2020 news

Time for take-off with your first assignment and not sure how to Get Started?

Inside the ChristChurch Cathedral circa 1893

University of Canterbury sport coaching lecturer Piet Van Hasselt has been named Head Coach of the New Zealand men’s 3x3 team and is tasked with taking the national side to two big fixtures in 2020.

The University of Canterbury Student Volunteer Army (UC SVA) is returning to the Red Zone on Saturday 29 February for the fourth annual Big Give event in what will be the largest student volunteer presence in the area since the Christchurch earthquakes.

On behalf of The University of Canterbury (UC), Chancellor Sue McCormack, and Vice- Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey once again wish to express their sadness and share their deepest sympathy with the family of UC student Mason Pendrous and all of those impacted.

An industrial prototype to recycle acid waste from Christchurch’s galvanized steel industries is just the beginning for researchers at the University of Canterbury (UC) who have a global vision for their eco innovation. Called Zincovery, their exciting project is a finalist for Callaghan Innovation’s prestigious C-Prize.

Despite more than 40 years of law reform aimed at improving the experience of giving evidence for adult rape complainants, Ministry of Justice research in 2018 re-confirmed that the process remains distressing and re-traumatising.

Being a young woman in a male-dominated field hasn’t stopped Bella Franks carving out a successful international career as an engineer.

Vodafone New Zealand has announced a partnership with University of Canterbury (UC) to deliver a digital innovation speaker series aiming to showcase the latest technology and drive innovation for New Zealand businesses.

Summer picnics with friends and family are so much fun

A very warm welcome to our students, both new and returning students!

Every year, we are lucky to have many successful entrepreneurs generously give their time and expertise to mentor our UCE Summer Startup Programme students. This year, we have had an amazing line-up of resident entrepreneurs - Geoff Brash, Glenn Renwick, and Richard Doyle. We spoke to Geoff and Richard about their entrepreneurial backgrounds, and experiences as UCE mentors.

Professor of Accounting, Markus Milne, was a recent guest on the podcast series 'Podcast or Perish' where he discussed his work looking at corporate social and environmental reporting.

The University of Canterbury is expanding its near decade-long partnership with New Zealand’s largest student club, the Student Volunteer Army, to help spread its culture of meaningful volunteering to schools throughout the country with a new Service Award.

University of Canterbury senior lecturer and sculptor Louise Palmer is the 2020 recipient of the Grace Butler Memorial Foundation Award at Ara.

Brush up on your APA, EndNote, NVivo and more with our research support workshops.

Climate change is negatively affecting tree reproduction by throwing seed production systems out of synchronisation, according to a new international study co-authored by a University of Canterbury scientist.

Christchurch in 1881

A unique, new app that analyses speech patterns could provide a leap forward in the assessment and treatment of children with speech difficulties.

An innovative research project that detects brain activity revealing individuals’ knowledge of criminal behaviour is delivering positive results for a University of Canterbury (UC) led research team.

New Zealand is conducting its most wide-ranging review of education in 30 years. Coinciding with this moment in history, current and former University of Canterbury (UC) researchers have collaborated to explore education from different disciplines, and shed light on challenging contemporary issues such as the benefits and risks of digital technologies in education, the development of ‘innovative’ learning environments, working with diversity and teacher education.

The MARS Scanner, invented by UC Professor Phil Butler and his son, University of Otago Professor Anthony Butler, is the world's first colour 3-D x-ray and will one day replace many of the medical scanners being used today, including PET and MRI.

February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Twenty students recently returned from an enlightening trip to China as part of the MGMT228 Chinese Business Practices and Culture course, marking its 10th anniversary.

Poetic inspiration comes in many forms, and across many centuries. Even an ardent, if ancient, Roman poet still managed to influence the work of beloved New Zealand poets James K. Baxter and C.K. Stead.

This year the University of Canterbury’s annual Ursula Bethell Writer’s Residency is being split between two award-winning Christchurch writers, author Amy Head and playwright Nathan Joe, who will each take up residence for six months.

