2023 Research Honours Aotearoa Te Whanganui-a-tara Wellington

T E W H A N G A N U I -A-TA R A WELLINGTON

2023 RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA Congratulations to the winners of the Research Honours Aotearoa 2023! Our celebrated awards recognise researchers in New Zealand who have achieved excellence in scholarship, innovation, or significant contributions to Aotearoa through their research and career.

These, our annual awards are hosted by Royal Society Te Apārangi, and 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, the Royal Society Te Apārangi Endowment Fund and the Marsden Fund Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden for their continued support and sponsorship, as well as all others who have contributed to this year’s Research Honours Aotearoa.

We are enormously proud of our winners and their outstanding achievements.

Mauri ora!

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR GEOFF CHASE FRSNZ ACADEMY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023

NGĀ MIHI THANK YOU TO OUR KAITAUTOKO PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

2023 RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA

SUPPORTED BY THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT WITH FUNDING FROM THE MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT. RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023

MEDALS AND AWARDS 2023 This year, we are hosting three smaller, regional events.

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH

On Wednesday 8 November we announced five medals and awards.

On Wednesday 15 November we were in Christchurch to recognise the 150th anniversary of the University of Canterbury and announced four further medals and awards.

» Royal Society Te Apārangi Early Career Research Excellence Award for Social Science » Royal Society Te Apārangi Te Kōpūnui Māori Research Award

» Cooper Award

» Mason Durie Medal

» Humanities Aronui Medal

» Te Rangaunua Hiranga Māori Award

» Pickering Medal

» Thomson Medal

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» Hector Medal

TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA WELLINGTON On Thursday 23 November we announced a further seven awards and medals, and three Health Research Council (HRC) medals.

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/medals-and-awards

» Hamilton Award » Scott Medal » Te Rangi Hiroa Medal » Hutton Medal » HRC Liley Medal » HRC Te Tohu Rapuora Medal » HRC Beaven Medal » Callaghan Medal » MacDiarmid Medal » Rutherford Medal RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023

HAMILTON AWARD For innovative scientific research by an early career researcher

DR MARK CALCOTT School of Biological Sciences Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington EFFICIENT MANUFACTURE OF DRUG CANDIDATES Presented for pioneering evolutionary approaches to the engineering of microbes to enable efficient and sustainable production of useful peptides, including new drug candidates. Dr Calcott has made a breakthrough in non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), found in bacteria and fungi. Many of the antibiotics and drugs on the market are produced by NRPSs. The process of making non-ribosomal peptides in microbes uses ‘mega-enzymes’ in a modular fashion instead of ribosomes. However, it has been assumed that each enzyme module would only add a particular amino acid, akin to the ‘proof-reading’ mechanism in ribosomes. Dr Calcott’s research has overturned this and his revelations have simplified the process for creating novel peptides from microbes, with each new peptide having the potential to be a useful drug.

2023 RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA

SCOTT MEDAL For an outstanding contribution towards the advancement of engineering sciences and technologies

DR OWEN CATCHPOLE FRSNZ Callaghan Innovation EXTRACTING HIGH-VALUE BIOACTIVES FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRODUCTS Presented for being a world leader in the development of ‘supercritical’ solventbased processes to extract high value bioactive chemicals from biological materials.

Supercritical extraction uses carbon dioxide at high pressure to extract bioactives in a way suited to health and wellness products. He developed the first industrial-scale plant for supercritical extraction in New Zealand and extended the method to use other solvents. This technology now allows companies to sell purified products internationally for tens of millions of New Zealand dollars a year. Dr Catchpole also established the Bioresource Processing Alliance to extract valuable bioactives from secondary waste streams from New Zealand’s biological industries.

