scholarship to support a student enrolled full-time in the first year of a DocFA or PhD in Fine Arts. Closing date: Wednesday 17 June. Apply here.

Religious Studies

Foveran Scholarship: Up to $30,000 of scholarships for New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents enrolled full-time or part-time in Theological and Religious Studies. Closing date: Wednesday 17 June. Apply here.

Engineering

Colombo Plan Scholarship in Engineering: A $3,000 Scholarship to assist an international student who is a citizen of a Colombo Plan member country with a contribution towards undergraduate or postgraduate tuition fees in Engineering. Closing date: Thursday 25 June. Apply here.

Fulbright Awards

Fulbright offers awards for promising NZ graduate students to undertake postgraduate study or research at US institutions in any field. Applications close on Saturday 1 August. Learn more.