The Bio-Protection Research Centre is offering 15 Summer Scholarships for research to be conducted during the 2009/2010 summer. These scholarships, worth $5,000 each, cover a range of bioprotection science topics from biological control to biodiesel, and provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn as they learn.

Programme co-ordinator Professor Phil Hulme says the Bio-Protection Research Centre is a firm believer in the transfer of skills to students and in building future research capacity for New Zealand's land-based industries. 

"We invest in Summer Scholarships with the aim of encouraging the best students to choose a career in bioprotection. The students who are selected for these Scholarships will be exposed to cutting edge science and rub shoulders with scientists at all career levels. They will get hands on experience of research methods and the research environment. It's a great opportunity."

The 15 projects are based at Lincoln, Massey and Auckland Universities. They are open to domestic students of New Zealand universities with an average grade point score of 6.5 or above who are enrolled to study fulltime at a New Zealand university in 2010.

Each 10-week scholarship is valued at $5000 (tax free). Applications must be submitted electronically on the correct form from the bioprotection website by Friday 4 September. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 25 September. For further information go to www.bioprotection.org.nz/summer-scholarships