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TE RANGI HIROA MEDAL For excellent research in social history, cultural diversity, socioeconomics or medical anthropology

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR CLIVE ASPIN Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamaterā Associate Dean, Māori - Faculty of Health Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington PIONEER IN MĀORI PUBLIC HEALTH AND SEXUALITY, HIV AND SUICIDE PREVENTION RESEARCH Presented for his research on sexuality, HIV and suicide prevention which has made invaluable contributions to the social sciences, leading to greater public health equity for Māori and Indigenous peoples. Dr Aspin has been a pioneer in Māori public health research and made significant contributions both nationally and internationally to social and cultural diversity, particularly in the areas of HIV and AIDS, sexual and reproductive health and suicide intervention. His work has influenced policy development and facilitated systemic transformation that has benefited many underrepresented communities, especially Māori. His leadership has positively impacted the development of HIV related policy in Aotearoa, Australia and Canada.

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HUTTON MEDAL For significantly advancing understanding through work of outstanding scientific or technological merit

PROFESSOR NICHOLAS GOLLEDGE Professor of Glaciology, Antarctic Research Centre Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington MODELLING THE ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET AND A VOICE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Presented for his internationally recognised and cutting-edge contributions to Antarctic ice sheet modelling, climate change research, and for lead authorship of the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report. Professor Golledge has become a world leader in his field by establishing Antarctic ice-sheet modelling capability for New Zealand. He has significantly advanced knowledge of the ice-sheet’s response to climate change and the impacts of melting ice on global sea level, ocean circulation and climate variability. Professor Golledge’s research has received substantial media coverage, international recognition and has informed government policy.

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HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL LILEY MEDAL For published research that makes a significant contribution to health and medical sciences

PROFESSOR MICHAEL BAKER MNZM AND TEAM Department of Public Health University of Otago Wellington | Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtakou ki Pōneke et al.

STUDIES FIND STRONG ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SKIN INFECTIONS AND RHEUMATIC FEVER This team published two companion papers in the Lancet that represent a breakthrough in our understanding of the causes of acute rheumatic fever and the role of Group A Streptococcal infections. In addition to providing compelling evidence that household crowding and poor access to primary health care are major modifiable causes of rheumatic fever, the team found strong evidence that treating strep skin infections in young children could be an effective way of preventing them from developing this disease.

They also published the first evidence that drinking sugarsweetened drinks could be a risk factor for rheumatic fever.

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HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL TE TOHU RAPUORA MEDAL For outstanding leadership and contribution to Māori health

TE TĀTAI HAUORA O HINE – THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH RESEARCH AOTEAROA Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington STRONG RELATIONSHIPS KEY TO HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR WĀHINE MĀORI Te Tātai Hauora o Hine’s team, guided by a Kāhui Kaumātua, has made a real difference to the health of māmā, pēpi and whānau Māori over the past 20 years. With a strong focus on partnerships with iwi, their work has contributed to changes in the national cervical screening programme to ensure it is safe and equitable for wāhine Māori.

Their research has led to the acceptability and introduction of HPV self-testing for the prevention of cervical cancer and championed a more equitable referral pathway and provision of longer appointments for those underscreened at colposcopy. Through forging strong relationships with iwi and whānau, they have also created augmented maternity wraparound care programmes and informed the establishment of Aotearoa’s severe maternal morbidity monitoring programme.

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HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL BEAVEN MEDAL For excellence in translational health research

PROFESSOR BEVERLEY LAWTON ONZM Ngāti Porou Director Te Tātai Hauora o Hine – The National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington PASSIONATE WĀHINE A TRUE CHAMPION IN THE COMMUNITY Professor Lawton, director and founder of Te Tātai Hauora O Hine, is a true champion in the community. Her work and advocacy in women’s health has had real-world impact through the translation of her research into clinical practice, particularly in the areas of cervical cancer prevention and maternal health outcomes for wāhine Māori. She has been a driving force behind promoting the use of the HPV self-test in Aotearoa, which has the potential to revolutionise cervical screening and reduce health disparities for women. Her research has also led to improved systems for maternal health in the areas of post-partum contraception and management of severe maternal morbidity.

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

DR MIKE JOY School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington KEEPING US INFORMED ABOUT THE DECLINE OF FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS Presented for his research about the decline of freshwater ecosystems, drinking water and sustainability challenges in food systems, and for communicating the science on these issues to the public. Mike’s work has led to changes in government policy and raised awareness of the degradation of freshwater.

