Purpose

The purpose of the Scholarship Fund is to give a small financial boost to existing postgraduate students, whilst supporting research in New Zealand Aquaculture. It aims to enhance our understanding of the environment we operate in, the species farmed, and any environmental impacts associated with marine farming.  

What is the ARS?

The Andy Ritchie Scholarship is a grant established following the passing of marine scientist Andy Ritchie in 2000.

The grant is for $5000 annually for either 1 or 3 years (depending on the duration of your research) and can be used in addition to other funding sources for your research project.

Your research project can take the form of your thesis or dissertation for independent research modules.

ARS priorities & guidelines

Applications to the Andy Ritchie Scholarship fund should include research in any of the areas listed below,

• Improved spat health

• Sustainable spat

• Spat retention

• Well-being of shellfish species

• Sustainable growth of the industry

• Working towards zero waste from Marine farming activities

• Restoration of marine habitats and ecosystems

• Maximising the value of farmed species

• Supporting the industry to adapt to climate change.

• Reducing the environmental impact of marine farming

• Maximising existing water space

• Solutions to warming seas and the effects on marine farming

Eligibility

The ARS is open to all postgraduate students.  The ARS is available to those whose research meet with ARS’ priorities and guidelines. Any project funded by the ARS should benefit the aquaculture industry with priority given to projects specifically benefiting Top of the South aquaculture. 

Application Criteria

Applicants should be:

• Enrolled at a New Zealand Higher Education Establishment

• A postgraduate student

• A citizen or resident of New Zealand

• Conducting research in the field of aquaculture

Acceptance of grant

If successful, applicants acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The ARS grant will be used for the project for which it was awarded.

• The recipient will update the ARS committee on progress with a short 6 monthly report.

• The recipient will share their thesis/project with the ARS committee.

• The recipient will participate in any media exposure reasonably requested by the ARS committee.

• Acknowledgement will be made to ARS in any resulting publications or products produced by the recipient.

Selection Process

1. Applicants will be put forward by their respective supervisor.

2. Applicants follow the online application process.

3. Selection will be made by the ARS committee.

4. The ARS committee’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

5. Applicants will be notified of the outcome.

Selection Timeline

• The allocation of the Andy Ritchie Scholarship occurs once annually.

• Application dates are flexible.

• The grant will only be made if the ARS committee is satisfied that the project meets the requirements of the Andy Ritchie Scholarship.

• The ARS committee may choose to award the fund for consecutive years up to a maximum of 3 years to a longer project such as a PHD. 

Process

1. Applicant is nominated by university supervisor.

2. Applicant follows the online application process and submits their application.

3. The ARS committee will consider the application.

4. The applicant will be notified of the outcome.

5. The grant will be awarded to the successful applicant, within a month of the closing date.

6. The closing date for entries is 1 November 2024.

Apply Here