The Piano was humming with exciting new ideas on Tuesday night, with the University of Canterbury Centre for Entrepreneurship’s (UCE) biggest ever Showcase pulling a crowd of over 300 people into central Christchurch to hear from the top 11 ventures from this year’s UCE Summer Startup Programme.

First there was gunpowder, then nuclear weapons. Now another revolution in warfighting is underway with the rise of algorithmic warfare using robots and precision targeting technology. Their use is highly controversial but to date there has been no systematic attempt made to map the debate unfolding in academic, intergovernmental, corporate and social media domains.

There is no known cure for stuttering and other speech disorders such as dysarthria and apraxia of speech, but new research by a University of Canterbury (UC) academic involves scanning the brain to find out what causes speech production problems.

Acclaimed Oxford philosopher Professor Sophie Grace Chappell, who is currently an Erskine Fellow at UC, makes a case for allowing ourselves to be transformed by beauty in order to better respond to the climate crisis.

Our Summer Startup students have returned refreshed from a three week break and are ready to focus on polishing their pitch for the Summer Startup Showcase. We have been lucky to have a selection of amazing speakers visit over the last couple of weeks, and in this update, we will be sharing their best pieces of advice!

All libraries closed

Looking for the hold shelf or textbook for your course?

Students ready for Canterbury College procession to Cathedral Square c.1923.

Findings from a new study offer a way forward for women seeking choice in how they safely manage premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

With the support of a $300,000 Fast-Start grant from the Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden, UC researcher Dr Matthew Cowan is leading a project to develop innovative energy saving alternative raw materials.

A collection of environmental campaign case studies published 45 years ago has been reprinted by Routledge, surprising and delighting co-editor Professor Jeremy Richardson, former Oxford University Professor of Comparative European Politics and currently Adjunct Professor at the University of Canterbury’s National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE).

After ten busy weeks in the UCE Summer Startup Programme, 24 students pitched their ideas to a panel of local experts, who selected the top ventures, who will pitch at the Summer Startup Showcase.

Budding University of Canterbury (UC) student entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas live on stage during a Dragons’ Den-style competition at The Piano next week.

Taking up judo five years ago has changed the course of Lorcan Fivet’s life. He has the Olympics to work towards, he has changed his studies to a sports-related qualification and he has gained more personal confidence than he thought was possible.

Happy New Year

Robots could soon be helping farmers manage arable land in a cleaner, greener way if a prize-winning project comes to fruition.

Cross-examination strategies in rape trials remain resistant to reforms, which continues to negatively impact on complainants despite initiatives to improve the legal process, a University of Canterbury (UC) expert says.

New year and time to get your desk clear!

Could microplastics in the atmosphere play a role in climate change? UC atmospheric chemist Dr Laura Revell is leading an investigation into this important question, with the support of a $300,000 Fast-Start grant from the 2019 Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden.

2 February Central Library closed, EPS Library open.

University of Canterbury (UC) researchers have found two types of gender disparities in New Zealand universities – a gender pay gap, and a gender performance pay gap.

New Zealand adults who don’t speak te reo Māori nevertheless grow up hearing and seeing Māori words throughout their lives. With the support of a $660,000 grant from the 2019 Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden, a University of Canterbury-led research team will explore whether adult language acquisition can be facilitated by awakening this latently acquired knowledge called ‘a proto-lexicon’.

Don't feed the thieves...please don't leave your personal belongings unattended in the library.

University of Canterbury (UC) chemistry researcher Dr Paula Brooksby is at the forefront of research to refine fast-advancing solar cell technology. Together with Dr Noel Duffy from CSIRO in Australia, she is exploring the potential of a carbon-based material to revolutionise photovoltaic technology and performance.

The Hon. Kit Toogood QC has requested the University to share his Findings and Recommendations following his independent investigation into the delay in discovering the death of UC Student Mason Pendrous.

