2022 Research Honours Aotearoa Te Whanganui-a-tara

TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA WELLINGTON

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

MEDALS AND AWARDS 2022

THIS YEAR, WE HOSTED THREE SMALLER, REGIONAL EVENTS.

In Kirikiriroa Hamilton on 9 November, we announced seven medals and awards, and three Health Research Council awards.

In Ōtepoti Dunedin on 16 November, we announced seven medals and awards.

Our Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington celebration on 22 November announced a further nine awards and medals, and one Health Research Council medal –an additional Liley Medal for 2022.

A full listing of this year’s illustrious winners, and previous winners dating back to the early days of the Society can be found on royalsociety.org.nz/medalsand-awards

ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI TE KŌPŪNUI MĀORI RESEARCH

AWARD

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

DR TARA MCALLISTER

Te Aitanga ā Māhaki

Centre for Science in Society, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

WHY ISN’T MY PROFESSOR MĀORI?

Presented for research into the underrepresentation and undervaluing of Māori academics. Tara’s ground-breaking research has drawn national and international attention to the under-serving of Māori by New Zealand’s universities. Her most pivotal work ‘Why isn’t my professor Māori? A snapshot of the academic workforce in New Zealand universities’ showed Māori comprise only 5% of the academic workforce and this proportion has remained stagnant for at least six years. This paper has provided much needed quantitative evidence that supports the lived experiences of Māori academics. It has informed Te Ara Paerangi, the research sector reform, and leveraged change within higher education institutions. Subsequent research by Tara and collaborators has highlighted inequities for women, Māori and Pasifika in the research sector.

HAMILTON AWARD

For encouraging scientific research in New Zealand by early career researchers

DR CHRISTOPHER CORNWALL, RUTHERFORD DISCOVERY FELLOW School of Biological Sciences, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

FORECASTING CORAL REEF STATUS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE

Presented for work on the impacts of climate change on coral reef growth globally. Coral reefs are built by calcium carbonate-producing organisms that are highly susceptible to climate change. Ocean warming causes mass bleaching of corals, while ocean acidification reduces the ability of calcifying species to build their calcium carbonate skeletons and grow. Chris’s work was the first to estimate the effects of climate change on the ability of hundreds of real-world coral reefs to grow. By amalgamating data and modelling, the research quantified the effects of climate change at more than 200 locations globally. He found that even under low greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, coral reefs will suffer extensive impacts, and will cease to exist as we know them under moderate or higher emissions scenarios.

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

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

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.

CHARLES FLEMING AWARD

For distinction in the protection, maintenance, management, improvement or understanding of the environment, in particular the sustainable management of the NZ environment

PROFESSOR ANN BROWER

Te Kura Aronukurangi School of Earth and Environment, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury

IMPORTANCE OF HIGH COUNTRY MANAGEMENT FOR BIODIVERSITY

Presented for pioneering interdisciplinary research that challenged the foundations of high country tenure review, and catalysed legislative reform to improve the conservation of New Zealand’s unique landscapes and biodiversity. Loss of habitat is an ongoing threat to native biodiversity. Almost singlehandedly, Ann discovered that a quiet administrative process (tenure review of Crown leasehold land), over large land areas, was delivering negative biodiversity outcomes at high cost to the taxpayer. Few academics can say their work has protected 5% of NZ's landmass. Ann's legacy of science-led legislative change will protect the ecological integrity of the South Island high country. Using economics, law, politics, and ecology, her research helps combat species loss globally and locally, improving mechanisms for evaluating and protecting habitats.

MASON DURIE MEDAL

For an outstanding contribution to the social sciences that while originating in a New Zealand environment, has had an international impact

PROFESSOR HALLIE BUCKLEY

Department of Anatomy, University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

SKELETONS AS WINDOWS INTO THE HEALTH AND DIET OF PAST PEOPLE

Presented for transforming the way we conceptualise the biomedical history of the ancestors of modern Polynesians, and groundbreaking discoveries of ancient disease in Asia. Hallie leads numerous large scale, multidisciplinary and multinational projects on the bioarchaeology of diet and health in the AsiaPacific region. These projects interrogate skeletal and chemical evidence of the lived experiences of populations during major periods of change, as either initial colonisers of a region or when undergoing significant biosocial change. She has applied multi-disciplinary techniques to pioneer foundational knowledge regarding the quality of lives of ancient Pacific people, and first generation European and Chinese immigrants to Aotearoa. Hallie works closely with descendant communities in all stages of her research. She has facilitated large-scale repatriation projects of tangata to mana whenua and engages with various government agencies on forensic identification.

POU ARONUI AWARD

For distinguished service to humanities aronui over a sustained period

PROFESSOR PAUL MILLAR

School of Humanities and Creative Arts, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury

CHAMPION FOR DIGITAL HUMANITIES

Presented for commitment to growing capacity and expertise in New Zealand in digital humanities, which involves the intersection of digital technologies and humanities disciplines. During his career, Paul has obtained $2.42 million funding for digital humanities projects, promoted its teaching, created nationally significant archives, championed post-disaster humanities research, and served as president of the Australasian Association for Digital Humanities. Paul’s commitment dates to the 1990s, researching text digitisation to teach out-of-print books. In 2001, he secured funding to establish the NZ Electronic Text Centre, which digitised collections include war histories, literary and historical texts, significant Māori and Pacific collections, and science and natural history archives. In 2011, he co-created the CEISMIC Canterbury Earthquakes Digital Archive which includes recorded earthquake narratives using the QuakeBox, a transportable recording studio, and in 2016 he established the UC Arts Digital Lab.

