What is the Applied Doctorates Scheme?
The Applied Doctorates Scheme (ADS) represents a transformative initiative in New Zealand's higher education landscape, specifically tailored to foster doctoral-level research that directly addresses industry needs. Launched in 2025, this national programme pairs top PhD candidates with leading businesses to solve real-world challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Unlike traditional PhD programmes, which often emphasize theoretical research, the ADS emphasizes practical application, embedding students within industry settings for at least six months to gain hands-on experience.
At its core, the scheme aims to bridge the longstanding gap between academia and industry in New Zealand. Doctoral students not only conduct cutting-edge research under academic supervision but also receive training in entrepreneurship, project management, commercialisation, and innovation. This dual focus equips graduates to transition seamlessly into high-impact roles outside universities, boosting the country's innovation economy. The programme's structure includes co-supervision by academic and industry experts, participation in annual conferences, speaker series, and specialised workshops, ensuring a comprehensive development experience.
Background and Government Backing
The ADS was established amid New Zealand's push to enhance productivity through science and innovation, as outlined in government workforce initiatives. Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) with a substantial $20 million allocation over five years, the scheme supports up to 30 PhD students annually, potentially benefiting around 150 scholars in total. This investment underscores the government's commitment to producing 'work-ready' doctorates capable of driving economic growth.
Recent announcements highlight the scheme's momentum. In a press release from the Beehive, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti celebrated the 'outstanding response' from the research sector, noting that the programme 'backs high-value science that will deliver results for New Zealanders'. This strong backing has attracted widespread interest, with the inaugural call receiving robust submissions and preparations underway for subsequent cohorts.
Host Universities and Collaborative Framework
The University of Auckland leads the ADS consortium, partnering with Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Otago, and Massey University to host the secretariat and manage operations. All eight New Zealand universities are invited to participate, promoting nationwide collaboration. This consortium model draws inspiration from successful European programmes, adapting them to Aotearoa's context, including principles like kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality).
The governance group comprises diverse leaders, including academic deans like Prof. Neil Dodgson from Victoria University and Prof. Tracy Riley from Massey, industry figures such as Amelia Linzey from Beca, and Māori representatives like Te Horipo Karaitiana from Te Awanui Huka Pak. This ensures balanced oversight, emphasising Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and equitable outcomes. For those exploring academic careers, resources like higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com can complement such opportunities.
The Inaugural Cohort: Pioneering Energy Innovation
The first call, themed 'Aotearoa’s Path to Energy Innovation', invited submissions for 15 doctoral projects and 25 student positions, closing on 19 January 2026. Projects focused on renewable, equitable, and resilient energy solutions, aligned with New Zealand's emissions goals and cultural values. Selected students undertake PhD research embedded in industry, benefiting from pastoral care and cohort support. The overwhelming interest in this cohort signals the scheme's appeal, with Ara Ake offering support for energy-focused proposals.
Examples include research on supercapacitor-assisted power converters at the University of Waikato, highlighting practical applications in low-frequency energy systems. This cohort sets a benchmark, demonstrating how ADS integrates disciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to national priorities.
Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on Unsplash
Upcoming Themes and Expanding Opportunities
Building on success, the ADS has announced themes for future calls: Aerospace, Defence, and Security for 2026, opening mid-February, and Biotechnology & Bioprocessing for 2027. These themes target high-growth sectors, inviting research entities to propose projects that advance STEM technologies. For prospective students, this means diverse pathways in cutting-edge fields, with applications typically following project announcements. More details are available on the official ADS website.
Industry partners gain direct access to talent addressing market gaps, such as advanced aerospace capabilities or bioprocessing innovations. Universities like the University of Auckland emphasise how these themes align with global challenges like sustainability and security.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying to the ADS involves two streams: project submissions from research organisations and student applications to selected projects. For projects, entities submit detailed proposals outlining research aims, industry embedding, and alignment with themes. Students provide a CV and Expression of Interest, demonstrating fit for specific projects.
- Review open calls and project descriptions on applieddoctorates.nz.
- Prepare documentation, including evidence of academic excellence and industry relevance.
- Submit by deadlines, e.g., January for inaugural.
- Await selection notifications, typically within months.
- Upon acceptance, commence PhD with ADS supports.
Domestic and international students qualify, with scholarships covering fees and living costs. Massey University recently opened applications, welcoming overseas candidates. Career advice on higher ed career advice can help tailor applications.
Key Benefits for PhD Students
Participants gain unparalleled professional development, including workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship, led by specialists. Networking via speaker series and conferences connects students to leaders, while industry embedding builds commercial acumen. Graduates emerge as versatile leaders, primed for roles in business, policy, or startups—far beyond traditional academia. Prof. JR Rowland of Auckland notes the scheme 'equips emerging researchers with skills, kaupapa, and networks'.
Statistics from similar programmes show 80-90% employment in non-academic sectors post-graduation, a trend ADS amplifies. For NZ students facing brain drain, this retains talent domestically.
Industry and Economic Impacts
Businesses access embedded researchers tackling specific challenges, accelerating innovation without full R&D overheads. Māori enterprises benefit via inclusive governance, fostering equitable growth. Nationally, ADS addresses skills shortages, with Minister Reti highlighting its role in building a 'pipeline of researchers'. Links to MBIE reports detail projected GDP contributions from enhanced STEM commercialisation: MBIE announcement.
Explore related opportunities at research jobs or NZ academic positions.
Perspectives from Universities and Stakeholders
University leaders praise ADS. Vice-Chancellor Dawn Freshwater (Auckland) sees it answering 'big challenges' like sustainability. Prof. Diane Ruwhiu (Otago) calls it a 'catalyst' for impact. Industry voices like Mark Rocket (Kea Aerospace) value the talent pipeline. Recent media echoes 'strong backing' amid high application volumes, per Scoop and Mirage News.
Challenges include ensuring diverse participation and measuring long-term impacts, but early enthusiasm prevails.
Future Outlook and Getting Involved
With themes expanding, ADS positions NZ higher education as innovation hubs. Future cohorts could scale, incorporating AI or climate tech. Students, apply via unis; industry, propose projects. Rate professors or find jobs at Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice. The scheme's trajectory promises sustained growth, attracting global talent to Kiwi industry.
