“I cannot speak highly enough of the Food Transitions 2050 postgraduate school programme.
The support I received throughout my PhD surpassed all expectations, from administrative assistance to supervisory guidance and the enriching extracurricular learning experiences. ”
- Max Nightingale-McMahon (2021 cohort)
Collaborating across multiple universities and CRIs was invaluable, providing both a broad and deep range of expertise and helping me envision my career path within New Zealand's science / food production sector. Working alongside fellow students not only deepened my understanding of the challenges facing the sector, but also provided a vital support network throughout the research process.
What has been the most valuable part of your scholarship experience to date?
The opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with other students with similar focus areas.
Julie
I enjoy having the cohorts because it let's me talk to other students who can relate to everything that's going on. PhD friends are extremely valuable because you can help each other out.
I get to work with a CRI and for me, that is Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. I've been doing my last experiment there and everyone there has been incredibly kind and helpful and I've learned that their working environment is supportive and cohesive which is something I value.
Antonia
The opportunity to study in a cohort was a big part of choosing this as the pathway to do my PhD. It is giving me the opportunity to learn how our research topics interact, to network and to push my thinking and ideas further than if I was doing this on my own.
Angela
What unexpected insights or moments have stood out to you during this programme?
I realised the academic life can be unexpected interesting and exciting, rather than only repeating each single day.
Yanyu
When I first started this PhD, I had a bad case of imposter syndrome. Being around all of the other PhD students and all of the staff and guest speakers has helped me realise that this is something I can do a good job at. Learning from others experiences has made me feel like many things in a PhD are relatable and that makes me feel better.
Antonia
The opportunities to test work has come fast. Already, I've been able to submit abstracts to international conferences which opens the door to international collaboration with the worlds best, find out new ideas and to test my own thinking and assumptions.
Angela
How has being part of FT2050 influenced your future career aspirations?
The cohort is so diverse. This gives me the opportunity to think more broadly and how the work that we are doing can have impact here and internationally.
Angela
Being a part of FT2050 impacted me a lot for my future career plan. I was supposed to going back home to pursue a "stable job", however FT2050 gives me a new insight for my research area. I decided to explore more in my field in New Zealand, keeping good connections with local scientists, and I wish to make an achievement in developing future food.
Yanyu
FT2050 has helped me explore the possibility of working in research/CRI (as opposed to only academia) than previously.
Antonia & Alex
Future scholarship recipients - how to make the most of this opportunity.
Advice from our existing students…
Make the most of the social side of being part of the cohort. It is a really unique position to be in where you have the opportunity to work through the challenges of doing a PhD alongside a large and diverse group.
I believe that maintaining strong connections within this program and community allows people to gain valuable insights and knowledge.
I would certainly encourage everyone to come to the monthly workshops. PhD friends/colleagues are valuable.
The support from the programme staff and the broad cohort is awesome. This scholarship is an invaluable and amazing way to delve into my research and connect to real world opportunities. I feel very honored to be a scholar.
To get involved early. The monthly meetings are free for recipients and regardless of how busy you are, all I have attended have been valuable.
