Pharmaceutical residues entering waterways contribute to antimicrobial resistance and aquatic contamination, both of which carry consequences for human health and wellbeing. This project investigates how to design out the unnecessary environmental burden of medicines, without compromising pharmaceutical performance.
This project links environmental and social stewardship, forming part of a broader research programme mapping where, how and why pharmaceutical waste occurs in Aotearoa. The successful candidate will develop a method to quantify environmental impact across all planetary boundaries, then apply this to a codesign process with health professionals and community stakeholders, drawing on the supervisory team's existing relationships with Māori and Pacific whānau to ensure intervention concepts are equitable. Aspects explored will include pack sizes, deactivation mechanisms and absorbent systems that convert liquid to solid
waste for safer disposal. A single intervention pathway will be selected, developed, refined and evaluated using human-centred design principles and planetary accounting metrics.
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Sara Hanning
Other Supervisor(s): Ali Reza Nazmi
Key qualifications and skills
Applicants must meet the University of Canterbury’s PhD entry requirements.
This project would suit a candidate who has experience in formulation science (including chemical formulation design, chemical engineering and pharmaceutical science) and an interest in environmental sustainability. Strong interpersonal communication skills and a diplomatic approach will be important for the success of this project.
Does the project come with funding
Per annum: Stipend of $32,650 plus PhD tuition fees. The project also has up to $5,000 available for research expenses across the duration of the degree.
Funding duration: Three years (360 points)
Final date for receiving applications
27 October 2026
How to apply
This is a UC Commitments Doctoral Scholarship and applications must be made through the Scholarship Portal in your myUC account. Emailed applications will not be considered. Find out more here: University of Canterbury Scholarship Portal - UC Commitments - Designing out waste: Reducing the impact of liquid medicines on planetary boundaries in Aotearoa New Zealand
Keywords
Product design, planetary boundaries, medicine, waste, pharmaceuticals
