Linsell Richards Education Foundation

The Linsell Richards Education Foundation (LREF) supports education and research in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. It is administered by NZSOHNS to advance knowledge in the specialty and benefit the Society’s membership.

In memory of Linsell Richards

The Foundation commemorates Linsell Richards, a former Society President, Otolaryngology examiner, member of the RACS New Zealand Committee and New Zealand Director of Training in Otolaryngology. Following his death on 21 June 1986 while serving as President, a memorial collection established the fund to continue and develop academic work in the specialty.

What LREF supports

The Foundation’s funds may be used for educational and research purposes within the specialty. Grant decisions give due consideration to benefits for the membership as a whole.

Activities described in the Terms of Reference supplied by the LREF Chair include research projects, teaching courses, training workshops and support for higher education degrees. Educational webinars and visiting speakers who provide ORL education in New Zealand may also be considered. These are examples of potential support, rather than an announcement of available awards.

Application rounds and eligibility

LREF invites applications twice each year. Contact NZSOHNS for the current call, closing date, available funding and maximum request before preparing a submission. This page does not announce an open funding round or guarantee an award.

The supplied Terms of Reference describe applicants as NZSOHNS members, ORL trainees or registrars in New Zealand, and people whose work can improve ORL training or education in New Zealand, as considered by the Committee. Confirm how the current round’s eligibility requirements apply to your proposal.

Preparing an application

The application form and research scoring rubric supplied by Jacqui Allen in October 2026 provide the following preparation guide:

  • Describe the project, the problem or unmet need it addresses, its relevance to ORL and its intended benefits.

  • Set out a clear protocol, achievable outcomes and a realistic timetable, with the staff, equipment and other resources needed.

  • For research, explain the study design, recruitment, power calculation and statistical analysis where relevant. Identify appropriate reporting or research frameworks and provide ethics and locality approvals where required.

  • Explain the contribution to health equity for New Zealand patients, including relevance to Māori, other underserved groups, disability and access to care across Aotearoa.

  • Identify supervisors, collaborators, institutional support and access to the patients, data or audience required.

  • Provide a detailed, itemised budget and disclose previous grants or scholarships, including earlier LREF support.

The research rubric considers scientific relevance, clarity and feasibility, study design, health equity, support structures, the detailed budget and previous funding. Funding is considered alongside other applications; a score alone does not guarantee support.

Educational proposals

Education is one of the Foundation’s purposes. Describe the learning need, relevance to ORL in New Zealand, intended audience, accessibility, expected benefit and delivery plan. Ask NZSOHNS about the current assessment requirements for educational applications.

Contact NZSOHNS about LREF applications and the current assessment documents.

Committee and oversight

Jacqui Allen chairs LREF and also chairs the Society’s Academic Committee. Jacqui confirmed the current LREF Committee membership on 10 November 2026:

  • Jacqui Allen — Chair;

  • Michael Bergin — Society Treasurer;

  • Murali Mahadevan — Society President; and

  • Philip (Phil) Bird — Society President-Elect.

The Academic Committee is a separate committee comprising Jacqui Allen (Chair), Philip (Phil) Bird, Andy Wood and Ray Kim, as confirmed by Jacqui on 10 November 2026.

The LREF Committee is responsible to NZSOHNS Council. It considers applications and makes recommendations for Council approval. The Society’s administration procedure requires conflicts of interest to be declared and managed, and assessments, decisions and payments to be documented.

LREF is administered through NZSOHNS and has no separate legal existence. Its funds are held in a separately identifiable account, distinct from membership subscriptions and the Society’s general administrative funds. Funds must be applied to the Foundation’s purposes and managed prudently.

See the NZSOHNS Council and Foundation overview, the Society’s charitable purposes and the approved Constitution. Download the LREF Terms of Reference (PDF).

PDF: Chair-supplied Terms of Reference, October 2026; public copy prepared 11 November 2026. Read alongside the current Constitution and applicable law, and confirm current call dates and available funding before applying.

After an award

The supplied application form and Terms of Reference require successful applicants to provide an annual progress or summary report on the funded activity and its outputs. Recipients should confirm the reporting dates and any other conditions in their award documentation.

Supporting the Foundation

The Foundation may receive gifts, donations and other contributions, which must be applied to its purposes. Enquire about supporting LREF through NZSOHNS. Donation arrangements should be confirmed with the Society.

Information reviewed 16 October 2026 using the documents supplied by the LREF Chair and the Society’s administration procedure. Confirm current round details with NZSOHNS before applying.

Apply online or download an application

Open the LREF application page to complete the application through this website, or download the editable Word form or printable PDF and return it using the shorter upload form.

Before applying, confirm the current call, closing date, eligibility and available funds with NZSOHNS. The application page does not announce an open funding round or guarantee support.