Celebrating continued success for our Discovery Scholarship community - Annual Report 2024

7 June, 2025

We are grateful for our co-sponsors' support with the Discovery Scholarship programme, for Māori and Pacific Island students in science. This is an extension of our long running DiscoveryCamp programme that supports students studying in the fields of physical sciences, chemical and materials engineering, Māori sciences and sciences related to sustainable innovation.

This year, we proudly celebrate the achievements of our Discovery Scholarship alumni. Their accomplishments reflect their passion and commitment to contributing across their fields of research and study.

Nicky Hambrook (Kāi Tahu) has completed her Master of Science in biochemistry at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury under the supervision of Associate Investigator Professor Renwick Dobson. Nicky earned an A-grade for her research on the targeting of novel fungal effector proteins during Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust) infections. Her work not only enriches scientific understanding but holds significant potential for real-world applications in plant health and biosecurity.

Alyssa Thomas in Chile

Alyssa Thomas (Patuharakeke) attended the XI SCAR Open Science Conference in Pucón, Chile. This prestigious conference, focused on Antarctic research, featured a wide array of presentations and posters across numerous scientific disciplines. Alyssa presented her poster, titled 'He Tohu Āhuarangi: climate change signs between Antarctica and Aotearoa (New Zealand)', which was a collaborative effort with Professor Ocean Mercier (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington) and Dr Sarah Seabrook (NIWA). This experience highlighted Alyssa's valuable contributions to the global scientific community and showcased her research on an international platform.

Additionally, Alyssa celebrated the recent publication of her first academic paper, 'Helping the "Helping hands": supporting Māori postgraduates to advance community aspirations for environmental research.' This collaborative case study, developed with her supervisor and research colleagues, emphasises the importance of incorporating cultural perspectives into scientific research.

Georgia-Rae Jones at graduation

Georgia-Rae Jones (Te Arawa, Ngaati Whakaue, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Mutunga) has celebrated her graduation from Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Science majoring in environmental science. Reflecting on her experience, Georgia-Rae shares: "Graduation was a very surreal experience, and the day went by incredibly fast. It all happened so quickly. I was busy having my photos taken that morning, rushing around and before I knew it, I found myself standing on stage, holding my certificate with a mix of excitement and disbelief. I was so grateful to be surrounded by my whānau and friends on the day."

Georgia-Rae will continue with postgraduate studies and begin studying for a Master of Science with a specialisation in in geospatial science. She is currently doing a summer internship with Principal Investigator and Deputy Director Māori Associate Professor Pauline Harris (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu).