Master’s scholarships available
Interested in doing a Master’s on Māori perceptions of biotechnological controls of introduced wasps in Aotearoa? Apply before 3 April 2017.
Perceptions of Biotechnological Controls of Pest Wasps in Aotearoa
In Aotearoa, Common and German wasps are having a notable impact on native flora and fauna and may erode our ability to act as kaitiaki of the environment. As part of the National Science Challenges: Our Biological Heritage theme, a team of researchers are exploring novel biotechnological methods of controlling pest wasp populations (see www.victoria.ac.nz/capital-thinking/wasps/buzz-off for more details). How does the Aotearoa community perceive these new controls? Are some of the tools more acceptable than others to use on pest wasps in Aotearoa? Under what conditions might we accept and use biotechnological controls on wasps, or on other species? How can tikanga and mātauranga frame and contribute to this discourse? The addressing of these questions requires a mixed methods approach. Up to three Master’s scholarships are available to work on this project. The aims of the project are to:
- Support the building of a network of a range of partners and stakeholders with interests in pest invertebrates (particularly pest wasp species).
- Explore, test and use a variety of appropriate methodologies to explore social and cultural perceptions of biotechnologies, particularly amongst Māori.
- Analyse these responses in relation to the ‘Social Licence to Operate’ concept and other relevant frameworks, reflecting critically on how science engages with the public and vice versa.
- Communicate findings and recommendations in academic, public and social communications, both oral and written.
About the Master’s Candidates
This research would suit highly-motivated students who can work both independently and within a team. The students will have excellent skills in written and oral communication, and be able to form good relationships with people and have or make ongoing connections with Māori communities. The successful candidates will have or be near completion of an Honours degree (ideally first class) in one or more of the following disciplines: Māori Studies, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sociology or Development Studies.
The successful applicants should be eligible to register for Master’s study at Victoria University of Wellington by June 2017. The one-year scholarship offers a stipend of NZ $17,000 and covers course fees for one year.
Enquiries, expressions of interest and applications should be sent to Ocean Mercier. Applications are due by 3 April 2017, and should include a statement of research interests and experience, your CV, the names and contact details of one academic referee willing to provide confidential comments on your suitability for the project, and an indication of your potential start date.