2025 news

Dr Rebecca Peer has won a prestigious fellowship to develop tools and insights that will guide Aotearoa’s shift to a resilient, low-carbon energy system. 

About 1400 beds have been made in University of Canterbury halls of residence in preparation for athletes competing in Christchurch this week.

A new CryoLab opening at UC will strengthen New Zealand’s capability in cryogenic research, consulting, and emerging technologies.

Under a new agreement, UC graduates from a wide range of disciplines will have the opportunity to pursue medical training.

Hui Whakamānawa | Celebrating Staff Success is an event recognising our UC staff’s success over the past year.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) celebrated the appointment of eleven new professors at Hui Whakamānawa | Celebrating Staff Success. 

UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey awarded the Symons Award, recognising her exceptional service to the ACU and global higher education leadership.

UC researchers are using AI and open datasets to create affordable, accurate elevation maps that will help communities plan and adapt to a changing climate.

University of Canterbury students are getting real-world experience behind the lens while supporting disabled athletes from across New Zealand.

Breaking a cycle that sees multiple members of the same family ending up in prison is the focus of award-winning research by a UC academic. 

In six short years since its launch, Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University has grown from 151 young graduates in 2019, to 1,181 in 2025.

UC’s Faculty of Education held the inaugural Hui Rangahau Graham Nuthall Research Symposium last night, celebrating one of Aotearoa’s most influential classroom researchers. 

Held annually by Te Kaunihera o Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University Council, the awards celebrate excellence in research, teaching and innovation.

UC has been recognised as a global sustainability leader once again, placing in the world’s top 100 and second in New Zealand in new rankings. 

Social media influencers such as the hugely popular MrBeast may be having a beneficial effect on teens and young adults, new research suggests. 

The University of Canterbury has partnered with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation to foster research and innovation across borders.

We received many amazing entries in our 2025 round of Essay Prizes. Here are the winning entries.

Through hands-on experiments and authentic storytelling, the Curious Minds team has inspired more than 9,000 high school students and young learners worldwide.

Urban gardens across Ōtautahi Christchurch are buzzing with life, and that’s good news for our pollinators.

UC School of Forestry Professor Justin Morgenroth has won an international arboriculture award at the 2025 ISA Awards.

Ross Calman has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement for his contributions to nonfiction literature.

Seventeen UC projects have won $10.9m from the 2025 Marsden Fund to support groundbreaking research across science, technology and society over three years.

Making rugby safer for young Kiwi players and supporting women in sport has motivated a University of Canterbury professor’s world-leading research over the past decade.

UC environmental microbiologist wins prestigious UC Research Medal for leading research and inspiring new discoveries from Earth’s most extreme environments.

Outdoor Education lecturer Associate Professor Chris North is one of two recipients of the 2025 UC Teaching Medal

Professor of Marketing Ann-Marie Kennedy is one of two recipients of the 2025 UC Teaching Medal, the University’s highest academic honour.

After growing up in Ukraine and experiencing the collapse of the Soviet Union, a UC professor has become an award-winning expert on European politics. 

A teaching scholarship conference opens today at Te Pae Convention Centre, the first time it has been hosted in Aotearoa New Zealand.  

New UC research demonstrates how small design changes that make buildings stiffer can significantly reduce earthquake damage and save billions of dollars. 

UC’s Professor Cockburn, now Emeritus, helped shape the way billions scroll, swipe and connect through his user experience research.

From healthcare innovation to student mentorship, Professor Mukundan’s 23 years at UC have earned him the title of Emeritus Professor.

UC has recognised the outstanding career of Emeritus Professor Euan Mason, marking more than three decades of exceptional forestry education, research and service.

UC has awarded Professor Markus Milne Emeritus status, acknowledging his outstanding research, teaching and leadership in social and environmental accounting. 

Research projects on antibiotic resistance, how cells communicate and Pacific youth’s political engagement have attracted national recognition and funding. 

UC research shows disaster planning must adapt to shifting populations and hazards, highlighting the need for collaboration to build a more resilient Aotearoa.

UC’s Te Kāhui-a-Te-Rū-Rangahau has won the Te Rangaunua Hiranga Māori Medal for creating teaching guides that foster culturally-responsive education in Aotearoa.

UC Professor Brendon Bradley has been awarded the Royal Society Te Apārangi Scott Medal for pioneering research that is redefining how we prepare for and live with earthquakes. 

A UC professor has won the Royal Society Te Apārangi’s Pickering Medal for pioneering innovations that turn waste into resources and power a sustainable future. 

A group of UC students are turning coastal change information into accessible communication for the community as part of their coursework.

UC innovation is enabling structures to be built for both safety and resilience, helping cities to recover faster from earthquakes.

UC master’s student Lucy Dunshea is exploring how nature-based solutions can help protect Petone’s coastal transport networks from flooding and sea-level rise.

