Hei Āhuru Mōwai and Te Kāhui Matepukupuku o Aotearoa (the Cancer Society of New Zealand) are proud and excited to be opening applications for a co-designed PhD Scholarship – the Māori Early Career Development in Cancer Research Awards 2021.
The awards are for researchers who are committed to maximising Māori health gains, addressing health inequities and fostering Māori health aspirations.
Dr Nina Scott, Co-Chair of Hei Āhuru Mōwai, says: “We are really pleased to be part of this exciting co-designed initiative with Te Kāhui Matepukupuku, supporting the development of Maori cancer researchers.”
Te Kāhui Matepukuku o Aotearoa Tumu Whakarae Lucy Elwood adds: “Our equity charter acknowledges significant inequities are experienced by Māori; in cancer rates, cancer care and cancer outcomes. We also note the underrepresentation of Māori researchers in the cancer space. We are delighted to partner with Hei Āhuru Mōwai, who are the leaders in this space, to fund and awhi early career Māori cancer researchers.”
Each PhD Scholarship will last for three years. This comprises a $40,000 stipend per year, $10,000 towards tuition fees per year, and across the length of the award, $10,000 tikanga allowance.
Moahuia Goza, CEO of Hei Āhuru Mōwai says: “Māori Researchers at PhD level often face a number of barriers to further study, including financial barriers. We are proud to offer Māori researchers this living wage stipend so that they can dedicate time to research without having to worry about having enough money for themselves and their whānau to live.”
Applications are open from Friday 20 August 2021 to Monday 27 September 2021. However, this timeframe may be reconsidered if Covid lockdowns continue for an extended period. More information, is available here.
An application review panel, with a mix of researchers, including those with clinical and mātauranga expertise, will review the applications. The announcement of the PhD scholarships is expected in December.
ENDS
Background information
The Cancer Society is a major funder of life-saving and world-class cancer research. In the past 10 years, the Cancer Society has invested more than 52 million dollars in research around the country that has improved the prevention, detection, and treatment of different types of cancer, and aimed to help New Zealanders live longer following a diagnosis.
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Cancer Society Chief Executive Lucy Elwood and Moahuia Goza, CEO of Hei Āhuru Mōwai are available for comments. To schedule an interview, please contact:
Linda Heerink
Communications Advisor Cancer Society of New Zealand
linda@cancer.org.nz
021 757 603
About Hei Āhuru Mōwai
Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa is a national network of Māori cancer professionals, clinicians, researchers and whānau who are committed to Rangatiratanga in cancer control, eliminating cancer inequities between Māori and non-Māori and advocating for better outcomes for whānau.
About the Cancer Society of New Zealand
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country's leading organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders. We are committed to working with communities and decision makers by providing leadership and advocacy in cancer control, with core services in information and support, research and health promotion.