As one of the most well-known freshwater ecologists in Aotearoa, Mike has committed his time to communicating with policy-makers and the public through countless talks, media interviews, op-ed articles and panel discussions. He uses his research to communicate evidence on causal factors in the degradation of waterways across New Zealand and options for the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems and food production.

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MACDIARMID MEDAL For outstanding scientific research that demonstrates the potential for application to human benefit

PROFESSOR GEOFFREY WATERHOUSE MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology & Dodds-Walls Centre for Photonic & Quantum Technologies University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE WITH NANOTECH CATALYSTS For discovering low-cost nanocatalysts critical to global decarbonisation efforts and creating energy infrastructures based around renewables. These groundbreaking low-cost nanocatalysts can replace the use of precious-metal catalysts, such as those containing platinum, in devices such as water electrolysers, fuel cells and rechargeable batteries – reducing the manufacturing costs of next-generation energy storage and conversion devices by up to 20%. Professor Waterhouse’s nanocatalysts also have applications for making commodity chemicals more sustainably, for detecting and removing contaminants in water and for cancer treatment and imaging.

2023 RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA

RUTHERFORD MEDAL For an exceptional contribution to the advancement and promotion of knowledge for the benefit of New Zealand society

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR LINDA TUHIWAI SMITH CNZM FRSNZ Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi TRANSFORMING RESEARCH FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES For groundbreaking, world-recognised scholarship in Indigenous Research Methodologies and a pioneering contribution to transforming research for Indigenous peoples globally. Professor Smith has dedicated her life's work to transforming education and academia to create intellectual spaces that combat issues in ways that transcend dominant colonial ways of being.

Her work spans more than 40 years in the areas of decolonizing methodologies: kaupapa Māori education, theory, and research; mana wahine; Māori health; and historical and intergenerational trauma. Her influential publication Decolonising Methodologies, Research and Indigenous Peoples (first published in 1999) has been revolutionary for whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori and Indigenous peoples across the globe.

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DR NIC BLAKELEY DEPUTY SECRETARY LABOUR, SCIENCE AND ENTERPRISE MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT It gives me great pleasure to congratulate all winners of the 2023 Research Honours.

The passion, curiosity, and drive shown by these researchers across a variety of disciplines is inspiring.

Excellent research and innovation create the knowledge and tools needed to make decisions, tackle complex global challenges, and grow Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

It enhances lives, boosts productivity, and preserves our environment.

All winners can be immensely proud of their outstanding work and dedication. I can’t wait to see what it leads to next. Ka rawe!

2023 RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA

PROFESSOR GILL DOBBIE FRSNZ 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.

It is heartening to see recognition for an increasing engagement in mātauranga Māori – an effort we commend for its potential positive impact on the under-representation of Māori in academia.

Fundamental, ‘blue-sky’ research is crucial to ensuring a healthy, vibrant and resilient research culture in Aotearoa, capable of addressing major societal challenges.

It is important that we continue to develop capability within Aotearoa through our emerging researchers.

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 all New Zealanders.

We are proud to partner with the Royal Society Te Apārangi to celebrate the significant achievements of some of our country’s outstanding researchers.

RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND WINNERS RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023 On Wednesday 8 November, we announced five medals and awards in Auckland.

ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES For emerging researchers in social science

DR MARIA ARMOUDIAN Director - University Research Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society Faculty of Arts, Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau ADDRESSING BIG SOCIETAL ISSUES Presented for research, leadership and mentoring to advance interconnected goals of sustainability, human rights and good governance.

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ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI TE KŌPŪNUI MĀORI RESEARCH For an early career researcher with a promising trajectory who is delivering innovative Māori research

DR HINEKURA SMITH Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Te Ati Awa Interim Director - Ngā Wai a te Tūi Māori & Indigenous Research Centre, Unitec | Te Pūkenga RECLAIMING, RESTORING AND REVISIONING LIVING AS WĀHINE MĀORI Presented for her PhD research titled ‘Whatuora: Whatu kakahu and living as Māori women’.