TAHUNUI-A-RANGI AWARD

Recognising excellence in invention and creation which is significant in its economic, social, cultural, or environmental impact

DEBORAH CUMMING AND NINA WEAVER

Wellington School of Design Ngā Pae Māhutonga, Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

FIT-FOR-PURPOSE HIJAB FOR MUSLIM POLICEWOMEN

Presented for creating a fit-for-purpose hijab, Operational Hijab Design, that supports safe and inclusive practices and changes the future of policing for Muslim women around the world. The Operational Hijab Design fills a gap in fundamental uniform requirements for Muslim policewomen. It was commissioned by New Zealand Police following the devastating 2019 Christchurch terror attack that drew attention to the lack of Muslim representation in police ranks. Following a codesign process, the design allows for the freedom of movement and rigorous performance that policing demands, and can be worn with all police issue headwear. This innovative design means more Muslim women might consider a career in policing, supporting inclusive police services that can better reflect the communities of Aotearoa and the world.

HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL

LILEY MEDAL

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

PROFESSOR

COLIN SIMPSON

Wellington Faculty of Health, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Presented for his role as a lead author of one of the first papers in the world to confirm the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. Using data from Scotland, the Nature Medicine paper found no link between the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and any of the adverse effects under examination, while the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine was found to be associated with small increased risks of some adverse events similar to other common vaccines. The results came at a critical point in worldwide vaccination programmes, providing reassurance of the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines in the real world and likely saving many lives by encouraging a high vaccine uptake.

CALLAGHAN MEDAL

For an outstanding contribution to science communication and raising public awareness of the value of science to human progress

PROFESSOR MICHAEL BAKER MNZM

Department of Public Health, University of Otago Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou ki Pōneke (Wellington)

COVID-19 COMMUNICATOR FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Presented for science-informed commentary on the Covid-19 pandemic and other major public health issues in New Zealand. Michael has been a leading public health researcher and practitioner for 30 years. During that time, he has been one of New Zealand’s most dedicated and effective science communicators. He has focused on a wide range of health issues along with evidenceinformed solutions and used multiple channels to engage with the wider public, decision-makers, and key groups of practitioners. He is passionate about opportunities to organise society in ways that promote health, equity and sustainability. His work during 2020-22 has been dominated by assisting with the Covid-19 pandemic response. This work has including strong scientific advocacy for the elimination strategy and other measures which have contributed to New Zealand’s highly successful Covid-19 response.

HUTTON MEDAL

For significantly advancing understanding in animal sciences, earth sciences or plant sciences

PROFESSOR RUPERT SUTHERLAND

School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

FRSNZ

PICKERING MEDAL

To recognise excellence and innovation in the practical applications of technology

PROFESSOR ROD BADCOCK

Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

SUPERCONDUCTING ENGINEERING FOR ALL-ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT

GLOBAL PLATE TECTONICS AND NEW ZEALAND’S ALPINE FAULT

Presented for fundamental discoveries in global plate tectonics, the evolution of Zealandia and the implications for active faulting and large magnitude earthquakes in New Zealand. Rupert has made ground breaking, and world-recognised research contributions to the earth sciences in the fields of plate tectonics of the southwest Pacific, and active faulting in New Zealand. He has unravelled the geological evolution of greater Zealandia, revolutionising the understanding of our geological and biological heritage. As a consequence, Zealandia is now recognised as the 8th continent on Earth. He has also quantified the potential effect of large earthquakes on the population centres in New Zealand. His work on the Alpine Fault has identified its structure, slip rate and earthquake history, and he was the first to recognise that it was capable of generating magnitude 8 earthquakes.

Presented for developing superconducting technologies that are enabling electrical machines at the leading edge of current engineering practice. High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) enable step-change increases in powerdensity and efficiency of electric machines, such as needed for electric aircraft and high-speed trains. Complex ceramic HTS conductors exhibit runaway (non-linear) mechanical and electrical behaviour, requiring new mechanical, electrical, and cryogenic cooling engineering methodologies to prevent this. Rod leads the development of a New Zealand platform mitigating this behaviour and enabling HTS machines internationally. Rod’s accomplishments in advancing the science and technology of superconductors have already had an important commercial impact. Furthermore, his work is setting the stage for a new widescale commercial industry based on the all-electric aircraft, using superconducting motors and electric power distribution systems.

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.

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

Faculty of Arts, 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.

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.

ŌTEPOTI DUNEDIN WINNERS RESEARCH HONOURS 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Te manu kai miro, nōna te ngahere;

TE MANU KAI MĀTAURANGA, NŌNA TE AO. THE BIRD THAT CONSUMES KNOWLEDGE, THEIRS IS THE WORLD.

The bird that eats the miro berries, theirs is the forest;

Dr Hinemoa Elder, Aroha (Penguin, 2020)

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 non-communicable 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!

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