Curtis-Gordon Research Scholarships in Chemistry

Study area(s): Science
Scholarship level: Doctoral; Master’s Research; Master's by coursework; All postgraduate
Closing date(s): 31 May
Tenure: One year
Number offered: Varies
Value: $1,000 - $7,000 (subject to funds available)

History and purpose

The Curtis-Gordon Research Scholarship in Chemistry was established by Gerry Gordon, a student who worked with Professor Neil Curtis in the Chemistry Department at Victoria University of Wellington from 1961-1964. He carried out his MSc research programme in Chemistry which was supervised by Professor Curtis. Gerry then pursued a very successful career in industrial chemistry and became prominent in cement and concrete research and development in the United States. He was an early pioneer on the addition of amorphous silica SiO2, to concrete to react with components in the cement and enhance the strength of the concrete. This is now common practice in the cement and concrete industry. Gerry built a very successful business in the United States around it. Professor Neil Curtis’ enthusiasm for inorganic chemistry and new ideas, influenced Gerry’s MSc research and his successful chemistry-based industry and business career. Professor Curtis continued his pioneering studies of metal complexes involving macrocyclic ligands in which he has contributed very significantly to the field of inorganic chemistry and internationally recognised accordingly. He is an Emeritus Professor at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Gerry and Neil remained in contact during their respective careers and in 2001 Gerry advised Neil and the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences that he wished to provide a Curtis-Gordon Scholarship to encourage chemistry students to undertake research degrees. The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation and applications are called for each year. A number of awards are made each year.

Who is Eligible?

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in Chemistry in the BSc (Hons), MSc, or PhD degrees in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in Chemistry in the BSc (Hons), MSc, or PhD degree in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • When selecting the scholarship holders, the ability of the candidates to complete the requirements of the degree at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • The personal circumstances of the candidates may be considered.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who have completed all, or a substantial portion of, their undergraduate degree in Chemistry in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences of Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • The value of the scholarship is at the discretion of the Selection Committee, based on the need and academic record of the applicant.

Application process

All scholarship applications are submitted through Community Force.

A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.

Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.

Scholarship specific documentation

  • A personal statement outlining reasons for applying for the scholarship.
  • Academic transcript.
  • A CV.
  • A statement on the area of Chemistry you are currently pursuing.

Selection process

Selection is made by the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences committee.

Additional information

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the family of the donor of this scholarship within one month of receiving the scholarship.

Regulations and conditions

  1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
  2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full-time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full-time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
  3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
  5. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
  6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington, particularly the discipline of Chemistry and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
  7. At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04