PhD Scholarship - Recognising Taonga with AI: Facial Recognition for Kaka Conservation Management at Victoria University of Wellington 2025

PhD Scholarship - Recognising Taonga with AI: Facial Recognition for Kaka Conservation Management at Victoria University of Wellington 2025

This PhD scholarship supports research that creates the world’s first AI‑based tool to identify individual kaka in Wellington using facial recognition, eliminating the need for manual tagging. The project integrates deep learning, computer vision, and unsupervised machine learning while embedding Māori cultural values (tikanga Māori) to guide conservation management in partnership with Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, Wellington City Council, and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Eligibility Criteria

1. A Master’s degree with an excellent academic record and strong skills in AI, computer vision/deep learning, statistics, mathematics, and programming (preferably Python).
2. Experience applying AI to real‑world problems, with an interest in ecology, conservation, and developing AI‑based methods for kaka research.
3. Excellent communication skills in English and a desire to build cultural competency.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on academic merit, alignment with the research project, and expressed interest in the research area.

Application Process

1. Email applications to bird‑ai@vuw.ac.nz, including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, a writing sample (e.g., publication or thesis chapter), and names of two referees.
2. Submit all scholarship‑specific documentation directly to the project leaders.

Award

The scholarship provides NZD 35,000 in funding.

Note

1. The NZD 35,000 annual stipend is paid monthly to the student, with tuition fees and levies paid directly to the University.
2. Recipients must submit regular PhD progress reports and comply with conditions similar to the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship.

Apply for the scholarship here.