Ahead of the 30 October release of Pike River, director Rob Sarkies spoke at a public lecture on authentic storytelling and feeling as a creative tool.

UC and the Department of Corrections celebrate the long-standing and future collaboration opportunities between the two organisations.

UC has launched its first joint education programme in mathematics with Qufu Normal University, strengthening ties and creating new global study pathways.

UC researchers launch an interactive mapping tool to help urban planners and local councils design lower-carbon neighbourhoods.  

A University of Canterbury team has developed new protective headgear for junior rugby players that could be on sale early next year.

UC PhD graduate Dr Emma Clarke’s research is sparking vital conversations about psychological safety and wellbeing in law firms.

University of Canterbury researchers are part of a team studying the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption to help build disaster resilience across the Pacific.

A new UC study has found that while Generation Z tourists to Christchurch are more likely to adopt sustainable travel practices, environmental awareness of these practices varies widely between generations.

There’s no stopping Ethique founder Brianne West from developing businesses that are good for the planet.  

No more waiting at a red light when there are no cars in sight - UC researchers are developing new technology that could cut traffic congestion and reduce the billions of dollars lost to delays each year. 

Tuihono UC | UC Online, UC’s online learning platform, has partnered with the Christchurch City Council (CCC) to deliver a free short course on climate change and adaptation.

UC research shows that structured early literacy teaching helps children build stronger reading and spelling skills, setting them up for long-term success.

From student leader to lifelong supporter, Dr Sally Page’s three-generation family legacy continues to enrich the UC community.

UC Professor's emperor penguin research features in National Geographic’s 'Secrets of the Penguins' documentary series.

UC is co-hosting the world’s biggest climate adaptation gathering this week.

A newly developed virtual reality (VR) tool could help communities understand flood risks, raise public awareness and give decision-makers clearer information for planning.

With increasing global attention to conservation of the ocean, it’s time to question how we govern and care for our marine environment in Aotearoa New Zealand.

New UC research has moved beyond theory to create practical tools that help communities prepare for the realities of climate change.

New UC research shows the serious effects that climate change could have on New Zealand’s health system, making it even harder for people to see a GP.

The University of Canterbury remains a strongly connected university, as reflected in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, which feature 2,191 universities from 115 countries and regions.

Can computer science make swim training more interesting? UC Computer Science and Software Engineering Professor Christoph Bartneck thinks so.

The long-standing partnership between UC and HamiltonJet provides students and staff with valuable industry experience and research opportunities.

The University of Canterbury hosted the “Bill of Rights Act: Legacy and Lessons – Where to Now” national conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch this week. 

UC’s Kōawa Studios has signed a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Auckland’s two largest film studios, aimed at growing opportunities for students and supporting the screen sector.

A UC research group has received international recognition at the highest level of political science. 

From a park-like campus to a globally ranked student city, international agents came to NZ to see why UC and Christchurch stand out as study destinations.

A music and cultural performance in Christchurch next week will celebrate 30 years of a Balinese set of instruments that is still bringing the local community together.

UC educators receive an Ako Aotearoa Award for their successful design and delivery of the Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership programme. 

NZ’s braided rivers are rare, endangered and losing their resilience. UC research is uncovering their hidden web of life to guide future conservation.

New research by a lawyer and University of Canterbury PhD student raises concerns about access to justice under the 35-year-old New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.  

Eminent Pacific UC scholar joins 14 global experts to create influential sustainable development report.

UC PhD research reveals how earthquakes alter rivers and flood protection, helping communities prepare for future disasters.

Cultural leader Tiana Malina Te Rongopatahi Mo’iha is building towards the world’s biggest adaptation conference with a UC residency, funded by Creative NZ.

An Associate Professor from Çankaya University in Ankara, Türkiye has been sharing her expertise in interior architecture, building physics and acoustics at UC.

UC Master of Audiology graduates have created the first te reo Māori diagnostic speech tests, transforming hearing healthcare for Māori in Aotearoa.

Aotearoa is leading the way, implementing a structured literacy approach developed at UC, in all specialist schools.  

Local principals gathered on UC’s Campus this week to explore partnerships and future pathways for students.

The UC Business School has won a major international honour at the 2025 PIEoneer Awards, recognising its innovation and excellence in international education. 

UC opened its doors to thousands of future students and their whānau at Rā Tōmene | Open Day, held across the Ilam and Dovedale campuses today.

Careers Advisors from across Aotearoa explored UC’s student experience, global opportunities, wellbeing focus, and what life in Ōtautahi offers.

This application round includes the majority of our Postgraduate study scholarships and some scholarships to support study or travel overseas.  

A Government grant will enable UC researchers to develop a novel diagnostic platform for use in disease and drug detection and even for making wine.

An international conference bringing together senior university and business leaders to explore the future of higher education is happening in Christchurch this week, the first time it has been held in New Zealand.

