The Michael Taylor Memorial Award
History and purpose
This Award was established in memory of Michael Taylor, former president and life member of the Tararua Tramping Club. This scholarship will be annually awarded to a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington student to support conservation-focused research in the Wellington region.
The Michael Taylor Memorial Award recognises the value of the recipients' future academic achievements and their contributions to both the University and to the wider community. The University is grateful to the Tararua Tramping Club for establishing this opportunity.
The purpose of the Award is to support a postgraduate student (Master's or PhD) by contributing to research-related costs, such as transport or specialised equipment, associated with active conservation field research in the Wellington region.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must be:
- enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time in a Master's or PhD degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
- undertaking a research project focused on conservation, biodiversity and restoration ecology
- conducting research with a specific focus on the Wellington region.
Selection criteria
Selection is based on the academic merit of the applicant and the quality of the proposed research project. Preference will be given to applications originally from Wellington, and those who are already enrolled or have confirmed enrolment for the awarding year.
Scholarship specific documentation
- Research proposal, to include:
- An outline of the scope of the project
- A simple timeline of research activity
- How the funding will enhance the quality of the research
- How the project fits the donors wishes
- The applicant's supervisory team (including external collaborators where appropriate)
- A simple budget including the amount requested and including any other major sources of funding.
- A statement of support from a current or proposed supervisor (to be requested via the online application).
Application process
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.
Selection process
Applicants will be shortlisted by the Directors of the Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration and Ecology. The recipient will be selected by the Tararua Tramping Club.
Additional information
- The recipient must write a letter of thank you to the Tararua Tramping Club.
- The award recipient will be granted one year of membership to the Tararua Tramping Club.
- The recipient will be required to present a summary of their research to the Tararua Tramping Club at a club meeting during the year they hold the award.
- The recipient must provide a written report to the Tararua Tramping Club the year following their award.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for the Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
Conditions
- All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being enrolled in a full-year programme, within the criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
- The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
- The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other University awards.
- 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.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
- 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