Search Marsden awards 2008–2017
Search awarded Marsden Fund grants 2008–2017
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Fast-Start
Year Awarded: 2016
Title: Establishing natural baselines of glacier variability in a warm world
Recipient(s): Dr SR Eaves | PI | Victoria University of Wellington
Associate Professor F Herman | AI | University of Lausanne (Switzerland)
Associate Professor AN Mackintosh | AI | Victoria University of Wellington
Professor JM Schaefer | AI | Columbia University, New York
Public Summary: The ongoing retreat of mountain glaciers worldwide is considered to represent a clear signal of anthropogenic global warming. In the Northern Hemisphere this attribution is strengthened by long (>100 yr) records of glacier and climate observations. However, Southern Hemisphere glaciers are less well studied, thus we must turn to the geological record to provide long-term context for understanding present and future change.
In New Zealand, existing geological records suggest that glaciers may have been larger than present for the majority of the Holocene Epoch (the last ~12,000 years). However, these records only represent times of past glacier advance, thus little is currently known about glacier response to previous periods of warming. Recent advances in geological dating techniques now provide the opportunity to address this knowledge gap, by directly quantifying the duration of past glacier retreat periods.
In our new research, we will utilise state-of-the-art dating techniques to determine how long New Zealand glaciers were smaller than today during the Holocene. Integrating these new geological constraints with computer model simulations of past glacier fluctuations, we aim to answer the question: Is the current retreat of New Zealand glaciers unprecedented in recent geological history?
Total Awarded: $300,000
Duration: 3
Host: Victoria University of Wellington
Contact Person: Dr SR Eaves
Panel: ESA
Project ID: 16-VUW-171
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Standard
Year Awarded: 2011
Title: Establishing the engineering fundaments of a new algal based phosphorus removal process
Recipient(s): Prof AN Shilton | PI | Massey University
Dr AZ Gu | AI | Northeastern University
Dr N Powell | AI | Massey University
Public Summary: According to a recent article in Nature, global phosphorus supply, on which New Zealand agriculture depends, could be exhausted in as little as 50 years time. Ironically, one of New Zealand’s most serious environmental problems is that we have far too much phosphorus where we don’t want it – 63% of New Zealand’s rivers have a phosphorus concentration above guideline levels.
Imagine if algae could be ‘triggered’ to suck up large quantities of phosphorus from domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents on demand. Massey University researchers have shown that algae can, at times, accumulate much more phosphorus than needed for growth. However, we currently don’t understand what conditions are needed to reliably ‘trigger’ this phenomenon or which algae are responsible.
This research will for the first time investigate the environmental, biological and process conditions needed to 'trigger' phosphorus accumulation by 'drilling down' to study algal responses at the individual cell level using advanced analytical techniques. There is a real opportunity here to lay the scientific foundation for a new algal biotechnology capable of harvesting phosphorus from our effluent.
Total Awarded: $647,826
Duration: 3
Host: Massey University
Contact Person: Prof AN Shilton
Panel: EIS
Project ID: 11-MAU-053
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Fast-Start
Year Awarded: 2010
Title: Ethnicity counts? A global model of ethnic enumeration
Recipient(s): Ms TH Kukutai | PI | University of Waikato
Mr VT Thompson | AI | Stanford University
Public Summary: Counting populations by ethnicity is a contentious issue in many parts of the world. Since the 1980s numerous national case-studies have scrutinised how and why governments engage in ethnic enumeration. These studies have contributed important insights into local dynamics, but have had limited relevance beyond a specific context. This research heralds a new way of thinking about ethnic classification and counting. It develops a centralised, time-series database that combines census ethnicity questions for around 200 countries with economic, social and political data. The broad goal is to increase understanding of the conditions that enhance or suppress ethnic distinctions in the census. Though international in orientation, this research has profound local relevance. New Zealand has a long and complex history of counting by ethnicity and ethnicity remains a key policy concern. Yet, research on the topic has been ad hoc and fragmented. This research will enable agencies in New Zealand to evaluate their practices within a global context, and to identify options that might generate desired processes and outcomes. By developing a deeper understanding of ethnic enumeration, this research will provide a window into fundamental questions about contemporary nation-building, national identity, and the role of ethnicity.