UC marked WORD Christchurch 2025 with new writing pathways, community networking, and a Schools Day inspiring future creatives.

The first Autism Research Centre in Aotearoa launches at UC, uniting researchers and autistic voices to shape research and improve lives nationwide.

UC Antarctic Ecology experts can now monitor wildlife even through the long darkness of winter thanks to groundbreaking new digital tools.

Students from Te Whare Wānang o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) recently tackled health challenges at the Future of Health Disrupt Challenge 2025.  

Hon Dr Shane Reti, Minister for Universities, has announced the reappointment of Hon Amy Adams and the appointment of two new members to the UC Council.

Yesterday, nearly 1,000 Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) students proudly crossed the graduation stage marking the culmination of years of dedication, learning, and personal growth.

The application round for 2026 'UC Doctoral Scholarships' is now open and closes 20 October.

Large earthquakes along some of New Zealand’s major faults are commonly clustered in time and place, according to new research.

Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr is one of four winners of an international medal that recognises revolutionary work in the field of gravity.

About one in five young New Zealanders experience serious mental health problems and the rates are even higher for Māori and Pacific rangatahi.*

What do AI, politics, bats, penguins and athletes have in common? They are all topics featured at this year’s Raising the Bar event in Christchurch.

A new UC graduate is making a difference for some of our most vulnerable children after completing a successful psychology internship that led to her ideal role.

Teacher, principal, and now Doctor of Education, Isaac Day brings decades of experience to a new role mentoring the next generation of school leaders.

A project Katherine Gee undertook as part of her Master of Business Administration (MBA) is poised to be piloted in a local Christchurch secondary school.

Rebecca Fala graduates from the University of Canterbury this month, just weeks after starting a new role at global ‘Big Four’ accounting firm, Ernst & Young.

Work by Canterbury art students from two different institutions is hanging side-by-side in a new exhibition at CoCA.

Kien Ngo won the Supreme & Cultural Ambassador Awards, and Ruowei (Winnie) Chen won the Leader & Mentor Award at Canterbury’s 2025 International Student Awards.

UC's Research Student Showcase celebrated the storytelling, creativity and real-world impact of emerging researchers in three quick-fire competitions.  

A new online onboarding course is helping students at the University of Canterbury start strong and thrive.

Lianne Dalziel (CNZM) is using her University of Canterbury master’s research to advocate for stronger, more collaborative disaster recovery planning. 

Have a go at entering one or more of our three Essay Prizes and get yourself some extra cash!

Two UC students have landed a rare opportunity to intern at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, contributing to space and climate research.

The UC Volunteering Expo links students and staff with local not-for-profits, inspiring community connection and impact.

Growing up, Ruby Cross never thought twice about her easy access to sport, but now she’s seen first-hand the barriers some tamariki face. 

The Middle of Nowhere captures the project’s danger, isolation and camaraderie through the voices of those who lived it.

Two UC students are turning creative ambitions into practical experience through an internship with the award-winning Kiri and Lou production team.

The University of Canterbury is proud to celebrate the achievements of students and staff from its engineering community at Engineering New Zealand’s 2025 ENVI Awards.

UC researchers study Weddell seals' response to human activity at Scott Base, using AI, hormone analysis, and Antarctic fieldwork.

When Professor Catherine Moran is powering her way up a Port Hills trail on her mountain bike she is often thinking through solutions to work challenges.

UC and Waka Kotahi co-create successful project management course, with the public version now also offered to professionals nationwide.

A New York-based Emmy Award-winning director has shared her industry insights with UC students during a rare Christchurch visit.

A University of Canterbury academic has been appointed to a United Nations expert panel examining the physical effects and social impact of nuclear war. 

Final-year UC Business course uses real industry data and tools to prepare students for expert roles and high-demand career pathways.

New co-led UC research aims to make hybrid meat more affordable, flavoursome, and sustainable. 

The new Bachelor of Health will support New Zealand’s most pressing health challenges and focus on employability and flexibility for graduates who will contribute to improvement health outcomes.  

A UC student’s public health internship supporting people with neurological conditions has confirmed a commitment to improving health outcomes for diverse communities. 

Businesses and community organisations are backing UC Connect Doctoral scholarships to tackle real-world challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for communities.

This UC Engineering department is turning a new page, with a new name, and a renewed focus.

UC researchers are using drones and satellite remote sensing to track the health of eucalyptus trees from above and protect the future of New Zealand’s plantation forests. 

A new UC course is giving engineering students hands-on AI experience for real-world challenges like flood forecasting, with potential to save lives.

Why UC Engineering students are giving up their summer to support Pacific healthcare.

Environmental science students at the University of Canterbury are learning to connect research with real-world decision-making through simulated Environment Court scenarios.

