The 12 new UC Connect Doctoral Scholarships are co-funded by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and local partners to connect PhD research with real-world issues facing communities, industry and decision-makers.
The theme for the 2026 is "water" and the projects span some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most pressing questions around water and water systems, from urban stormwater and groundwater to alpine springs and braided rivers.
Projects include how to better predict flooding in Canterbury catchments, understand the movement of contaminants into groundwater, and protect fragile freshwater ecosystems under changing climate and land-use pressures.
Others will explore emerging risks, including antimicrobial resistance in receiving waters, trace metals in contaminated soils, microplastic loads in urban waterways, and the potential climate and ozone impacts of new stratospheric water vapour emissions linked to rocket launches.
Projects are also aimed at helping industries - including through reducing water-intensive frost protection in New Zealand vineyards, and the use of extremophilic microorganisms as biomarkers to support the discovery and monitoring of low-temperature geothermal systems.
UC Tumu Tuarua Rangahau | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Lucy Johnston emphasised the importance of water for all aspects of society. She says the scholarships reflect UC's Research Commitment to advance sustainable futures through environmental and social stewardship, and promote environmental, animal and human wellbeing.
"Climate change, biodiversity loss and the unsustainable use of natural resources are creating complex challenges for water and water systems in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. These projects show how UC research can help address those challenges by improving how we manage water, protect ecosystems, and support communities to live well within environmental limits."
Professor Johnston says the UC Connect model is designed to bring university research and partner expertise together around practical issues that need evidence-based solutions.
"Our PhD candidates will be working on research that is directly connected to real-world needs, while gaining valuable experience alongside partner organisations. It's a powerful way to support the next generation of researchers while helping communities, industries and decision-makers respond to some of the most pressing challenges of our time."
Each UC Connect Doctoral Scholarship provides students with a stipend for three years, jointly funded by UC and the partner organisation. Once selected, the successful PhD candidates will conduct research in real-world settings while developing transferable skills, professional networks and experience working alongside partners.
UC is committed to undertaking research that has a positive impact locally and globally, and to working with partners on research that responds to community, environmental and industry needs.
