‘Great science, good communication’

27 January 2005

‘Great science, good communication’ aim of new HRC award category

Encouraging great health and medical scientists to be good communicators is the aim of a new award sponsored by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).

The HRC is backing a new Health and Medical Science category in the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards, organised by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST).

Entrants submit a poster clearly communicating their research to the general public. All research, science and technology fellows and scholars at postgraduate level or above are eligible to enter, providing they are under 35.

The winner of the HRC Health and Medical Science category will win a $2000 cash prize, and will be considered for the overall prize of a study tour to the United States and the prestigious McDiarmid medal.

The competition is designed to encourage talented young scientists to become better communicators. Entries are graded on clear communication of research, including research techniques and outcomes. Elements of visual impact and design will contribute to an entry’s overall score.

Successful posters will be eye-catching, avoid scientific jargon, use simple language and be understandable to a wide audience.

HRC Chief Executive Dr Bruce Scoggins says the HRC hope its support of the Health and Medical Science category of the Awards will enhance the communication of health research results in New Zealand.

“We want people to know about the excellent health research being undertaken in this country, and to understand how this research will benefit New Zealanders,” he says.

“New Zealand has a reputation for producing outstanding health researchers. It’s our aim in this competition to improve the ability of our emerging researchers to communicate their great science.”

FRST Chief Executive Murray Bain says the Foundation is very pleased to welcome the Health Research Council of New Zealand as one of its strategic partners for the 2005 awards.

"These awards are part of a strategy to gain greater public recognition of the importance of science and partnerships with organisations such as the HRC encourage and support this," says Mr Bain.

"These awards promote the work of talented scientists and researchers at a critical stage in their career. New Zealand needs highly-qualified young people if the country is to achieve future growth targets while at the same time retaining our unique environment and way of life."

Entries close at 5pm, 22 April 2005. For more information about the McDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards visit www.frst.govt.nz

ENDS

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