Aotearoa New Zealand Tāwhia te Mana Research Fellowships awarded to 22 researchers

Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Fellowships support career development in this country, and enhance equity and diversity.

New Zealand Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowships are for early-career researchers who are building the foundations of their careers and New Zealand Mana Tūārangi Distinguished Researcher Fellowships are for distinguished researchers with expansive career success and prominent international reputations. The Royal Society Te Apārangi is pleased to announce the researchers selected for these two Fellowships. In mid-December 2025, the Society will announce the mid-career researchers who will receive Mana Tūānuku Fellowships.

Mana Tūārangi Distinguished Researcher Fellowships

The Chair of the Selection Panel, Professor Valery Feigin FRSNZ, of Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau – Auckland University of Technology, said: "It was a privilege to review applications from outstanding researchers representing the full spectrum of biological and health sciences in Aotearoa. The panel was delighted to select two exceptional, world-leading recipients for this prestigious fellowship, both conducting cutting-edge research with enduring national and international impact. Together, these researchers exemplify excellence across the scientific landscape — from the ecosystems of the seafloor to the fundamental biological processes that underpin human health".

In 2025, the two Fellowships are being awarded in the field of biological and health sciences. Each Fellowship recipient will receive $220,000 over up to 2 years and will be supported by the Society to extend their leadership role. All Tāwhia te Mana Fellowship holders participate in the hui-a-tau annual workshop to help provide multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional links across the science, innovation and technology system.

The recipients are: 

• Professor James Bell, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
• Distinguished Professor Neil Gemmell FRSNZ, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago

Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowships

Mana Tūāpapa Fellowships have been awarded to 20 promising early-career researchers. Each recipient will receive $820,000 over 4 years and will be supported by the Society to develop leadership skills.

The researchers work on a wide range of questions with potential benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, crime prevention and law, native ecosystems, climate-change resilience, child development, healthy ageing, viruses, emerging disease, and biotechnology.

The Chair of the Selection Panel, Professor Renwick Dobson, of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha – the University of Canterbury, stated: “The Mana Tūāpapa Fellowship scheme provides a critical springboard to launch the careers of our best researchers, fostering innovation, leadership, and impact across disciplines.  This ensures New Zealand’s research landscape remains vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive.  It was a privilege to work with the selection panel and to award fellowships to a group of truly diverse and excellent early-career researchers. There is no doubt in my mind that they have the support to excel in their chosen research fields and the potential to become our future leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The recipients are: 

• Hazel Abraham, Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau – Auckland University of Technology
• Alexandra Allen-Franks, Waipapa Taumata Rau – The University of Auckland
• Philippa Brakes, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
• Helena Cook, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha – University of Canterbury
• Rachel Denee, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
• Alice-Roza Eruera, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago
• Rebecca French, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago
• Apriel Jolliffe Simpson, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato – University of Waikato
• Jesse Kearse, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
• Tara McAllister, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
• Rebecca McMullin, Cawthron Institute
• Caitlin Owen, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago
• Jessica Prebble, Bioeconomy Science Institute (Landcare Research Group)
• Cate Ryan, Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau – Auckland University of Technology
• Oka Sanerivi, Mātai Medical Research Institute
• Wahineata Smith, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago
• Luke Trainor, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago
• Liam Turk, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha – University of Canterbury
• Corey Wadsley, Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland
• Taylor Winter, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha – University of Canterbury