Program Overview

Introduction to the Applied Doctorates Scheme

The Applied Doctorates Scheme is a national programme designed to boost New Zealand's economy by bridging the gap between groundbreaking scientific research and industry. It equips top doctoral candidates from across the country with advanced business and entrepreneurial skills, connects them with industry leaders, and prepares them to tackle real-world challenges—transforming cutting-edge research into meaningful change in science, technology, and innovation.

About the Scheme

The scheme is led by a consortium of the Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, Massey University, and University of Auckland and is funded with $20 million over five years by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). All New Zealand universities are invited to participate.

Research Areas

The scheme focuses on various research areas, including:

• Aerospace, Defence & Security
• Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
• Energy, with specific projects such as:
  • AI-Based Prediction of Power Distribution Material Failures After Extreme Weather Events
  • Cooperative Farmer-to-Farmer Energy Trading for Resilient Rural Power Networks
  • Maximising Energy Efficiency in Plate Heat Exchangers (PHEs) via Bio-Inspired Metal Additive Manufacturing
  • Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage to Achieve Energy Equity in New Zealand
  • Wave-Power for Desalination and Electricity

Benefits and Outcomes

The scheme benefits both businesses and students. Businesses will gain improved access to advanced researchers who have the skills to apply their knowledge directly, while students will be equipped with the skills needed to help grow New Zealand's economy. The scheme aims to produce a new generation of PhD graduates who will go on to be leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Quotes from Key Figures

• "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." - Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti
• "This scheme equips emerging researchers with the skills, kaupapa and networks to bring together the best of industry and academia to boost innovation and entrepreneurship nationally." - University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor JR Rowland
• "The Applied Doctorate Scheme is a fantastic initiative and will act as a catalyst for bringing together the skills development and collaborative supervision of doctoral students so they are work-ready, able to make a real impact for Aotearoa." - University of Massey | Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa Dean, Postgraduate Research Professor Tracy Riley
• "The future of a vibrant, innovation-driven economy hinges on our ability to work together. The applied doctorates scheme exemplify this by embedding doctoral talent directly within industry, ensuring research directly addresses market needs." - University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Dean, Graduate Research School Professor Diane Ruwhiu
• "A key feature of the scheme is an unparalleled programme of extra-curricular learning, to develop professional skills including innovation and entrepreneurship so that, when the students graduate, they are primed to be the future leaders in their sector. This scheme will produce a new generation of PhD graduates who will go on to be leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs." - Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka Dean, Faculty Graduate Research Professor Neil Dodgson