George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment
We are a multi-disciplinary research centre based in the Faculty of Science that focuses on environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability.
Established in 2016 through a $5 million gift from Dr George Mason, the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment funds solutions-focused research on environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. To date, the Centre has supported 18 post-doctoral fellows, nine PhD students and four masters students.
As New Zealand's only philanthropically funded environmental research centre, we work with the George Mason Charitable Trust and collaborate with other organisations to develop practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing Aotearoa. Following George Mason's passing in 2024, a further $10 million gift from his Charitable Trust has ensured the Centre can continue to support many more students in the years to come.
Our research
The research we conduct is multidisciplinary and wide-reaching. Some of our research areas include:
- Marine and coastal ecosystems
- Land-use intensification and agriculture
- Microplastics
- Predator-free New Zealand
- Conservation and climate change
- Kauri dieback
- River and other waterway management
You can read more about our current and past projects on our website.
Our partnerships
Foundation North
Our collaboration with Foundation North aims to support positive change in our natural environment. We recognise our mutual interest in the natural environment, education, and initiatives that foster good governance and the conservation of natural capital.
George Mason research fund
The George Mason research fund specifically supports academic exchanges in Natural Sciences between the University of Auckland and the University of California, Davis.
How can you work with us?
Support us
For information about how you can support the centre, get in touch with Kate Thompson.