Te Aka Mātuatua | School of Science Postgraduate Conference
A one-day annual event showcasing our students' research.
When:
Monday, 19 October 2026 from 9am - 4:30pm
Where:
University of Waikato, Hamilton Campus, S Block, Ground Floor (S.G.02 & S.G.03)
Who can present:
Postgraduate researchers - we want to hear from you! If you are a current PhD student, actively working on your MSc thesis, or just about to start your MSc project (i.e. enrolled in SCIEN501), we would love for you to present at the Postgraduate Conference.
Who can attend:
Registered students, staff and industry members who are interested in exploring our students’ research across a diverse range of science topics.
The conference schedule will be available closer to the event date.
About the conference
PhD candidates and MSc/MSc(Research) students are given the opportunity to deliver presentations about aspects of their ongoing research in the following areas:
- Biomedical Science
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Ecology, Biodiversity and Animal Behaviour
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
Two sessions are held concurrently, and include oral and poster presentations.
Each year we are joined by representatives from local organisations who generously support student prizes. The day concludes with a prize-giving afternoon tea (catered by Kahurangi).
Registration
Register and attend for FREE!
Registration required for catering purposes.
Register by 18 September 2026 at 11.59pm
Information for students presenting
There will be two drop-in sessions to provide help with your conference preparation.
- Session 1: Abstract writing
4 September 2026 from 2.30pm - 3.30pm in FG.2.06 - Session 2: Poster-making and presenting
25 September 2026 from 3.30pm - 4.30pm in FG.2.06
Other resources
Abstracts
Abstract submissions are due by Friday, 18 September at 11:59pm.
Competitions
Photo Competition
(opens in a new tab)Do you have a photo from the lab or the field that you want to share? Enter the photo competition! The winner will receive a prize, and their photo will be featured in this year's conference booklet. Open to all postgraduate students - presenting or not! Submit by 25 September at 11:59pm.
Mugshot competition
Got a cool, quirky mug that you would love the chance to show off? Bring it along to the conference for our mugshot competition! The winner will receive a spot prize, and the affirmation that their mug is as cool as they think it is.
Donations
A big thank you to the following companies who have generously donated to the 2026 conference!
Prizes
- DKSH Scientific Solutions Award for Excellence in Molecular & Cellular Science Research
- John Morris Group Award for Excellence in Chemistry Research
- Mediscope Award for Communicating Molecular and Cellular Science
- NZIC (Waikato Branch) Award for a Chemistry-Related Oral Presentation
- Professor Craig Cary Memorial Prize for Innovative Use of Molecular Techniques
- Scott Technical Instruments Award for Best Data Acquisition Method
- Tonkin + Taylor Award for Best Overall Presentation
- Tonkin + Taylor Award for Excellence in Masters Research
- J.D. McCraw Prize for Best Presentation in Communicating Earth Sciences Research
- Waikato Regional Council Award for Excellence in PhD Research