Rotorua Scientist a Finalist for Zonta Award

Rotorua Scientist a Finalist for Zonta Award

Dr Anna Hopkins, resident in Rotorua, is one of three candidates shortlisted for this year’s Zonta Science Award. Employed as a Research Scientist, at Scion, Rotorua, Anna’s research is centred around climate change effects of forest pathogens and to learn new diagnostic techniques of the forest pathogens in New Zealand and worldwide.

Others shortlisted are:

• Dr Julie Lim, Auckland, molecular biologist researching developments of medical therapies to prevent age related nuclear (ARN) cataracts.

• Dr Bridget L Stocker, Wellington, synthetic organic chemist who is researching the role of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates in the immune response- immunoglycomics.

This, the eleventh Biennial Zonta Science Award, will be presented at a function at Old St Pauls, Mulgrave Street, Wellington on Tuesday 25 May 2010.

The Zonta Science Award winner receives $10,000 cash; return air travel to Europe, Asia or the USA to be used to attend a professionally related conference or places of further study and a silver and gold medal designed by well-known New Zealand sculptor Tanya Ashken.

“The Zonta Science Award is for an emerging scientist”, says Agnes Espineda, Award Convenor. “The Zonta Science Award is presented to a woman graduate with a PhD who has excelled within the fields of pure or applied science. The three finalists all have excellent research, communication and people skills, as well as being great role models for the younger women scientists of New Zealand.

The principal sponsor of the Zonta Science Award is BP Oil New Zealand Limited, with further support from the John Ilott Charitable Trust and Zonta Club of Wellington.

ENDS

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