Kia ora , and welcome to the latest edition of Doctoral News.

We loved seeing so many of you take part in the Research Showcase last month. With more than 100 entries across the Academic Poster and Research Image categories, it was a fantastic celebration of the inspiring doctoral research taking place across the University. A big congratulations to all of the doctoral candidates who participated.

Read on to find out who took home awards at the prizegiving, plus discover news, workshops, notices, scholarships, and resources to support you at every stage of your doctoral journey.

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

News

Have your say on the proposed Doctorates Statute and policy suite

The University is seeking feedback on a proposed Doctorates Statute, Doctorates Policy and Supervision Policy. The proposed changes aim to simplify and strengthen the doctoral document suite, providing a clearer framework and supporting more consistent decision-making. The academic rigour of doctoral degrees remains unchanged and Named Doctorate regulations are not part of the proposed change.

Doctoral candidates are invited to review the proposals and provide feedback, particularly on candidate impacts, the proposed time frames, and any risks or unintended consequences.

Q&A sessions will be held on 10 and 19 November, before the consultation closes on 24 November. View the draft documents, consultation information and Q&A session details on the Policy Hub: Draft Doctorates Statute, Doctorates Policy and Supervision Policy.

Congratulations to our Research Showcase winners 

Research investigating early cardiovascular risk in young adults with type 1 diabetes, an AI-generated image exploring palliative care decision-making, and a striking visualisation of stroke recovery took out the top prizes at the SGS Research Showcase 2026. Congratulations to all of the doctoral candidates who took part this year. Learn more and see the full list of award-winners at: Doctoral research excellence celebrated at Research Showcase 2026.

Opportunities

Making AI Speak Your Research Language: An Introduction to Fine-Tuning LLMs

This hands-on workshop will provide you with a step-by-step framework for using Python to adapt LLMs to your specific domain context, from data preparation all the way through to model validation. Participants need some familiarity with Python scripting (working with dictionaries, lists, functions, and loops). 18 November. Register now.

Venture Lab

Venture Lab is a five to six month incubator programme offered by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), designed to take your start-up to the next level. This pre-seed programme provides tailored support and guidance, access to venture development funding, workshops and specialist advice, and connections with industry leaders, the entrepreneurial community and potential investors. Learn more.

What's on

Candidature essentials

10 November: Abstract writing workshop (City Campus)
20 November: Word Thesis Formatting (Zoom)
16 December: Literature Review: Organising and Writing (City Campus)
Ongoing: English Language Learning Groups (City Campus)
Ongoing: Writing in English Workshops (City Campus)

Career development

16 November: Arts and Education Postgraduate Careers Bootcamp Part 1 (City Campus)
1 December: Arts and Education Postgraduate Careers Bootcamp Part 2 (City Campus)

Research environment

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

Research knowledge and skills

16 November: Research Ethics Advice – Drop‑in Sessions for Postgraduate Students (Zoom)

Candidates in the spotlight

Gerald (Jay) Naepi | Medical and Health Sciences

Despite Pacific peoples carrying a disproportionate burden of heart disease, they remain underrepresented in biomedical research leadership. Medical Sciences PhD candidate Gerald (Jay) Naepi is working to change that. His doctoral research in the Cellular & Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, under the supervision of Associate Professor Kim Mellor and Dr Fiona McBryde, investigates new approaches for treating a form of heart failure that is both difficult to diagnose and treat. Read more.

Alyssa Verner-Pula | Arts & Education

Latafale Alyssa Verner-Pula's doctoral research traces lived experiences of the slur 'bunga' across three eras, from the Dawn Raids of the 1970s to its reimagining in contemporary Pacific arts and culture. The project grew from her own experiences growing up in New Zealand, and her desire to understand whether the racism she encountered was isolated or reflected wider social attitudes. Read more.

Scene around

SGS Research Showcase

The University of Auckland community came together to celebrate doctoral research excellence at the SGS Research Showcase last month, with staff, students and supporters gathering to explore more than 100 fascinating academic posters and research images on display.

Scholarships

Dame Dorothy Winstone Doctoral Completion Award

Awards of up to $16,000 each to support women doctoral students to make substantial progress towards completion of a PhD or named Doctorate.  Closing date: 17 November. Apply here. 

Keith Sinclair Memorial Scholarship 

Up to $16,000 for a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident undertaking a PhD in the History of Aotearoa New Zealand. Closing date: 25 November.  Apply here.

Myra and Eric McCormick Scholarship in History

Up to $25,000 for a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident enrolled full-time in a PhD in the History of Aotearoa New Zealand. Closing date: 25 November. Apply here.