Police, firefighters and other emergency personnel from Utah, United States of America, are visiting the University of Canterbury (UC) this week to learn from academics who have transformed their experiences during Canterbury’s earthquakes into valuable lessons to share with others.

What happens to artists’ proofs and archives? In this glimpse into the secret world of art creation, Ilam School of Fine Arts lecturers at University of Canterbury (UC) share their highly individual art practice in this first exhibition for 2020, at the Ilam campus gallery.

As we race towards the end of our Summer Startup Programme, we’ve asked students from three ventures to share what they’ve been up to, some of their experiences so far, and their thoughts on the programme!

Andrew Barnes is a successful businessman who made headlines around the world by implementing the four day working week in his own company. Andrew visited UCE to speak about the benefits of a four day week for organisations.

In line with Government advice, the University of Canterbury (UC) campus is now in lockdown and closed to students, visitors and staff (with the exception of staff providing essential services). UC remains committed to the safety of our community during the current level 4 alert for COVID-19.

University of Canterbury (UC) Health Lecturer Tracy Clelland is bringing an innovative sexuality education theatre show to the campus, giving educators and parents an insight into new and highly effective approaches to better help teenagers to navigate sexuality.

The University of Canterbury aims to support people’s wellbeing during the Covid-19 lockdown, livestreaming a weekly speaker series, on a different topic each Friday.

As computing systems become integral to our modern world, interfaces are growing more ‘intelligent’. A UC-led, international research project, supported with a $530,000 grant from the 2019 Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden, seeks to better understand both positive and negative factors in our experience of these interactive interfaces permeating our work, play and social lives.

Library staff taking a break for Easter

The University of Canterbury (UC) is the first and remains the only New Zealand university to be led by women.

UC Law Professor John Hopkins will be advising the Select Committee, chaired by Simon Bridges on 2 April. Professor Hopkins is an expert in Disaster Law and will be advising the Committee on the unique situation the level 4 lockdown has brought about.

Children’s University Canterbury Partnership (CUCP) is adapting to these constrained times by offering members a range of fun learning activities via their new Online Portal.

A team of New Zealand researchers led by a University of Canterbury (UC) scientist has discovered a novel mechanism of controlling vitamin K2 production in the bacterial pathogen that causes tuberculosis (known as TB or the white plague).

How do we talk to our children about coronavirus to keep them informed, but not alarmed? How much do they need to know and how much do our reactions affect them?

Christchurch-based artist and University of Canterbury (UC) fine arts graduate Janna van Hasselt has won the annual Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards (ZAFAA) with a brightly coloured, glazed porcelain artwork called Totter.

The University of Canterbury's rainbow coordinator Ari Nicholson advocates for the institute's LGBTQIA+ community to make sure no-one feels alone, especially during Pride Week, which runs for 10 days from Thursday.

We asked University of Canterbury psychology academics Associate Professor Gini McIntosh and Professor Julia Rucklidge, who specialises in mental health and nutrition and is giving a livestreamed talk today, for some advice about staying on track during a time of uncertainty and stress.

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Change and evolution has transformed the University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (UC) over the past three decades. UC Registrar Jeff Field has actively led and managed much of this change, through times of both growth and adversity. Now he is preparing to retire, bringing to a close a remarkable career of distinguished service to the University.

Children’s University Canterbury Partnership (CUCP) programme is expanding to include hundreds more young learners thanks to Rātā Foundation and Riccarton Rotary Youth Trust donations of $25,000 each.

New Zealanders returning to the country will be placed into mandatory quarantine, and the Ministry of Health is developing a contact tracing app. University of Canterbury epidemiologist Associate Professor Arindam Basu said it was an accurate assessment by the Government to say that loosening restrictions now, after two weeks, would allow the virus to spread rapidly again. At least another two weeks of Level 4 lockdown was required to maintain momentum.

Former UCE Summer Startup Students, Anzac Gallate and Jack Fraser from The Gro•Up Group have won the 2020 Dream Believe Succeed Award. The award features over $45K worth of prizes which will help deliver The Gro•Up Group's educational programmes to schools throughout NZ.

