New $20m scheme to bridge gap between PhD research and industry careers

The Applied Doctorate Scheme, which aims to equip students with the real-world skills needed by industry, was launched by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, the Honorable Dr Shane Reti at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland today.

The national programme is collaboratively hosted by Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington and Ōtāko Whakaihu Waka University of Otago.

The $20 million, five-year-funded programme is designed to provide a group of graduates with practical skills in areas such as project management, finance, commercialisation and entrepreneurship, supporting their pursuit of advanced research interests.

Dr Reti says the scheme will equip PhD students in STEM subjects with the practical skills they need to apply their knowledge to real-world problems with ambitious businesses, alongside their core advanced research skills.

“This scheme will incorporate practical training and opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and develop strong relationships with the science, innovation and technology industry.

“With more hands-on experiences that businesses need, such as project management, finance and the ability to commercialise intellectual property, a greater range of career options will open up for PhD students.

“Businesses will benefit from improved access to advanced researchers, who have the skills to jump straight in and apply their knowledge, and students will be equipped with the skills they need to help grow New Zealand’s economy,” he says.

Massey University Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says the Applied Doctorate Scheme will further extend the opportunities for Massey doctoral researchers to engage with industry.

“While many of our postgraduate researchers are already working in close partnership with industry, this new scheme will enhance this engagement and strengthen collaboration with our university partners. Massey University has long been committed to conducting real-world research and solving complex problems and we see this new scheme strongly aligned with our strategic mission and purpose.”

Dean Postgraduate Research Professor Tracy Riley is excited to be working collaboratively with other universities, as well as industry partners.

“The learning and development opportunities for doctoral students and supervisors, both within the programme and enrolled at Massey, will enhance and build upon Supervisor Accreditation and the Graduate Research School’s support for students, strengthening our commitment to postgraduate excellence, as outlined in Te Pou Rangahau, our research plan.”

Doctoral students from all Aotearoa New Zealand universities can apply for the scheme, with an initial intake of 30 students annually. Over five years the cohort will grow to 150 doctoral students.

The scheme will draw on the expertise of each of the universities’ commercialisation teams and nationwide industry innovation programmes, the New Zealand Product Accelerator and Return on Science and Momentum.