Kevin Smith Memorial Scholarship

Does your postgraduate research relate to marine reserves?

We offer a $1,000 science scholarship to Victoria University of Wellington postgraduates undertaking research that will help improve knowledge of or engagement with marine reserves. We’re especially interested in projects that relate to Taputeranga Marine Reserve on the South Coast of Wellington.

In the past our applicants have come from biological sciences, but we’re interested in projects from anyone working in the wide range of science disciplines, including social science and economic science.

Scientific study was an important reason for establishing Taputeranga. The coastal and marine environment of the Wellington region is unique and forms an important part of our identity, heritage, economy and highly significant to mana whenua. It’s also a major area for recreation and tourism, and can have a positive impact on our mental and physical wellbeing.

Marine reserves are susceptible to external influences such as pollution, sedimentation and climate change. Taputeranga, and Aotearoa’s marine reserve network, provides an opportunity to study the benefits and effects of protection on marine ecosystems, and on customary, recreational and cultural relationships to the marine environment. We want to support research to better understand how we can protect our marine environment – including social and economic impacts, and how to assist the management and development of reserves.

Funds may be used for any purpose that supports the applicant’s research or thesis studies. To apply for the scholarship on the VUW website (click here).