Nature Positive PhD Scholarships

Nature Positive PhD Scholarships at the University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is launching an international search for ten fully funded PhD researchers to join its new Nature Positive Hub, based in the Faculty of Business and Economics. This flagship cohort is designed for students interested in how business, economics, governance, finance, law, policy, and organisational practice can contribute to a regenerative, nature-positive economy.

The research theme is centred on responding to climate change and biodiversity loss by examining how organisations, markets, and governments can redesign systems and ways of working to support long-term ecological, social, and economic wellbeing. The cohort spans five domains: ecological transition, stewardship, economic enablement, institutional design, and social legitimacy.

Projects are interdisciplinary and may connect with fields such as environmental science, engineering, data science, and the humanities. The programme is especially relevant for applicants with interests in sustainability transitions, biodiversity restoration, regenerative economy design, institutional change, and nature-based solutions.

Funding: 10 fully funded PhD scholarships will be awarded for uptake in 2027. The cohort also offers mentoring, shared learning, collaboration across disciplines, workshops, and access to national and global Nature Positive innovation networks.

Selection timeline: Expressions of interest are currently open. The first selection round runs from July to September 2026, with a second round in late 2026 or early 2027 if places remain. Target start dates are 1 February or 1 March 2027 for the first round, and 1 June or 1 July 2027 for the second round.

How to apply: Review the eligibility and project information on the Nature Positive PhD cohort page, then submit an expression of interest through the linked application information. Applicants should check the project descriptions and follow the university’s instructions for the relevant selection round.