Sustainability seminar series

PhD candidates whose research aligns with the UN’s SDGs can use this opportunity to showcase their work in order to foster discussions and build connections.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Sustainability Team and the Faculty of Graduate Research are pleased to announce the launch of the Sustainability Seminar Series where PhD students from across the University can present their sustainability-focused research. Join us in fostering meaningful discussions, sharing insights, and building connections that drive collective progress towards a sustainable future. PhD candidates whose research aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can use this opportunity to showcase their work, network and get feedback on their research.

The SDGs and a clear link to sustainability will be employed as benchmarks to decide on which applications are accepted for presentation. Presentations need to be 15 minutes long with 10 minutes at the end for Q & A and will be held bi-monthly.  There will be two separate presenters at each session as per the structure below. Presentations will be recorded and uploaded on to the University’s website after the presentation. Presenters will be awarded a 50-dollar Prezzy Card each on completion of their presentation.

Session dates and times for 2024

Day	Time	Location	Application Deadline
Tuesday, 14 May	12.40 pm to 1.40 pm	AM101	Thursday, 4 April
Tuesday, 16 July	12.40 pm to 1.40 pm	AM106	Thursday, 6 June
Tuesday, 10 September	12.40 pm to 1.40 pm	AM106	Thursday, 1 August
Thursday, 7 November	12.40 pm to 1.40 pm	EA120	Monday, 30 September

Session structure

Item	Time
Introduction and welcome	5 mins
1st Presentation	15 mins
Q&A	10 mins
2nd Presentation	15 mins
Q&A	10 mins
Closing remarks	5 mins

Application process

All presentation applications must be submitted to the Sustainability Team by completing the Sustainability Seminar Series Presentation Application Form.  In the form, the researcher must highlight which SDG/s (including the SDG number) their research engages with and how their work is linked to sustainability. Check the application deadline in the table above to ensure you apply in time for your desired session. The Sustainability Team reserves the right to make a final decision on presenter choice based on the research’s perceived alignment with sustainability and the SDGs.

Presentation minimum requirements

A presentation should include the key components outlined below:

1. It should be formal and include a PowerPoint comprising at least four slides.
2. The presenter should be willing to consider and respond to questions at the end of their presentation.
3. Through their presentation, the presenter should make a clear link between their research, sustainability, and the particular SDG/s that their research pertains to.
4. Presenters should accept that their presentations will be recorded and uploaded on to the University website for future reference.

Please email the Sustainability Team if you have any questions regarding presenting for the Sustainability Seminar Series.