MASON DURIE MEDAL Awarded to New Zealand's pre-eminent social scientist

PROFESSOR STEPHEN MAY FRSNZ Faculty of Education and Social Work Director - Master of Regional Development Programme, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau LANGUAGE RIGHTS AND INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE REVITALISATION Presented for his interdisciplinary scholarship and his leadership as a world authority on language policy, language rights, Indigenous language revitalisation, and the multilingual turn in language learning.

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TE RANGAUNUA HIRANGA MĀORI AWARD Recognising excellent, innovative co-created research by Māori, that has made a distinctive contribution to community wellbeing and development in Aotearoa

PROFESSOR REGAN POTANGAROA Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa School of Built Environment, Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa A CAREER COMMITTED TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND MARAE RESTORATION Presented for his devoted career as an engineer and architect for humanitarian deployments, emergency response and restoring marae.

THOMSON MEDAL For outstanding contributions to the organisation, support and application of science or technology

PROFESSOR NICOLA GASTON Faculty of Science & Co-Director - MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau BOLD LEADERSHIP FOR EQUITY IN THE RSI SYSTEM Presented for leadership in New Zealand’s research institutes and professional societies, and for the dedicated promotion of women in science.

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CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION, RESEARCH THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH WINNERS RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023 On Wednesday 15 November, we announced four medals and awards in Christchurch.

PICKERING MEDAL Recognising excellence and innovation in the practical applications of technology

AGRESEARCH | LOW METHANE SHEEP BREEDING TEAM DR SUZANNE ROWE, DR JOHN MCEWAN, DR PETRUS JANSSEN AND DR GRAEME ATTWOOD University of Otago THE WORLD'S FIRST LOW-METHANE SHEEP Presented for breeding low methane-emitting sheep, determining the biological impact on New Zealand's methane emissions, and embedding this breeding solution in the national flock.

2023 RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA

HECTOR MEDAL For outstanding research in chemical, physical or mathematical and information science

PROFESSOR NIELS KJAERGAARD Department of Physics University of Otago DISTINGUISHED WORK ON ‘INDISTINGUISHABLE’ PARTICLES Professor Kjærgaard has been awarded the Hector Medal for his outstanding contribution to scientific knowledge about fundamental particles, through experimental studies of atomic collisions and light-scattering using ultracold gases.

HUMANITIES ARONUI MEDAL Awarded for research or innovative work of outstanding merit in the Humanities

DR VINCENT O’MALLEY HistoryWorks USING HISTORY TO CONNECT NEW ZEALANDERS TO THEIR PAST Presented for his contribution to the research, knowledge, and public understanding of New Zealand history, particularly the New Zealand Wars and Māori-Pakeha relations throughout the nineteenth century.

COOPER AWARD For early career research excellence in technology, applied sciences or engineering

DR VINEET SHAH Callaghan Innovation SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION, LOW CARBON CEMENT AND CARBON CAPTURE Presented for pioneering research transforming concrete from demolition waste into a sustainable low-carbon cement additive, and fostering a circular economy in construction.

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NAU MAI HOKI MAI How inspiring it is to reflect on the work of our illustrious winners! Our awards and medals provide an opportunity to honour their many talents and celebrate the passion they demonstrate for their areas of expertise.

It is important that we celebrate our top researchers and recognise their achievements. Recognition extends appreciation and encouragement. It also provides a valuable marker for the role of evidence-based research and rigour, which are key for the many future challenges and exciting opportunities ahead.

For Aotearoa New Zealand to be guided and inspired by science and research, it is important to acknowledge excellence and best practice, and celebrate the high-quality work of our research community.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini success is not individual but collective, and we extend our thanks to all the colleagues and whānau of the winners who have supported them.

Our warmest congratulations to this year’s winners.

Ka rawe!

DR BRENT CLOTHIER FRSNZ PRESIDENT, ROYAL SOCIETY TE APĀRANGI

2023 RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA

DR BRENT CLOTHIER

RESEARCH HONOURS AOTEAROA 2023

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Royal Society Te Apārangi 11 Turnbull Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 PO Box 598, Wellington 6140, New Zealand T +64 4 472 7421 Published November 2023 Version 0.1