Wilderlab eDNA Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington 2026

Wilderlab eDNA Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington 

Dr Shaun Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Wilderlab, has donated water sampling kits and DNA sequencing support to a student researcher at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. This award supports a postgraduate student (Master’s or PhD) with eDNA costs for research in ecology, conservation, biodiversity, or restoration ecology.

Eligibility Criteria of Wilderlab eDNA Scholarship:

Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enrol, either full-time or part-time, in postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) studies focused on research in ecology, conservation, biodiversity, or restoration ecology.

Selection Criteria: 

1. Applicant's research must align with a complementary field of study.
2. Selection will be based on the quality and merit of the application and research project.

Application Process: The Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology announces a call for proposals each September; inquiries can be directed to SBS-admin@vuw.ac.nz.

Award: One eDNA kit.

Note: 

1. Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor and provide a written report within the year following their award.
2. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for the Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology and participate in events or marketing if requested.
3. The award includes Wilderlab eDNA sampling kits and sequencing analysis for 24 samples (market value - NZD 7,000 + GST), to be used within 2 years, with credit given to Wilderlab and CBRE in all communications.