In an upcoming UC Connect public lecture, University of Canterbury (UC) academic Dr Sarah Kessans will share the lessons learned from a life of science and adventure, testing the limits of the human spirit, from rowing the Atlantic to launching a space laboratory.

University of Canterbury (UC) students challenged to create a “non-contact” event for the Covid-19 environment have come up with an online careers hub that uses leading-edge gaming technology.

Is it time for a micro pause? Here's some images for you to enjoy.

There is a need for the health and education system to adopt a more proactive approach in addressing the developmental needs of children born very pre-term, a University of Canterbury (UC) child health development expert says.

On 16 March the Ministry of Health advised that gatherings of 500 or more people should be cancelled to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand.

On Friday 6 March the University of Canterbury (UC) held an event for students and staff to celebrate International Women’s Day 2020 and the University’s commitment to gender pay parity.

The University of Canterbury (UC) is investigating gender pay parity for academics following recent findings by UC researchers Associate Professor Ann Brower and Associate Professor Alex James showing that female academics in New Zealand are likely to earn $200,000 less than male counterparts over their career, despite equivalent research performance.

The countdown is on to the opening of the New Brighton hot pools, He Puna Taimoana.

It's back for 2020!

The University of Canterbury is reorganising its teaching timetable in order to reduce class sizes, and to offer many larger lectures online, to further encourage physical distancing and health safety.

New Zealand Suffragist Kate Sheppard is a national feminist heroine and it’s the right time for a new biography telling her story, says University of Canterbury (UC) historian Professor Katie Pickles.

Contact tracing technology has entered the discussion about COVID-19 – a health and medical geography expert at the University of Canterbury looks at the possibilities and why contact tracing is vital for combating the virus.

How does today’s education system prepare young people for a world that is rapidly changing in ways we may not yet fully comprehend? From COVID-19’s community implications to climate change to technology-driven disruption to work, modern challenges have global and local consequences, and solving them requires collaboration and new models of leadership.

We will remember them

The University of Canterbury's largest student club, the Student Volunteer Army, has launched a national volunteer response to support people impacted by COVID-19.

“A community that excludes even one member is no community at all.”

We hope you can spend some time outdoors in these unusual times

What type of toothpaste are you using? A new paper from award-winning University of Canterbury (UC) researcher Dr Matt Hobbs may have those of us preferring a ‘fluoride-free’ or ‘natural’ approach to oral health, questioning that choice.

The University of Canterbury has big goals for improving its sustainability. Last week, 50 UC students were given the opportunity to produce new ideas to help reach these targets at the Greening UC Challenge.

University of Canterbury (UC) Linguistics has joined Civil and Structural Engineering in the top 100 globally for the first time since 2013 in the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings by Subject released today.

Feeling creative?

Working from home!

How can we live well in cities so young people can flourish but not stress the planet? Research teams in seven cities around the world, including Ōtautahi Christchurch, are exploring this question.

IT Services are running training sessions on Zoom and Remote Acces Setup

The University of Canterbury is leading research into the psychological wellbeing and support of health workers who were among the first responders after the mosque attacks on 15 March 2019.

University of Canterbury (UC) Mathematicians Associate Professor Alex James and Professor Michael Plank (pictured), and UC BSc Hons graduate Nic Steyn are part of a research team that has been working on building SEIR-type models for Covid-19 for several weeks; one of several groups providing statistical modelling of Covid-19 for the government.

Surprising results from a University of Canterbury (UC) study into public perceptions of surrogacy in New Zealand is being used to inform law changes in the United Kingdom, and may potentially impact on a private member’s bill here in New Zealand.

There’s no hiding from that first assignment – ask at the library for help.

Just as the country was moving into lockdown, Professor Cheryl de la Rey spoke with Stuff reporter Lee Kenny, reflecting on her first year as the Vice-Chancellor of UC, and the unique challenges the community has faced in that time.