Total Awarded: $260,870
Duration: 3
Host: University of Waikato
Contact Person: Ms TH Kukutai
Panel: SOC
Project ID: 10-UOW-022
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Standard
Year Awarded: 2010
Title: Evaluating the impact of excess ionisation on the atmosphere (EI EI A)
Recipient(s): Dr CJ Rodger | PI | University of Otago
Dr MA Clilverd | AI | British Antarctic Survey
Dr AJ McDonald | AI | University of Canterbury
Assoc Prof NR Thomson | AI | University of Otago
Public Summary: During magnetic storms in space, hot electrons rain down into the polar atmosphere ('energetic electron precipitation'). This electron precipitation has recently been linked to large variations in surface air temperature patterns at the poles. Evidence suggests the air temperature variations are due to ozone-destroying chemicals produced by the electron precipitation. These chemicals can survive for months during the polar winters. However, energetic electron precipitation has not been well measured, nor is it known how the atmospheric changes it produces are transported from altitudes of ~60-90 km down to the polar surface.
To address the knowledge gaps, first, we will combine satellite observations with ground-based radio electron precipitation data, to determine actuall electron precipitation variances over a number of years. Incorporation of this data into atmospheric models will improve our understanding of the polar surface air temperature variations.
From here, combining the enhanced modelling with new satellite data, we will have a more accurate view of how different heights of the polar atmosphere are coupled through transport.
This approach will bring us closer to determining the importance of the impact of electron precipitation on the polar atmosphere, particularly during the long dark winters.
Total Awarded: $700,000
Duration: 3
Host: University of Otago
Contact Person: Dr CJ Rodger
Panel: ESA
Project ID: 10-UOO-016
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Standard
Year Awarded: 2017
Title: Eviction and its consequences: representation, discourse and reality
Recipient(s): Professor PLH Howden-Chapman | PI | University of Otago
Dr MJ Bennett | AI | Victoria University of Wellington
Dr SP Bierre | AI | University of Otago
Dr ES Chisholm | AI | University of Otago
Ms CA Davies | AI | Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust
Mr PJ Hannam | AI | Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust
Dr B Schrader | AI | Victoria University of Wellington
Dr LF Telfar Barnard | AI | University of Otago
Dr BA Toy-Cronin | AI | University of Otago
Public Summary: Being evicted is a feared experience for tenants. This study is a wide-ranging inquiry into evictions in Aotearoa New Zealand. It first examines eviction of Māori, Pākehā and other ethnic groups historically, including the way their experiences are represented in literature, painting and music. We will compare historical and current law governing evictions in New Zealand with that of other jurisdictions. We will observe the proceedings of the Tenancy Tribunal, which has the power to order the eviction of tenants for non-payment of rent, and interview the Tribunal Adjudicators. Using administrative data and the Tribunal’s records we will analyse who experiences eviction and under what circumstances. In-depth interviews will allow us to investigate the effect of eviction on tenants’ lives, while analysis of open-access landlord online forums will enable us to understand why and how tenants are evicted. Our rounded examination of the fairness and quality of the processes and consequences of eviction in the past and the present will make a unique contribution to social science, socio-legal theory, and understanding the sharp end of housing problems.
Total Awarded: $845,000
Duration: 3
Host: University of Otago
Contact Person: Professor PLH Howden-Chapman
Panel: SOC
Project ID: 17-UOO-207
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Standard
Year Awarded: 2014
Title: Evolution equations with memory and random fluctuations
Recipient(s): Dr B Baeumer | PI | University of Otago
Dr M Kovács | PI | University of Otago
Public Summary: Evolution equations with memory are commonly used to forecast the behaviour of a complex
system such as subsurface transport and storage of carbon dioxide or nitrate, or the spread of an epidemic. Due to storage or incubation time, a common feature is that the history of the system still influences the present ('memory'). It is known that random external forces such as rain or temperature fluctuations can have a large effect. However, what exact conditions can cause a large effect or their likelihood is unknown.
To gain a better understanding of this problem, we will study stochastic semi-linear
partial differential equations with memory using recently developed techniques from infinite dimensional analysis. In particular, we will establish well-posedness of these equations and study the regularity properties of their solutions. We will develop numerical approximation techniques and prove convergence with convergence rates. This will gauge the power of the numerical algorithm and ensure its reliability. We will consider both external additive noise and stochastic reaction rates as sources for uncertainty.
This research will help quantify the uncertainty inherent to the system; that is, quantify the
influence of measurement error or the environmental stochasticity and hence quantify the predictive
power of the governing differential equations.
