New Chair in Marine Science

In 2002, The University of Auckland received a generous gift of $600,000 towards the establishment of a Chair in Marine Science.  That contribution has enabled us to engage Associate Professor Andrew Jeffs on a part time basis at the SPCMS laboratory.  Dr Jeffs has his own consulting company and has been a scientist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and a leader into research for innovation in New Zealand's valuable seafood industry.

The new Chair is a fundamental part of the redevelopment of the South Pacific Centre for Marine Science at Leigh. It recognises the importance the University and the Faculty of Science place on the development of marine science scholarship and research in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.
 
It is proposed that the Chair in Marine Science become one of The University of Auckland's first fully endowed Chairs. Such Chairs require an investment income that ensures a return of $250,000 per annum to support the work of the Chair holder in perpetuity.  

Specifically, an endowment of $5 million is needed to provide $250,000 per annum.  The $600,000 donation in 2002 means the University is now seeking a leadership gift of $4.4 million to complete the endowment.

This endowment would be the major part of a package surrounding the Chair.  The University will be raising funds from other sources to create a supporting package that will cover associated costs, including an up-and-coming academic, part-time secretarial assistance, student and post graduate support, and working expenses.