NZ-GRADS scholars come together at annual science meeting

The NZ-GRADS programme awards scholarships to students from developing countries who are passionate about researching topics related to greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture systems, primarily livestock. The scholarship programme is funded by MPI and managed by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). 

The seven scholars were supported to travel to Wellington by MPI, while ENZ organized the travel and scholar engagement for the day. This event not only allowed scholars the opportunity to hear cutting-edge research relevant to their own fields, but to also to connect with each other, and fellow scholars and researchers. The scholars are currently studying towards their PhDs across the motu at the University of Auckland, Massey University, the University of Waikato, the University of Otago and Lincoln University.  

ENZ Director Scholarships Carla Rey Vesquez said getting the scholars together in-person enabled lively discussion between the scholars and attendees.  

“I was delighted to witness the excitement and ideas emerging from the conversations. The NZ GRADS scholars are a vibrant group of people dedicated to creating a greener future both in New Zealand and back home.  

“Attending in-person was critical in cementing their understandings of research in their own fields and the wider science community in New Zealand,” she added.  

The event was very well received by scholars, with Kirill Bogdanov commenting “this was an excellent experience to be around people who support science and especially listen to the questions they asked - it is valuable to know what the investors expect from your research.” 

“New Zealand is giving me a marvellous opportunity to perform high-quality research, communicate with interesting people, and be on my own adventure in a land far, far away,” he added.