2022 Research Honours Aotearoa Ōtepoti Dunedin

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA

Our warmest congratulations to the winners of the Research Honours Aotearoa 2022. Our celebrated awards recognise researchers in New Zealand who have achieved excellence in scholarship, innovation, or who have made a significant contribution to Aotearoa through their research and career.

Hosted by Royal Society Te Apārangi, these annual awards are championed by New Zealand’s research community and its associated networks. We acknowledge our partners the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden for their continued support and sponsorship, and all others who have contributed to this year’s Research Honours Aotearoa. We are enormously proud of our sparkling winners and their outstanding achievements. Mauri ora!

PROFESSOR CHARLOTTE MACDONALD FRSNZ ACADEMY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI

TŪHURA TOROHĒ TOHATOHA

ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI

EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR HUMANITIES

For emerging researchers in humanities research in New Zealand

DR ANNA HIGH

Faculty of Law

University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

ORPHAN RELIEF IN CHINA

Presented for socio-legal exploration of orphan relief efforts, child rights and charity regulation in mainland China. Anna’s book Non-Governmental Orphan Relief in China: Law, Policy and Practice is based on extensive longitudinal, ethnographic research in China, drawing on interviews with NGOs and private caregivers across rural and urban China engaged in the provision of orphan relief. Her book focuses on child rights and the oversight, both legal and extra-legal, of charitable endeavours, in the context of one of China’s most disadvantaged groups of children – gu’er, literally the “lonely children”. Described as “masterful and thoughtful”, her book was awarded the 2020 Asian Law and Society Association Distinguished Book Award, reflecting its outstanding merit as an original piece of humanities research.

ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES

For emerging researchers in social sciences research in New Zealand

DR CHRISTINA ERGLER

School of Geography — Te Iho Whenua

University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

VALUING YOUNG CHILDREN’S INPUT FOR URBAN PLANNING

Presented for research highlighting young children’s contribution to achieving just, healthy, sustainable and inclusive cities. Christina’s research demonstrates that young children are silenced on urban issues, but they deserve the right to be listened to. Young children not only demonstrate a logical interpretation of their environments and an awareness of risk and vulnerability, but they also care about their city, neighbourhoods and home spaces. Christina’s work bridges disciplinary boundaries and is highly-regarded for subscribing to child-led methodologies and provides accessible tools for planners and urban policy makers.

HATHERTON AWARD

For the best scientific paper by a PhD student at any New Zealand university in chemical sciences, physical sciences, mathematical and information sciences

DR LENA COLLIENNE

Department of Computer Science University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

COMPUTING THE SHORTEST PATH BETWEEN EVOLUTIONARY TREES

Presented for identifying a biologically meaningful way to calculate distances between species or variants in genomic data analysis. In tree diagrams, or phylogenies, the number of steps needed to transform one tree into another describes a "distance" between two trees. To date, these distances have been complex and impractical to compute. Lena established that a distance called Ranked Nearest Neighbour Interchange (RNNI) can be computed and discovered an efficient algorithm to do so. With Lena's algorithm, it is now possible to compare trees for large data sets efficiently. This is the first positive result in over 20 years of research. Her algorithm has been incorporated into the widely-used BEAST phylogenetic software package for analysis of genomic data.

PROFESSOR DAVID BILKEY CHAIR, MARSDEN FUND COUNCIL TE PŪTEA RANGAHAU A MARSDEN

Fundamental, ‘blue-sky’ research is crucial to ensuring a healthy, vibrant and resilient research culture in Aotearoa, capable of addressing major societal challenges. We are particularly keen to support the development of the next generation of emerging researchers. It is also heartening to see recognition for an increasing engagement in mātauranga Māori – an effort we commend for its potential positive impact on the underrepresentation of Māori in academia.

The Marsden Fund Council is delighted to have supported many of the excellent researchers recognised in this year’s Research Honours Aotearoa.

THIS YEAR is the first time the Jones Medal has been awarded since the untimely death of the late Sir Vaughan Jones, winner of the prestigious Fields Medal, and Fellow of the Royal Society of London and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Te Apārangi).

Associated with this Medal is a $5000 prize generously supported by the family of Sir Vaughan Jones and administered through the New Zealand Mathematics Research Institute.

Hearty congratulations on behalf of the New Zealand Mathematics Research Institute to this year’s winner!

JONES MEDAL

Lifetime achievement award in pure or applied mathematics or statistics

DR KENNETH DODDS AgResearch

STATISTICAL TOOLS FOR GENOME-BASED LIVESTOCK BREEDING

Presented for developing and applying statistical methods for genetic data analysis that enable the use of low-cost genotyping in primary industries and ecology. Ken is highly respected for leadership in statistics and bioinformatics and he is internationally recognised for developing, adapting and implementing tools for livestock breeding and the mapping of genes in livestock. Throughout his career, Ken has been a global leader in developing and combining new statistical tools with genetic analysis. His methods and software allowed genome regions in livestock to be associated with diverse production traits. More recently, he has led the development of statistical tools for the application of low-cost DNA sequencing for genetic improvement.

