Monday 9 November 2009 12:32pm
Science student Vicki Alderson-Wallace from Otago University has been selected as one of six recipients of the 2009 BAYERBoost environmental scholarship scheme.
BAYERBoost, administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand in partnership with Bayer New Zealand, offers students a unique opportunity to get involved with hands-on research and to learn skills appropriate to their chosen fields of study through summer work projects.
Vicki will be hosted by Rotorua's Scion Research for 12 weeks assisting in the re-measurement of the Totara trial at Tapapakanga Regional Park.
Vicki's research project aims to help bring native forests back to the New Zealand landscape by improving the diversity of forests and providing refuge areas for indigenous wildlife. She hopes that this research will help in providing sustainable resources for North Island iwi in the future.
"The BAYERBoost scholarship provides a great opportunity for me to develop my scientific research skills, broaden my scientific knowledge and further my interest in New Zealand ecology which will benefit my future studies and career," says Ms Alderson-Wallace.
This year's successful students will receive between $3,000 and $6,000 in grants, depending on their level of study.
Bayer spokesperson, William Malpass says that as a research-based global company, Bayer has supported environmental and education initiatives for more than 100 years and supports a number of global projects aimed at increasing environmental awareness and improving knowledge of the environment among young people.
"New Zealanders like to be at the forefront of change and innovation, so it's exciting to see so many of our young people dedicated to making improvements in our environment and protecting our natural resources.
"These young people are pushing the boundaries of what so many of us take for granted and they should be heralded for their passion and commitment. It is truly exciting to be part of that," he says.
Through the partnership with the Royal Society, Bayer is in its second year of contributing $120,000 over three years to the BAYERBoost scholarship scheme.
To be eligible for a BAYERBoost scholarship, students must be under the age of 24, enrolled in a New Zealand senior secondary school or undergraduate tertiary programme, and studying environmental sciences or related areas.
Bayer New Zealand queries contact
William Malpass,
Corporate Communications Manager
Email william.malpass.wm@bayer-ag.de
Tel 09 441 8591
Background
Bayer: Science For A Better Life
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. The company's products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time Bayer creates value through innovation, growth and high earning power. The Group is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its role as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. Economy, ecology and social responsibility are corporate policy objectives of equal rank. In fiscal 2008, Bayer employed 108,600 people and had sales of €32.9 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to €2.0 billion, R&D expenses to €2.7 billion.
For more information, go to www.bayer.com.
About the Royal Society of New Zealand
The Royal Society of New Zealand is an independent, non-government organisation with the objective of advancing and promoting science and technology. It is the Academy of Sciences for New Zealand and has a membership of more than 1500 individual scientists and technologists as well as about 50 constituent organisations.
The Society promotes science and technology through various channels including education programmes for primary and secondary school students and teachers and the provision of advice to government to promote evidence-based policy. The Society also administers government research funds (for research of excellence in New Zealand as well as international collaborations).
For more information visit www.royalsociety.org.nz/
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