Young scientists in line for MacDiarmid honours

Media Statement 23 March, 2007

Young scientists in line for MacDiarmid honours

More than 50 researchers are competing to take top honours at this year’s MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards, with the winner’s medal holding particular kudos following the recent death of Professor Alan MacDairmid, who lent his name to the awards.

A special tribute will be made to Professor MacDiarmid, one of New Zealand’s best known scientists and Nobel Prize winner, at the award ceremony in June.

The awards are made annually by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and presented in association with principal sponsor Fisher & Paykel Appliances. The awards recognise the excellence and innovative spirit of New Zealand’s young researchers, with top marks given to entries that combine brilliant, innovative research with an ability to communicate it to a non-scientific audience.

A rigorous three-phase judging process has already started, with judges reporting a high calibre of research and strong interest in the categories of future science and technology and health related research.

More than 120 of New Zealand’s leading post graduate researchers provided a written summary of their work for first-phase judging, with almost 50 per cent accepted for further consideration in one of the five award categories: Understanding Planet Earth; Science and our Society; Advancing Human Health and Wellbeing; Future Science and Technologies; and Adding Value to Nature.

This year’s awards will be presented at a function in Auckland in June (Wednesday 20 June, 2007). The overall winner’s package includes a $10,000 cash prize and a trip to the UK to attend the British Association’s Science Festival. The runner up and the five category winners will each receive $5,000. Categories are: Understanding Planet Earth; Science and our Society; Advancing Human Health and Wellbeing; Future Science and Technologies; and Adding Value to Nature.

“These young researchers are helping New Zealand to build a strong and globally competitive research capability, along with becoming role models for other students,” says Foundation CEO Murray Bain.

“New Zealand has some world class research being carried out by dedicated young researchers and these awards uncover and recognise the innovative and complex work they are undertaking,” he says.

ENDS

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