Diversity is part of campus life and rainbow communities are becoming even more visible at the University of Canterbury (UC) this year, an advocate says.

Research from the University of Canterbury (UC) GeoHealth Laboratory shows that children in our most deprived areas benefit from better dental health if water is fluoridated.

The Development of Seismic Detailing and Design for more Resilient Bridge Piers

University of Canterbury (UC) economists Associate Head of Economics and Finance Stephen Hickson and Associate Professor Alfred Guender discuss the role of the Reserve Bank amid the pandemic’s economic upheaval.

A new international study led by a University of Canterbury scientist has discovered paikea humpback whales stick to old migration routes despite ocean changes associated with climate change.

The fact that [media] might not be able to report something does not impact on their general right to be there,” Professor Cheer, UC School of Law, comments on the Mama Hooch sexual assault allegation court proceedings for Stuff.

Imagine an organisation that performs thousands of transactions, but has no governing structure, no board, no chief executive and no middle managers.

Fines to be reinstated from 10 July

Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of food poisoning in New Zealand. Yet the biomolecular interactions at play when this bacterial infection strikes are poorly understood. With the support of a Fast-Start grant from the 2019 Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden, University of Canterbury (UC) researcher Dr Timothy Allison is taking a closer look at this human pathogen in order to expose the complex interactions of its membrane-bound machinery.

Christchurch City Council contractors have uncovered standing kahikatea stumps, which will be subject to radiocarbon dating to establish their age. UC students – led by fossil plant specialist Dr Matiu Prebble – plan to explore the site to understand what has caused the demise of the buried forest.

Create a 60 second video showcasing your research and win.

The University of Canterbury (UC) Young New Zealander of the Year Award Te Mātātahi o te Tau recognises a young person brimming with the potential to produce a bright future for Aotearoa, striving across the last year to improve not only themselves but their whole community.

This week CNRE's Professor Nilsson presented on fire crowd safety to the Swedish Fire Research Foundation.

Robotic doctors and other artificial intelligence tools are coming to New Zealand’s healthcare system and we need to be ready for the ethical and legal challenges they will bring, warns a University of Canterbury (UC) PhD student.

The HealthTech Supernode Challenge, delivered by UCE and the Ministry of Awesome with support from ChristchurchNZ, KiwiNet, and Ryman Healthcare aims to position Christchurch as NZ’s centre of health innovation.

Can animals experience joy? Thanks to a US$600,000 (almost NZ$1m) funding grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation an international team of researchers, including University of Canterbury (UC) Associate Professor Ximena Nelson, hope to find out.

How do male academics become allies in fighting sexism in the #metoo era, without ‘mansplaining’ or ‘white knighting’? Three University of Canterbury (UC) academics have looked into the necessary steps behind championing inclusivity and diversity in academia.

UC health lecturer and Chair of the College of Emergency Nurses New Zealand, Sandy Richardson, is warning that we cannot get complacent about Covid-19. Richardson told TVNZ’s Breakfast programme that emergency nurses are worried about a second wave and that New Zealanders are no longer practising Covid-19 measures such as social distancing and washing their hands regularly.

Tai Tapu Library, architectural drawing by Cecil Wood (1931)

A timely new book provides insight into a lesser known chapter of New Zealand history, including the impact of anti-Chinese legislation, through the life and times of an extraordinary man.

An improved testing system for road materials could make our state highways safer and more robust to withstand years of heavy traffic. A new, modified “wheel tracker” device developed by University of Canterbury (UC) Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Mofreh Saleh is a more accurate way of testing the strength and durability of the materials used to construct new roads.

Under lockdown, the University of Canterbury's Student Volunteer Army has mobilised to assist vulnerable people in the community.

HydroEcological Engineering PhD candidate Fabio Silveira is helping to improve water quality around us.

We now subscribe to the Times Higher Education

University of Canterbury-led research that could help Parkinson’s disease patients learn more about their risk of dementia has received a million-dollar funding boost.

