Wellington Botanical Society Tom Moss Student Award in Bryology

Wellington Botanical Society invites applications for an Award of up to $500 the aim of which is to enhance the understanding and awareness of New Zealand bryology, and to celebrate the memory of Tom Moss with the Society over many years.

Tom Moss was an active member of the Wellington Botanical Society for many years, and was a participant in the very first John Child Bryophyte Workshop in 1983.   He helped to organise the second Workshop at Akatarawa in 1984 and attended every year after that until the Kaikoura Workshop of 1993.

To commemorate his name, his contribution to New Zealand botany, and his particular interest in bryology, a Trust Fund was established following discussion at the 2006 John Child Bryophyte Workshop.   It is administered by the Wellington Botanical Society.   The Tom Moss Student Award in Bryology provides a small annual prize for the best student contribution to New Zealand bryology.

The first Award was made at the John Child Bryophyte Workshop to be held in December 2008 in the Catlins Region of SE Otago.   Contributions that would qualify for the Award include:
•   A student presentation at the Workshop relating to New Zealand bryology.
•   A paper relating to New Zealand bryology.   Only one application per student will be accepted (i.e. either a presentation or a publication).   This can be published, or accepted for publication, or a significant unpublished report.   This should be published or written in the twelve months immediately prior to the Workshop and submitted for judging by 1st Nov each year (see below).   It is not necessary to attend the workshop where a paper is submitted for consideration.

Contributions are invited and will be considered from any student enrolled for a B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., or equivalent degree in the twelve months immediately prior to the Workshop.   Students may be enrolled in a New Zealand or overseas university, and may include work on overseas bryophytes as long as the work relates in some significant way to New Zealand bryology.

An Award of $500 will be made by a panel of three judges attending the Workshop and appointed by the Wellington Botanical Society.   The panel may reserve the right to make no award if there are no suitable contributions.

Publications for consideration should be submitted with a covering letter by 25 October each year to: Tom Moss Student Award, Wellington Botanical Society, PO Box 10 412, Wellington 6143.

Students intending to make a qualifying presentation at the Workshop should indicate this when they enrol for the Workshop.

Further information about the Award may be obtained from Dr Patrick Brownsey, Te Papa, P.O. Box 467, Wellington (Phone: 04 381 7135; e-mail: patb (at) tepapa.govt.nz).