Monday 3 October 2005

Council scholarship recognises Christchurch/Antarctic link

Christchurch City Council is offering a $10,000 one year scholarship for a University of Canterbury student to carry out postgraduate study in Antarctic research.

The scholarship was announced by Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore on Saturday at a Christchurch Town Hall reception, celebrating the opening of the Antarctic summer season.

Gateway Antarctica, the University of Canterbury’s Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research, will administer the scholarship, with logistical support provided by Antarctic New Zealand, the New Zealand Government’s Antarctic division.

“This scholarship will be another recognition of the solid connection between Christchurch and the Antarctic,” Mr Moore said. “Some of these connections are emotional and historic, others eminently practical and scientific,” he said.

Gateway Antarctica director, Professor Bryan Storey said he was delighted with the support from the Council which would enable the University to involve more students in Antarctic research and build important capacity for the future.

The Christchurch City Council Antarctic Scholarship will be advertised through Gateway Antarctica and Antarctica New Zealand.

The successful student will be selected in March for research during the 2006/2007 Antarctic summer season.

ENDS

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