Turning Research Into Real-World Impact

The Applied Doctorates Scheme empowers top doctoral talent to bring science, tech, and innovation into the heart of Kiwi industry.

Following the success of our inaugural call for projects and the outstanding response from New Zealand’s research and innovation sector, the Applied Doctorates Scheme (ADS) is excited to announce the themes for its next two annual calls.

The Aerospace, Defence & Security call will open in mid-February 2026, with the call for Biotechnology & Bioprocessing opening in 2027. You can read a full description of the themes in the announcement below.

Read the full announcement

The Applied Doctorates Scheme (ADS) Secretariat is delighted to announce the expansion of the number of projects in the inaugural cohort, with a further project being fully funded by industry.

This industry funded project joins the 24 initiatives that are supported by the original ADS fund and university co-funding. All are available to apply to through our Call for Students.

The full list of funded projects is now available

The Secretariat would like to thank everyone who participated in this call for projects. Please look out for our second call in the new year. 

See the projects

The open call for PhD student  applications is now live

25 scholarships are available, each associated to a project on the theme “Aotearoa’s Path to Energy Innovation”.    

View Call

About the Applied Doctorates Scheme

Established in 2025, 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.

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.

Innovation

Industry

Skills

“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