Water scarcity has become a global challenge. Approximately 20% of New Zealanders lack reliable access to safe drinking water. Consuming contaminated water can cause severe illness if not properly treated. Artificial (polymeric) membranes are commonly used to purify drinking water. However, producing these non-biodegradable, non-recyclable membranes are chemically and energetically intensive, and contribute significantly to our environmental waste. A sustainable membrane water purification technology is urgently needed.Harakeke (Phormium tenax) is a taonga of core cultural significance to Maori that grows prolifically throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand). Muka (harakeke fibre) is a fine, mechanically robust plant fibre traditionally extracted to produce a range of important daily necessities for Maori, including clothing, netting, and rope. Muka has been increasingly investigated as a sustainable, biodegradable reenforcing component for plastics and epoxy to effectively reduce plastic consumption while maintaining material durability. As such, we are developing a sustainable water purification technology by interweaving muka to create a membrane filter, that presents an exciting potential to decrease reliance on synthetic polymers.This PhD project explores the prospect of using muka as a raw material to produce membranes for water purification. The project has three key areas that will be led and supported by experts in those disciplines:Directed by Kaupapa Maori methodologies, the candidate will work with Matauranga Maori and its practitioners to select and extract muka from cultivars with desirable characteristics for membrane development, learning tikanga (protocols) associated with harakeke harvest, cultivation, and muka preparation.Investigating the physical and chemical properties of muka, providing a foundational understanding to drive composite development and optimise bonding between muka and polymer materials.Developing water filtration membranes from muka and testing their performance for filtrating different types of waters.Innovating chemical treatment methods to enhance the removal of a range of dissolved contaminants, such as nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metals.Aligning Matauranga Maori and membrane technology, this project will develop an environmentally friendly tool for household and municipal water treatment.The PhD candidate will grow capacity to engage with te taiao (the environment), chemical engineering, materials science, and water purification principles through an Ao Maori (Maori worldview) lens. They will also develop expertise in water treatment processes and membrane technology. The candidate will be enrolled full time with Paihau-Robinson Research Institute (Paihau-Robinson) at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) [1] under the supervision of Dr Ben Yin [2] and Dr Nancy Garrity [3] (Ngati Paoa, Ngati Makirangi, Ngati Hine) from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research LTD (MW). Professor David Barker [4] from University of Auckland (UoA) and Dr Fiona Steve-McFadden (Paihau-Robinson) will also have a lead advisory role. It is expected that the candidate will spend time at MW and UoA over the course of their studies, as well as collaborating within the wider MacDiarmid Institute [5].EligibilityAn applicant, who has whakapapa Maori (Maori heritage) and demonstrates an interest in working innovatively between systems of Eurocentric science and Matauranga Maori, is highly valued. The applicant should hold a relevant postgraduate research qualification (BSc with 1st class honours, or MSc/MEng equivalent) in chemistry, bio-chemical, materials, chemical and environmental engineering, and indigenous science. Previous laboratory work experience and familiarity with Kaupapa Maori research principles will be advantageous but is not a strict requirement.Candidates must satisfy admission requirements as a PhD candidate at VUW [6].How to applyAny interested applicants should send their CV and a copy of their academic record to Dr Ben Yin ([email protected]) and Dr Nancy Garrity ([email protected]) with the subject line “PhD application – Muka membrane”, and the team can arrange a discussion about the project and the scholarship opportunities [7]. A shortlist of applicants will be invited to make a formal application for PhD study at VUW.