Doctoral news
Stay up to date by reading the latest news and stories about doctoral candidates across the University.
Newsletter archive
SGS emails Doctoral News to doctoral candidates on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, featuring important news, notices, opportunities, scholarships, and resources for every stage of your doctoral journey. If you missed any recent editions, you can catch up here:
SGS Research Showcase winners announced
Research investigating early cardiovascular risk in young adults with type 1 diabetes, an AI-generated image exploring palliative care decision-making, and a striking visualisation of stroke recovery took out the top prizes at the SGS Research Showcase 2026.
Learn more: Doctoral research excellence celebrated at Research Showcase 2026.
New GenAI Guidelines
The University's new Generative AI in Doctoral Research Guidelines came into effect on 1 September 2026. We encourage you to explore the following resources:
- Guidelines: Generative AI in Doctoral Research Guidelines
- Resource: Introduction to GenAI in Doctoral Research
- Canvas module: AI Essentials
Vice-Chancellor's Prize for Best Doctoral Thesis 2025
Warm congratulations to the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor's Prize for Best Doctoral Thesis 2025, who were honoured at the University's Celebrating Research Excellence awards in October.
The winners are:
- Cam Hoffbeck (Faculty of Science)
- Connor Pearson (Faculty of Engineering and Design)
- Julia Musgrave (Auckland Bioengineering Institute)
- Mark de Hora (Liggins Institute)
- Matthew Galloway (Faculty of Arts and Education)
This prize is awarded annually to the five most exceptional theses from the previous year. Criteria for nomination include the demonstrable significance,
originality, contribution and excellence of the thesis.
Of the 498 doctoral degrees awarded by the University of Auckland in 2025, 18 theses were nominated for the Best Doctoral Thesis prize by their faculties / LSRIs and reviewed by the Graduate Research Committee judging panel.