HERCUS MEDAL

Health sciences award for excellence in molecular and cellular sciences, biomedical science or clinical science and public health

PROFESSOR STEPHEN ROBERTSON

FRSNZ

Laboratory for Genomic Medicine

University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

GENOMIC MEDICINE FOR ALL

Presented for research on genetic conditions impacting children and seeking to establish equitable delivery of genomic medicine for Māori. Stephen is a clinician-scientist and an international authority on the clinical and molecular genetics of life-limiting malformations and neurocognitive disorders. He has discovered the cause of more than 30 disorders, enhancing the clinical care of people with such conditions globally. He is committed to developing accurate diagnostic genomics for Māori and is currently co-leading the assembly of a national resource to enhance genomic medicine for tangata whenua. He is Chair of Paediatric Genetics at Cure Kids, and is involved in the leadership of multiple national and international research consortia. He is a clinician, translating his research findings into practice, and is committed to equity and access to care.

THOMSON MEDAL

For outstanding contributions to the organisation, support and application of science or technology in New Zealand

PROFESSOR DAVID HUTCHINSON

Dodd-Walls Centre

University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

LEADERSHIP FOR PHYSICS RESEARCH AND OUTREACH AND SUPPORTING EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS

Presented for establishing and developing the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, advocating for early career researchers and developing outreach partnerships through the museum sector. From 2013, David led the Dodd-Walls Centre’s bid to become a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) and has been the Centre’s Director ever since. The Centre is a flagship for outstanding New Zealand physics research. In partnership with Otago Museum, which David has also served on the board for, the Centre has delivered outreach across Aotearoa and the Pacific. In addition, David led the University of Otago’s Ozone Group of early career researchers and helped form the InterAcademy Partnership’s Global Young Academy, which advocates for early career researchers across the globe, especially in developing nations.

RUTHERFORD MEDAL

For an exceptional contribution to the advancement and promotion of knowledge for the benefit of New Zealand society

THE DUNEDIN STUDY

LED BY PROFESSOR RICHIE POULTON CNZM FRSNZ AND TEAM MEMBERS PROFESSOR MURRAY THOMSON FRSNZ, PROFESSOR TERRIE MOFFITT (DUKE UNIVERSITY), PROFESSOR AVSHALOM CASPI (DUKE UNIVERSITY)

The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

LONGITUDINAL DUNEDIN STUDY GIVES COUNTLESS INSIGHTS INTO WELLBEING, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Presented for insights into the human condition and resulting global impact on scientific theory, research, policy, and best-practice from the 50-year-old Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health & Development Study (The Dunedin Study). It has followed a cohort of over 1,000 study members since birth – arguably the most studied group of human beings in history. The study has allowed researchers to collectively produce 1,400+ peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book-chapters and assorted reports on many aspects of human wellbeing, health, and development. The multidisciplinary study is renowned for generating new, cross-disciplinary knowledge about a range of ‘big picture’ issues.

These include the long-term influence of childhood experience (for better or for worse) on adult function and life success; the complex interplay between nature and nurture; and why individuals age at markedly different rates, and thus vary in their susceptibility to noncommunicable diseases and early mortality. The study is also renowned for its significant discipline-specific contributions to mental, oral, respiratory, cardiovascular, and sexual health as well as social and behavioural research.

CHRIS BUNNY

DEPUTY SECRETARY, LABOUR, SCIENCE AND ENTERPRISE MINISTRY FOR BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT

With great pride and pleasure, I give my congratulations to all the winners of the Research Honours Aotearoa 2022.

Our world is constantly evolving, and it is important that we invest in the brilliant minds who are dedicated to making breakthroughs in their respective fields. The diligence and excellence these researchers demonstrate will both influence and make significant and meaningful change in our lives now and into the future.

The bright ideas displayed by our winners will continue to transform our lives for the better.

Congratulations again to all! Tu meke!

OUR 2022 MEDALS AND AWARDS CONTINUE!

We are hosting three smaller, regional events this year. In Kirikiriroa Hamilton on Wednesday 9 November, we announced seven medals and awards, and three Health Research Council awards.

In Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on Tuesday 22 November, we announce a further nine medals and awards, and an additional Health Research Council Liley Medal. After this, a full listing of winners will be available on royalsociety.org.nz/medals-and-awards

KIRIKIRIROA HAMILTON WINNERS RESEARCH HONOURS 2022

ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI TE KŌPŪNUI MĀORI RESEARCH AWARD

For an early career researcher to recognise innovative Māori research with a promising trajectory

DR MELISSA DERBY

Ngāti Ranginui

Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education, University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

CULTURALLY-RESPONSIVE LITERACY LEARNING

Presented for creating a culturally-responsive literacy programme aimed at strengthening bilingual preschool children's early literacy skills in te reo Māori and English.