Total Awarded: $565,000
Duration: 3
Host: University of Otago
Contact Person: Dr B Baeumer
Panel: MIS
Project ID: 14-UOO-147
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Fast-Start
Year Awarded: 2015
Title: Evolution of a gene silencing mechanism contributing to speciation
Recipient(s): Dr NW Albert | PI | Plant and Food Research
Professor AD Hudson | AI | University of Edinburgh
Professor CR Martin | AI | John Innes Centre
Public Summary: Gene silencing is proposed to have contributed significantly to generating morphological diversity between species and driving evolutionary change. Yet how these gene silencing mechanisms evolve, and whether they contribute to speciation remains equivocal, because examples amenable to molecular and phylogenetic investigation are lacking. We propose examining the siRNA-generating allele RoseaEluta, which suppresses flower colour in the model plant Antirrhinum. This allele exists in wild species and contributed to speciation because of its effects upon flower colour, modifying plant-pollinator interactions. This represents a rare opportunity to examine the evolution of such a mechanism that is amenable to molecular and genetic investigation.
Total Awarded: $300,000
Duration: 3
Host: Plant and Food Research
Contact Person: Dr NW Albert
Panel: CMP
Project ID: 15-PAF-001
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Standard
Year Awarded: 2009
Title: Evolution of cold tolerance in New Zealand alpine stick insects
Recipient(s): Dr TR Buckley | PI | Landcare Research
Dr MS Clark | AI | British Antarctic Survey
Dr BJ Sinclair | AI | University of Western Ontario
Public Summary: Insects living in cold environments have evolved a remarkable set of physiological mechanisms to enable their survival in subfreezing conditions. But how have these mechanisms evolved? Attempts to understand the evolution of insect species in subfreezing habitats is hampered by this lack of knowledge. We will work to resolve this issue by investigating the evolution of cold tolerance in New Zealand stick insects using a range of physiological and molecular genetic experiments. The results will help to answer long-standing questions on insect adaptation to harsh environments and shed light on the evolution of New Zealand's fascinating and unique alpine biota.
Total Awarded: $688,889
Duration: 3
Host: Landcare Research
Contact Person: Dr TR Buckley
Panel: EEB
Project ID: 09-LCR-001
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Standard
Year Awarded: 2009
Title: Evolution of the unnecessary: did a key step in translation in bacteria evolve from invading selfish DNA?
Recipient(s): Professor JA Heinemann | PI | University of Canterbury
Dr AM Poole | PI | Stockholm University
Dr BK Kurenbach | AI | University of Canterbury
Public Summary: Bacterial translation differs from translation in eukaryotes and archaea in that the initiating methionine is formylated. Despite its antiquity, this modification serves no clear function. The biochemistry of formylation and deformylation resembles toxin-antitoxin systems, and we therefore hypothesise this process originated from a plasmid-borne addiction system. Bacterial mutants are translation-competent in the absence of formylation, meaning the ancestral formylation-free state may be recovered. Formylation genes will be reintroduced on plasmids to test our hypothesis. Advanced sequencing technologies will be used to track genetic changes associated with adaptation to formylation-free translation, and coevolutionary adaptation of reintroduced formylation genes and host chromosome.
Total Awarded: $551,111
Duration: 3
Host: University of Canterbury
Contact Person: Professor JA Heinemann
Panel: CMP
Project ID: 09-UOC-013
Fund Type: Marsden Fund
Category: Standard
Year Awarded: 2015
Title: Evolutionary drivers of ornamental colouration in male and female birds
Recipient(s): Associate Professor J Dale | PI | Massey University
Dr M Valcu | AI | Max Planck Institute
Public Summary: Classic sexual selection theory predicts that males obtain greater fitness benefits than females through multiple mating. Sexual selection is therefore expected to lead to the evolution of male-biased secondary sexual characters. However, females of many species are also highly ornamented, which may be due to a correlated genetic response to selection on males, or due to direct selection for ornamentation in females. Our preliminary work supports the latter view, but a comprehensive analysis of all potential drivers of ornamentation in both sexes is needed. We will test the signalling functions of male and female ornaments by quantifying coloration in all 9903 species of birds using a novel method to objectively score colour elaboration. We will then use an extensive database of avian traits and apply modern phylogenetic comparative methods to contrast predictions from the four central evolutionary mechanisms for generating interspecific diversity in ornamentation: genetic correlations, natural selection, sexual selection and social selection. Our study will be the first to capture the essence of evolutionary transitions in male and female ornamentation in an entire taxonomic class. Additionally, our study will help correct the immense bias in our current Darwinian view stemming from a literature primarily focused on males.
Total Awarded: $775,000
Duration: 3
Host: Massey University
Contact Person: Associate Professor J Dale
Panel: EEB
Project ID: 15-MAU-136