Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a student to take on a research project over the 2025-26 summer period in collaboration with Cawthron scientists!

The student will be based at Cawthron Institute in Nelson for a period of 10 weeks (with a two-week break over Christmas and New Year), commencing after the end of semester two 2025 (mid-November), the student will spend this time not only doing their project but also learning about what it means to have a career as a professional scientist and to have the opportunity to work among the best and brightest scientists around.

Details:

• A presentation or report will be produced by the student at the end of their placement.
• The student will be profiled by Cawthron as a recipient of a funded scholarship.
• Students will need to find their own accommodation, though assistance will be provided if needed.
• Other costs absorbed by Cawthron (e.g. desk, travel, field work, laboratory costs) as part of project budget.
• The successful students will receive a $7,500 scholarship.

Project

With environmental data growing at unprecedented rates, it’s easy for people to feel disconnected from rivers, lakes, and other ecosystems. Much of this information is trapped in technical reports and journals, making it difficult for communities to access and apply. Meanwhile, indigenous knowledge, vital for understanding and caring for the environment, is often underrepresented, and current AI tools risk reinforcing these gaps.

This project aims to develop an AI Environmental Avatar, a digital “voice” for natural entities like rivers, that brings together scientific data and indigenous perspectives. The Avatar will transform complex environmental information into clear, accessible, and engaging language, helping users connect with nature and encouraging positive environmental action.

You will collaborate closely with researchers and data engineers to:

• Help design a cloud-based infrastructure to host a language model that respects environmental and software sovereignty.
• Help develop a language model framework and accompanying tools.
• Help build a proof-of-concept AI model integrating environmental data and indigenous knowledge.
• Identify and prepare appropriate training and reference materials for the model.
• Understand and navigate the permissions, partnerships, and ethical considerations needed to develop environmental avatars responsibly.
  

This is a very rare opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI, environmental science, and Māori knowledge systems, making a real impact on how communities connect with and care for their environment.

We are seeking a student who:

• Has a background in environmental science, ecology, science communication, data science, or data engineering.
• Has an understanding of mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori.
  
• Is confident handling complex datasets, enjoys coding, and has strong problem-solving skills.
• Is passionate about using science and technology to inspire environmental awareness and action.
• Has familiarity with, or a keen interest in, large language models (beneficial but not essential).
• Is of Māori descent and is willing to engage with their own marae, hapū/iwi community as part of the internship.
  

Application Process

Please click "apply" to submit your application for this project. 

All applications are to be submitted via the Cawthron Careers page https://careers.cawthron.org.nz/ by 5pm Tuesday the 23rd Of September 2025.

You must include the following in your application within your CV and cover letter:

Curriculum Vitae

• Relevant previous work experience.
• Letter of support/reference from a 2025 lecturer or tutor.
• Academic transcript with Grade Point Average (GPA).

Cover letter stating your intended qualification in 2026 and your preferences on scholarships if applying for more than one.

Scholarships will be awarded based on merit and Cawthron reserves the right to award the number of scholarships for which it believes it has suitable candidates.

Eligibility to apply (for any of our scholarships):

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Enrolled at a New Zealand Tertiary institution.
• Intending to undertake full-time study in 2026. You may be continuing your Bachelors degree, or planning to begin an Honours, Masters degree.
• Student who has completed their first year of study at the time of application i.e. is undertaking subjects at 200 level or above.

Criteria for awarding these scholarships:

Academic achievement

• Overall Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Most recent semester Grade Point Average (GPA)

Applicant's background

• Subjects covered during study
• Work/research experience
• Future intentions 

At Cawthron we strive for equity and inclusion, if there are accommodations that we can provide to support you throughout the process, or for any questions or if you're having technical issues submitting your application, please email the Recruitment Team on recruitment@cawthron.org.nz. 

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the website and applications can't be accepted through the above email.