At LIC we are proud of our contribution to the New Zealand dairy sector. Our vision is to improve the prosperity and productivity of New Zealand farmers; and we want great people to join us on our journey.

The Livestock Improvement Patrick Shannon Scholarship Programme is named after one of the most remarkable and innovative bovine geneticists and reproductive biologists in the world. Dr Shannon joined Livestock Improvement in the mid-1950s, and made a variety of world-breaking discoveries, which continue to provide vitality and profitability to the New Zealand dairy industry.

Funding provisions and identification of candidates

Scholarships will be awarded as one-off grants to successful honours students in their fourth year. For Masterates, grants may be a one-off grant or made in a series of progressive payments.

A selection panel from LIC's Research and Development team will assess applications according to set criteria (outlined below).

Where feasible, successful candidates may be encouraged to undertake one month's paid work at LIC's premises near Hamilton, prior to, or at the end of, their scholarship period.

The successful student(s) will be required to present the findings of their dissertation or thesis to LIC and make a copy of the dissertation or thesis available to the LIC library.

Criteria for selection

Academic excellence, with special emphasis on mathematics, statistics, machine learning, or science; records should be accompanied by a recommendation from the university's relevant head of department.

A commitment to working in genetics or machine/analytical learning, or any other area of interest to LIC.

The student will use the scholarship grant to complete their final year of study, gaining a qualification that enables them to enrol in a PhD programme.

The student must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, and legally able to work in New Zealand upon completion of their studies.

Application 

Applications close 28 November 2025. At this time, we will respond to applicants. 

When you apply, you will receive an honours/masters application form which we require applicants and tutors to complete and return. This needs to be returned before the application closing date. 

For application queries please contact:

Kerri Brown
Executive Assistant
Research & Development Group
Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd
Private Bag 3016
Hamilton 3240
Ph: 022 033 0266 E-mail: kerri.brown@lic.co.nz
Web: www.lic.co.nz