Hon Steven Joyce
Minister of Science & Innovation
30 September 2014 Media Statement
Rutherford Discovery Fellowships awarded
Ten of New Zealand’s most talented early to mid-career researchers have been awarded Rutherford Discovery Fellowships
for 2014, Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce announced today.
The Fellowships foster the development of future research leaders by providing funding of up to $800,000 each over five
years to cover salary and research costs. The funding is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand on behalf of
the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
“This initiative seeks to attract, retain and grow New Zealand’s up-and-coming talent by enabling promising researchers
to establish a track record for future research leadership,” Mr Joyce says.
“I’m impressed by the calibre of this year’s recipients whose work covers topics of real importance to New Zealand –
from health to conservation to optoelectronics. The Fellows have the potential to contribute to positive outcomes for
New Zealand throughout their careers.
“The Rutherford Discovery Fellowships are open to excellent researchers who have completed their PhD between three to
eight years ago. The Rutherford Discovery Fellowships were established in 2010 and now support 50 Fellows.”
The selection decision was informed by an independent panel, following a two stage assessment process. The new Fellows
for 2014 are:
•Dr Louise Bicknell, The University of Auckland, for research entitled: “Investigating the contribution of genetic variation to shaping
human disease.”
•Dr Alys Clark, The University of Auckland, for research entitled: “Biophysical models to predict markers of health in early
pregnancy.”
•Dr Francis Collins, The University of Auckland, for research entitled: “Nation and Migration: population mobilities, desires and state
practices in 21st century New Zealand.”
•Dr Katie Fitzpatrick, The University of Auckland, for research entitled: “Rethinking Health Education and Promotion: Health Capital and
Diverse Youth.”
•Dr Jonathan Halpert, Victoria University of Wellington, for research entitled: “Novel Nanostructured Materials and Optoelectronic Devices:
Solar Cells and LEDs.”
•Dr Kim Handley, The University of Auckland, for research entitled: “Who is eating what in coastal marine sediments? Understanding
microbial contributions to coastal marine health, stability and ecosystem functioning.”
•Dr Michael Knapp, University of Otago, for research entitled: “Evolution and conservation of the New Zealand bird fauna - a genomic
approach.”
•Dr James Russell, The University of Auckland, for research entitled: “Conservation complexity: scaling vertebrate pest control”
•Dr Alex Taylor, The University of Auckland, for research entitled: “The signature-testing approach to the evolution of intelligence.”
•Dr Priscilla Wehi, Landcare Research, for research entitled: “Indigenous Ecological Knowledge, Introduced Species, and the New Zealand
Environment.”
For further information on the Rutherford Discovery Fellowships visit:http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/?p=268381