Research students' peer groups
The research students’ peer groups are a network of student-led groups where AUT postgraduate research students can meet, connect and share ideas. Find out which students' peer groups exist at AUT and learn how to start your own group.
Action Research Connections
Join this multi-discipline community that shares action research projects (and related approaches) and ideas for ongoing learning, discussion, mentorship and potential joint projects.
Contact us
Katharine Hoskyn katharine.hoskyn@aut.ac.nz
Art and Design PhD Research Group
A peer support group for current art and design doctoral students.
Contact us
Emelia French efrench@aut.ac.nz
Shelley Simpson shelley.simpson@aut.ac.nz
BEL PhD peer group
A peer support and networking group for PhD students of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. We offer a range of resources including guest speakers, facilitated workshops, group discussions and peer support around everything PhD-related over shared kai (food). This forum is also great for networking and creating friendships with your fellow PhDs.
Contact us
Hansini Gunasekara hansini.gunasekara@autuni.ac.nz
Climate Change Researchers' Group
The purpose of the climate change researchers’ group is to promote a supportive environment for climate change postgraduate students to meet on a regular basis. During meetings we talk about our research and share how our research journey is going. Both master's and PhD students are welcome to join.
Contact us
Currently seeking new leadership - to express your interest contact anaise.irvine@aut.ac.nz
Distance Students' Group
Join other distance students in this online group to swap tips and share your research journey with some new friends. From time to time we get together in the real world over a real coffee; come and join us.
Contact us
Magdalena Durrant ksj8600@autuni.ac.nz
Immersive Experience Research Group (IERG)
Immersive Experience Research Group (IERG) is an interdisciplinary team of students who explore and experiment with extended reality (XR) technologies—virtual, augmented, and mixed reality—in fields like media, communication and digital experiences. We want to blend experience and insights from as many different sources as possible, like media studies, software development, design, and any other subject interested in understanding how immersive media is transforming storytelling, education, and social interaction. Our goal is to propose innovative and fun projects at the intersection of theory and practice, aimed at exploring the future and possibilities of XR and its societal impact.
Contact us
Sebastian Gil Parga sebastian.gilparga@autuni.ac.nz
Postgraduate Potluck Group
Details coming soon.
Oral Health Postgraduate Students’ Group
The Oral Health Postgraduate Students' Group fosters an enriching academic network for postgraduate students embarking on or interested in oral health research. The group meets monthly at the AUT North Campus, creating a forum to discuss research progress, share valuable experiences and brainstorm innovative ideas. We also facilitate increased learning and networking opportunities with guest speakers. This supportive community encourages peer collaboration and engagement, contributing significantly to the postgraduate research journey.
Contact us
Farzana Sarkisova farzana.sarkisova@aut.ac.nz
Qualitative and Mixed Method Peer Support Group
Graduate students learn from each other from a variety of qualitative and mixed methods. We encourage peer guidance and support models to appraise research topics from all AUT schools. You can practise conference presentations, PGR2/9, mock oral exam, share your knowledge and experience and bring any research-based queries to the group.
Contact us
Contact Sovannaroath Tang at tang.sovannaroath@gmail.com or Anni Zheng at annizheng96@gmail.com.
Rehabilitation PhD Students' Group
We welcome PhD students from the Rehabilitation Innovation Centre (RIC) and Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute (HRRI), as well as those working in related disciplines. We meet fortnightly on the North Campus.
Contact us
Ruth McLaren ruth.mclaren@aut.ac.nz
Research Writing Group
This highly supportive and social group meets twice monthly: once on Zoom, and once for coffee in person. Our group offers a place to talk about where you are at in your writing and research, and share advice and resources.
Contact us
Cindy Wang cindyseeme@126.com or Holly Butson holly.butson@autuni.ac.nz
Tourism and Hospitality Doctoral Tea Party
A group for tourism and hospitality doctoral students to socialise, share their research journeys (both ups and downs), and learn from expert guest speakers.
Contact us
Email Sophie Hayden and Pauline Marie at autdoctoralteaparty@gmail.com
Looking to connect with Māori, Pacific, and indigenous research students?
Check out the Mai-ki-Aronui group!
Contact us
Graduate Research School
Phone: +64 9 921 9907
Email: grs@aut.ac.nz
City Campus - level 5, WU Building
Start your own group
Not interested in these groups? To start one of your own, email us:
Shut Up and Write! group
This group for research students and staff at AUT is your chance to dedicate some focused time to working on your writing while having support from other researchers.