Awards in 2007/08

The 2007/08 application round had a closing date of 30 November 2007. Nineteen applications for a Post Graduate Scholarship were received and three were interviewed by the selection panel. The panel comprised of Dr Robin Mann, Chair, Dr Garth Carnaby, Dr Chris Kirk and Dr John Dorgan. Panel member, Paula Jameson was unable to attend but provided feedback based on the written documentation.

Two out of the three shortlisted candidates were considered to be eminently suitable for undertaking post graduate studies and the panel considered both have the potential to make a longer term contribution to the industry. One was already conducting research in the area of traditional wool useage (carpets) while the other had already been researching in the utilisation of nanotechnology in added value application. As noted above, no applications were received for the Undergraduate scholarship.

In view of the very high quality of the proposed Scholars, the Board has accepted the recommendation of the Selection Panel for the appointment of both Scholars. The recipients of Scholarships were:

Kerstin Burridge, a New Zealander, and a student at Victoria University, Wellington and Matthew Sunderland, a New Zealander who gained a Masters at the University of Bradford and an employee of AgResearch for 13 years working in wool research. Kerstin has already completed the first year of her PhD research and was awarded a 2 year Scholarship while Matthew was awarded a 3 year scholarship.

The purpose of the research being undertaken by Kerstin Burridge is to provide a fundamental understanding of the science and technology underlying current work being undertaken at Victoria University on the innovative idea to use gold nanoparticles as colourfast colourants on fine merino wool fibres for high quality textiles and fabrics utilised in high end fashions, thereby providing the industry with a new and unique product suite based on nanoscience, and linking the traditional high value and prestige of gold with high quality fashion.

The objective of Matthew’s research project is to find non-insecticidal insect resist agents which have the ability to protect wool textiles from insect attack. Understanding the mode of action of surfactants on insects, in particular their digestive system, will allow selection of more effective surfactants.

A successful outcome which will enable wool carpets to be protected from insect attack without synthetic insecticides will enhance the environmental image of wool carpets and increase demand amongst certain sensitive consumers in key markets. A successful non-insecticidal solution could be expected to be in high demand, especially in Europe and the UK, where insecticide limits in dyehouse effluent are set at a very low level.

Other

Mutita Klanchantra who was awarded a PhD scholarship in March 2006 advised in March of this year that she wished to pull out of her studies for personal reasons. Mutita has decided that research is no longer the career she wishes to pursue and wishes to pursue a career in marketing. If possible, she would like to work in a field that would allow her to apply the marketing skills she develops to wool products. The Trust was disappointed with this decision and explored approaches that may have allowed her to complete her research but this was not successful. AgResearch advise that some of the work undertaken may prove beneficial in the future.

Subsequent to the end of the financial year, all Fellows and Scholars again participated in the in the 2008 Meat & Wool Industry Orientation Programme held at Lincoln in August. Feedback was very positive about the value of this activity. In view of the lack of interest in the Undergraduate Scholarship a review of the overall programme has been initiated and this will be reported later in 2008.

Awards Made Since the Inception of the Programme

The following table sets out the Awards made to date. All Postgraduate Scholars have been successful in gaining a TEC Enterprise Scholarship which covers 50% of the annual stipend (applications for Matthew and Kerstin are still under consideration).

All of the Fellows/Scholars are reported to be making good progress (other than Mutita who has withdrawn) according to their Supervisors. The first to graduate under the programme will be Jagannath who is due to complete in September 2009.