Scholarships
The Landcare Research Murray Jessen Scholarship
Landcare Research has established a scholarship in memory of Soil Scientist Murray Jessen who died suddenly in January 2006. This scholarship will be awarded once every three years, with the next scholarship to be awarded in October 2011.
There is a lack of New Zealanders who hold doctorates in the critical science areas of soils, hydrology, landscape geomorphology, and natural resource management.
This scholarship will preserve the memory of Murray Jessen and at the same time seek to address the need for innovation and growth in the above mentioned scientific areas. The scholarship will be available to any student studying at a New Zealand University.
Murray Jessen had an infectious enthusiasm for the field study of soils and related disciplines, as well as a great passion for the outdoors, participating in running and swimming, and later, excelling in competitive road cycling.
After graduating with an MSc with first class honours in Earth Sciences in 1977 Murray initially worked on land resource surveys and watershed management issues, later developing research and consultancy interests in erosion risk within urban environments, sediment sourcing and budgets. Later, he developed a real passion for soils – particularly in the definition of high-class soils, carbon losses from erosion, visual assessment of soil physical problems and new techniques of soil mapping including digital soil mapping.
During his time as a Team Leader at Landcare Research, Palmerston North, Murray saw a need to support and nurture young scientists and technicians near the beginning of their careers. He also realised that, nationwide, there is a critical need to develop capability in the field-oriented disciplines of soils, geomorphology, erosion studies and catchment management work. It is entirely appropriate that a scholarship designed to foster appreciation and skills in these disciplines be named after Murray.
| Purpose | The scholarship will sponsor a New Zealand soils, hydrologist, geomorphologist or natural resources graduate to study towards a PhD at a New Zealand university. Should a suitable position be available at the time, the scholarship holder may be offered employment at Landcare Research at the conclusion of their studies. |
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| Eligibility | Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, or permanent residents. |
| Tenure | Payments will be made six monthly and are dependent on a positive and satisfactory report on progress from the institution at which they are studying. Unsatisfactory progress may lead to termination of the scholarship. There will be one scholarship normally offered every three years. Successful candidates will be required to submit a copy of their final work (which may include a copy of their academic grades, published articles or thesis) and a report to Landcare Research at the conclusion of their studies. An annual presentation on progress will be required to be given to Landcare Research staff. |
| Value | The scholarship is valued at a total of $50,000 (GST exclusive) for the duration of the scholarship. This includes course fees, research operating expenses and a generous stipend. The scholarship will be paid direct to the candidate’s university. |
| Applications | Candidates shall enter for the scholarship by sending a 1 page case outlining their potential research idea, including its relevance to the scholarship’s purpose and the candidate’s future career. The 1 page case needs to be accompanied by curriculum vitae. Applications close on 14 October 2011. Please forward all applications to: The application should be accompanied by –
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| Application for Admission to a University | Candidates must also lodge an application for admission directly to the university they are intending to study at. The scholarship will be confirmed and payment begun only after the scholar provides proof of admission to a course. |
| Criteria | In considering the award the selection Board shall take into account the: “Academic record and achievement to date” If, in any year, there are no suitable proposals/applicants, no award will be granted. |
| Scholarship Board | The Board will consist of: Dr Craig Ross – Acting Science Leader – Soils and Landscape Responses |
| Short listed candidates may be required to attend an interview for which Landcare Research will meet reasonable travel expenses. |