While concussion is a recognised problem in contact sports like rugby, it is generally accepted that wearing padded headgear does little to mitigate the risk. Collaborative research at the University of Canterbury is now putting that to the test, with an innovative prototype set to be trialled by young rugby players next year.

It’s semester break, relax, chill, have a winter picnic.

By Professor Katie Pickles, republished from The Conversation

University students in New Zealand would be more likely to quit smoking if the price of cigarettes increases, a University of Canterbury (UC) study suggests.

Now we are at Alert Level One we can do all these …

Join a panel of local experts to discuss business marketing post-COVID-19 in the next University of Canterbury (UC) Business School Hihiko Webinar event, Marketing in the New Normal.

UC Law Professor Ursula Cheer joins Katheryn Ryan on RNZ to talk about upcoming changes to New Zealand contempt law and what it means for media and the public.

Human impacts on the environment are changing many biological responses, with effects on rare species and human health, but predicting such responses is complicated, according to a new paper by a University of Canterbury ecologist.

UC Postdoctoral fellow Warwick Allen co-authors article on The Conversation discussing his research relating to the ongoing debate about whether to prioritise native or non-native plants to fight climate change.

Being awarded a scholarship to study forestry at the University of Canterbury (UC) has brought more than financial benefits for first year student Anna Manning.

In a first of its kind study, two UC research institutes - the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour (NZILBB) and the Child Well-being Research Institute (CWI) will be investigating these fascinating shifts in accent from age 5.

There is now a 95% chance COVID-19 has been eliminated in New Zealand, according to our modelling.

New academic joins the team, but is stuck offshore.

Community minded UC Law student has opened up her home to two struggling migrants workers who were made redundant during Covid-19 fallout.

UC lecturer Tom Logan discusses his research in response to the 11 projects announced as the first tranche of infrastructure developments to kickstart New Zealand's economic recovery.

The founders of the University of Canterbury 147 years ago were progressive, but could never have imagined the diverse, multi-cultural, gender-balanced leadership of today’s university. UC is the first, and remains the only, Aotearoa New Zealand university to be led by four women; in the Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor, student association President and Vice-President roles.

The family of pioneering New Zealand suffragist Kate Sheppard kept an important secret – one that possibly explains a lot about her life, her beliefs and her motivation.

Lessons learned from the Canterbury earthquakes will be shared widely and preserved for the future when a collection of reports and information moves to a new digital home.

The HealthTech Supernode Challenge, delivered by UCE and the Ministry of Awesome with support from ChristchurchNZ, KiwiNet, and Ryman Healthcare aims to position Christchurch as NZ’s centre of health innovation.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s second oldest university is launching a survey of its historical objects in the lead-up to its 150th birthday, thanks to a $12,000 grant from Lottery Environment and Heritage.

[Square blue flower design] by Chrystabel Aitken.

A global study is under way to compare how information about Covid-19 is delivered by authorities and the media, and how it is understood and used by people in different countries.

A new system at the University of Canterbury (UC) has proven effective at identifying and contacting first-year students who may need support.

In a post-COVID business environment, the use of data to drive decisions will be key to making a greater impact. A new core course, Data informed Strategy, which is part of the University of Canterbury (UC) Connected MBA programme has been officially opened by New South Wales Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, via video link from Australia.

Internships with professional sporting organisations are helping bridge the gap between study and work for UC Sport Coaching students. A strong relationship has developed between the University of Canterbury and the Crusaders in recent years, with UC interns learning on the job and making a valuable contribution.

Afrooz Bayat is doing her PhD in Environmental Engineering working on biogas.

Award-winning author Behrouz Boochani has been granted refugee status by Immigration New Zealand and is to become a Senior Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Canterbury.

In a new article for Te Karaka, UC doctoral student Levi Collier-Robinson shares how he is using genomics to understand the kōwaro, an endangered taonga species.

University of Canterbury (UC) Masters students showed off their skills in a competition that challenged them to use data to solve problems and develop business savvy strategies.