New Fellowship for Māori Health Researchers Marks 35 Years of the NZUK Link Foundation
- nzuklink
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The NZUK Link Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of a new Fellowship designed to support Māori health researchers in building international collaborations. The programme enables researchers to visit and work with leading UK universities and research institutes for 2-3 months, advancing studies in medicine or public health. Fellowship administration and applications will be handled annually by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, with successful applicants also eligible to apply for the European Educational Programme in Epidemiology, a three-week residential summer course.
This exciting development comes in the Foundation’s 35th anniversary year. Since being established in 1990 as the Waitangi Foundation, under the patronage of HRH The Princess Royal, and Vice-patron, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa the NZUK Link Foundation has been fostering transformative educational, cultural, and technological exchanges between New Zealand and the UK.
A significant pillar of the Foundation’s work is made possible through the generosity of Dr Elman Poole, a neurologist and philanthropist whose medical background makes the launch of this new health research fellowship especially meaningful. His visionary endowments have already created transformative opportunities for young New Zealanders, including the Bruce McLaren Automotive and Racing internships in partnership with the Uk Friends of the University of Auckland and the McLaren Trust, and the prestigious Sinfonia Smith Square orchestral music fellowships in London. This new initiative with the Royal Society Te Apārangi,now sits proudly alongside these flagship programmes, extending Dr Poole’s legacy into the health sciences and opening fresh pathways for emerging Māori researchers to contribute internationally and at home.
Sally Martin, Chair of the Foundation, adds:
“These new Fellowships are enabled by the generosity of Dr Elman Poole. His medical training and visionary philanthropy make this health research initiative a particularly fitting extension of his legacy.”
Professor Neil Pearce, Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says:
“I see great potential to establish links and develop collaborations which will benefit both Māori health researchers, and those they work with in the United Kingdom. There is much that we can learn from each other.”
Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas OBE, British High Commissioner to New Zealand, adds:
“The NZUK Link Foundation embodies the deep ties between our two nations, promoting mutual growth through the exchange of skills and innovative thinking. This new fellowship offers Māori health researchers the opportunity to collaborate with leading universities in the UK and return home with learnings that will uplift communities across New Zealand.”
Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding DNZM FRACP FRSNZ, President of Royal Society Te Apārangi, reflects:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for early-career researchers in medicine or public health. I myself thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Oxford, gaining not only skills and knowledge, but also networked with colleagues who remain lifelong friends. We are delighted to be partnering with the NZUK Link Foundation to make this happen.”
Applications are open from 2 September 2025 to 19 January 2026.
Link here for full information about the application process, the NZUK Link Foundation, and the European Educational Programme in Epidemiology.
To submit applications or queries, please email: awards@royalsociety.org.nz
