Science news

A major global review led by UC researcher outlines practical, catchment-scale solutions to help rivers worldwide “soak up” increasingly extreme climatic events. 

A nature-based approach to river management could bring greater protection against flooding than building bigger stop-banks, new research suggests.

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.

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

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

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

A new UC study has looked at the evolutionary significance of super genes and their potential role in species survival.

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

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

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 University of Canterbury research is shining light on Christchurch’s introduced little owls, helping us understand what they eat and where they live. 

The most productive breeding season since 2022 has given UC students and researchers fresh hope for kororā/little penguins at Pōhatu/Flea Bay. 

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. 

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

Five UC academics who have built international careers have been recognised for their contributions and elected as Royal Society Te Apārangi Fellows today. 

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.

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

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

A University of Canterbury researcher has discovered microplastics are contaminating organic compost and biosolids in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The University of Canterbury (UC) and Environment Canterbury are teaming up to tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

A Canterbury student is becoming an expert on “extremophile” microorganisms as part of a unique study into underground hydrogen storage.

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

Timber slash and debris from flooding events is decimating Aotearoa New Zealand’s vital underwater kelp forests, a nationwide study shows.

A new wildfire forecasting system that updates using real-time weather data could help firefighters protect lives and property from a growing global threat. 

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury alumni who have been recognised in the New Year Honours List for 2025.

A UC student-led research team has looked at the barriers to kids getting outside to play, as global trends suggest not playing outside is leading to negative effects on their development.

An innovative UC-led study explores how tailored strength programmes improve bowling speed and performance for young pace bowlers in Canterbury.

A new Postgraduate Diploma in Associate Psychology will be developed at UC to help address mental health workforce shortages in New Zealand.

Attachment styles and level of trust in AI influence how willing people are to use it as a counselling tool, a new UC study has found.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

MOVE Software Donation from PE Ltd helps Canterbury Researchers

A Kiwi team is reaching for the stars with world-leading research into a new interstellar comet described as a ‘dusty snowball’.

A community-led pest trapping programme at Barnett Park is helping restore native birdlife and strengthen connections to nature for the Redcliffs community.

These scholarships are principally for our current undergraduate students but there are some postgraduate and doctoral scholarships too. 

First an orchid species, now a whole new genus – a UC botanist is honoured again as a daisy genus is named after him.  

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

Breakthrough research has established the world's first framework for detecting sudden declines in underwater light that threaten coastal marine ecosystems.

A UC student is turning surplus seaweed into compostable packaging, using science and curiosity to tackle plastic waste in Aotearoa.

A conservation effort has eradicated mammalian pests on all Mercury Islands, providing a haven for native species.

What are the wider implications of our receding glaciers and melting snowcaps? Associate Professor Heather Purdie will discuss the global issue in a free talk.

AI techniques and satellite images are helping to identify communities at risk from flooding and extreme heat in a new University of Canterbury-led study.

Three UC researchers have been selected as 2026 Fellows of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, recognising the international impact and excellence of their work.

After more than a decade trapped in a secret man-made WWII cavern, a unique laser that connects New Zealand and Germany has been rescued and restored.

A UC-led study reveals how a kea without an upper beak became the dominant male in his group through a unique fighting strategy - jousting.

UC research is challenging assumptions about how autistic children best understand what they read.