UC hosted the 2025 IEEE Region 10 Symposium (TENSYMP) this week, bringing global engineers and researchers to Christchurch.

The UC Business School has been re-accredited by both AACSB and EQUIS, reaffirming its prestigious Triple Crown status.

This UC filmmaker wants to change your perceptions of sea ice and the environment with the epic tales of three women scientists... how Mighty Indeed.

Katie Ellis heads to Massachusetts to work on endometriosis research with top US health and engineering experts

How Aotearoa New Zealand is protecting its smallest native species through innovative conservation efforts.  

How leafy is your hometown? 

Ever wanted to experience campus with a child-like wonder? 

UC has secured funding for five Smart Ideas proposals— its best-ever success rate—highlighting the university’s strength in research tackling major global challenges.

A freshwater fish species found only in New Zealand are having the spotlight shone on them through new UC research. 

Two UC researchers are part of a global team recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry for creating a new family of glass, the first discovered since the 1970s.

Taiohi Māori explored UC at Aukaha Tau 12, connecting with campus life, discovering study pathways into tertiary study, and student support available for Taiohi Māori at UC.

Fast-spreading lowland weeds are invading NZ’s high-country springs, but UC researchers are working to protect these once-pristine biodiversity hotspots.

The University of Canterbury has held its position in a new international rankings report despite a big increase in the number of institutions evaluated worldwide. 

New Zealand’s fastest man is slowing down to lend a hand to athletes striving for their own sporting success later this year. 

The University of Canterbury strengthens its global standing as a leader in global impact, placing 61st in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and second in New Zealand.  

A new UC study is turning its gaze to the stars – not for space travel, but to help protect Indigenous knowledges tied to the night sky.

Pioneering early literacy approach is showing strong results for Kiwi kids, study shows.

As the space industry expands, a UC-led study underscores how smart fuel choices and launch practices can help protect the ozone layer.

The provisional programme for the world’s leading international climate adaptation event, Adaptation Futures 2025 (AF2025), is now available online. 

UC is proud to announce two new UC scholarships to support undergraduate Engineering students with a passion for motorsport. 

Expressions of interest from Pacific artists are invited for the 2025 Artist in Residence programme based at the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury. 

New Zealand could lead the world in using nature’s viral defenders—bacteriophages—to protect food systems and reduce reliance on antibiotics and agrichemicals. 

Chainsaw drones are the next step forward in a University of Canterbury project equipping unmanned aerial tools to carry out tasks that are hazardous for humans.  

The Red Zone in Christchurch—once a thriving residential neighbourhood—is offering UC students a rare opportunity to study climate impacts in real time.

Help us recognise the impact and importance of a vibrant student cohort in the 2025 International Student Awards.  

A Tekapo couple dedicated to astronomy are among 16 University of Canterbury community members to receive King’s Birthday Honours this year. 

Today, more than 1800 Year 12 students took part in the University of Canterbury’s largest Te Rā Tūhura | Discovery Day to date. 

Crusaders rugby players are taking part in a new study using smart rings to explore how sleep, exercise and other daily habits impact their wellbeing and performance.  

Humble limpets clinging to rocky shores around Aotearoa are surprisingly savvy when it comes to climate change adaptation, a new University of Canterbury study shows.

If you think autumn and spring seem different now compared to how they used to be, you’d be right. 

Automating New Zealand’s aquaculture sector using UC-designed AI and 3D technology has the potential to grow the industry, improve biosecurity management, and create new export opportunities.

Discomfort is a major obstacle in our ability to fully embrace virtual reality – new research from the University of Canterbury’s HIT Lab NZ may provide the solution.

UC’s new Industry Advisory Board brings global expertise to guide the University’s Digital Screen programme and strengthen industry partnerships.

What if the humble black soldier fly held the key to reducing our most challenging organic waste and could even help degrade plastics?

New Zealand might be on a natural hydrogen factory that could deliver a thriving multi-billion-dollar, low-carbon hydrogen economy. 

UC researchers explore how new technology could ease Intensive Care Unit (ICU) pressure and position New Zealand as a global leader in healthcare automation.

New research into hybrid timber-steel construction could lead to a $1 billion boost for New Zealand’s wood processing industry and help make housing cheaper and safer. 

A team of researchers from the University of Canterbury are developing a new diagnostic platform that could make early disease detection faster, cheaper, and more accessible.

A UC major breakthrough in gravitational physics has been recognised by a top international scientific journal.

A University of Canterbury-led project will map antimicrobial resistance across Aotearoa New Zealand to identify environmental hotspots.

A new partnership with Qufu Normal University marks UC’s first internationally approved joint education programme in mathematics.

Hundreds of UC students filled Rātā and Ernest Rutherford today for the annual STEM Careers Fair. 

An unwavering commitment to international students has seen the UC Business School shortlisted for a top prize at the UK’s 2025 PIEoneer Awards.