COOPER AWARD

For encouraging research excellence in technology, applied science and engineering by early career researchers in New Zealand

DR HAMID ABBASI

Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau

BIOMARKERS FOR AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING BRAIN INJURY AT BIRTH

Presented for developing advanced technology for automatically identifying biological markers of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HI) at birth.

MACDIARMID MEDAL

For outstanding scientific research that demonstrates the potential for application for human benefit

AGRESEARCH PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY TEAM

INCLUDING DR GREG BRYAN, DR NICK ROBERTS, DR SOMRUTAI WINICHAYAKUL AgResearch Palmerston North

SOLVING HUNGER AND CLIMATE CHANGE WITH SUPERCHARGED CROPS

Presented for research on enhanced photosynthesis, increasing nutrient and energy density of forages and crops to improve productivity and animal performance whilst reducing environmental impacts of agriculture.

HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL TE TOHU RAPUORA MEDAL

For outstanding leadership and contribution to Māori health

DR TESS MOEKE-MAXWELL NGĀI TAI KI TĀMAKI, NGĀTI POROU AND TE ĀRAI PALLIATIVE CARE AND END OF LIFE RESEARCH GROUP

University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau

SUPPORTING WHĀNAU THROUGH THE END-OF-LIFE PATHWAY

Presented for outstanding leadership and research that has helped improve palliative care, end-of-life and tangihanga experiences for Māori kaumātua and whānau throughout Aotearoa.

PROFESSOR SUNNY COLLINGS CHIEF EXECUTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND

The Health Research Council is committed to supporting and growing a diverse health research workforce whose research can help Aotearoa New Zealand meet current and future health challenges and advance the health of Māori and Pacific peoples and other groups who experience health inequity.

We are proud to partner with Royal Society Te Apārangi to celebrate the significant achievements of some of our country’s outstanding researchers.

HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL LILEY MEDAL

For published research that makes a significant contribution to health and medical sciences

PROFESSOR VALERY FEIGIN FRSNZ

Auckland University of Technology Te Wānanga Aronui o Tamaki Makau Rau

GLOBAL STUDY ON RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE

Presented for the landmark Lancet Neurology paper that showed for the first time the global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors in all the world's 204 countries.

HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL BEAVEN MEDAL

For excellence in translational health research

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR NIGEL WILSON Starship Children’s Health

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH ON RHEUMATIC FEVER AND RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE

Presented for his groundbreaking research to help children in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands battling rheumatic fever and its subsequent damaging heart disease.

HECTOR MEDAL

For outstanding work in chemical, physical sciences, or mathematical and information sciences

PROFESSOR MURRAY COX FRSNZ

Computational Biology Research Group, Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

ANSWERING LONG-STANDING QUESTIONS IN GENOME EVOLUTION

Presented for major advances in population genetic theory and the innovative development of associated computational methods that have delivered deep insight into genome evolution.

METGE MEDAL

For excellence and relationship-building in the social science research community

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR YVONNE UNDERHILL-SEM

Department of Pacific Studies University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau

UNDERSTANDING GENDER RELATIONS IN PACIFIC COMMUNITIES

Presented for intellectual leadership on gendered social relations and development studies.

HUMANITIES ARONUI MEDAL

For research or innovative work of outstanding merit in the humanities

PROFESSOR TIMOTHY MULGAN FRSNZ

University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau

ETHICS FOR FUTURE HUMANITY

Presented for prolific, original and influential contributions to moral philosophy, philosophy of religion, and political philosophy.

TE PUĀWAITANGA RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD

For eminent and distinctive contribution to Te Ao Māori and indigenous knowledge

DR WAIKAREMOANA WAITOKI

Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Mahanga Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

INDIGENISING PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSION

Presented for indigenising the psychology profession with intentional space-making for Māori and indigenous values.

TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA WELLINGTON WINNERS RESEARCH HONOURS 2022

(Announced 22 November 2022)

Te Kōpūnui Award Hamilton Award Charles Fleming Award For Environmental Achievement Health Research Council Liley Medal (Additional)

Mason Durie Medal Pou Aronui Award Tahunui-A-Rangi Award Callaghan Medal Hutton Medal Pickering Medal

NAU MAI HOKI MAI

It’s great to be able to come together and reconnect in person this year. The Research Honours Aotearoa 2022 remind us to take time to honour the many amazing talents of our winners and to celebrate the passion they demonstrate for their areas of expertise. What an immense difference New Zealanders can make!

There are many future challenges and exciting opportunities that will come from ‘exploring, discovering and sharing’. Our awards and medals celebrate those who are doing that. Our warmest congratulations to this year’s winners, who are recognised for achieving excellence, scholarship, mātauranga and innovation, or for making a significant contribution to Aotearoa through their research and career.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini success is not individual but collective, and we acknowledge all the colleagues and whānau of the winners who have supported them. Ka rawe!

DR BRENT CLOTHIER FRSNZ PRESIDENT, ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI