HRC supports MacDiarmid Young Scientist Awards

News Release

31 March 2008

HRC proudly supports the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards

A culture of innovation and a commitment to fostering young talent underpins the Health Research Council of New Zealand’s (HRC) decision to be a sponsor of the prestigious 2008 MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards.

The MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards are presented annually by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology with principal sponsor Fisher & Paykel Appliances. They recognise excellence in New Zealand’s young researchers, with top marks given to entries that combine brilliant, innovative research, with the ability to communicate it in a way that attracts the interest of the next generation of potential scientists and researchers.

Award entrants have the chance to join a distinguished group of past winners of the MacDiarmid Young Scientist of the Year title, all of whom are at the cutting edge of scientific innovation in New Zealand.

HRC Chief Executive Dr Robin Olds says the HRC is proud to be associated with innovative emerging science stars through its sponsorship of the Advancing Human Health and Wellbeing awards category.

“We understand the importance of the research, science and technology sector to New Zealand’s growth and prosperity and the need to encourage future leaders.”

Foundation Chief Executive Murray Bain said the Foundation is delighted to partner with the HRC in celebrating outstanding achievement and fostering New Zealand’s future science and technology leaders.

"Our sponsors are organisations that demonstrate a commitment to innovation every day. They are as passionate about research, science and technology as we are and it’s a real pleasure to join with the HRC to reward New Zealand’s bright young achievers."

The winners of the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards are decided through a rigorous three-stage judging process culminating in finalists presenting their work to a panel of judges who are internationally recognised experts in their field.

This year’s panel is chaired by Richard Faull, Professor of Anatomy at the University of Auckland with Carolyn Burns, Professor of Zoology at the University of Otago, Peter Jackson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engineering) at the University of Canterbury and Charles Daugherty, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Research at Victoria University of Wellington.

The MacDiarmid Awards gala dinner and presentation to winners will be held in Auckland on Thursday 14 August.

More than $50,000 worth of prizes are available, with the overall Young Scientist of the Year winner receiving $10,000 prize money and an expenses paid trip to the UK to attend the annual Science Festival held by the British Association for the Advancement of Science. The five category winners each receive $5,000, and category runners-up receive $2,500.

The competition is open to all post graduates undertaking research and postdoctoral researchers who have held a PhD for less than five years. There are five categories: Understanding Planet Earth, Science and our Society, Advancing Human Health and Wellbeing, Future Science and Technologies and Adding Value to Nature. A special award will also be made for outstanding Masters’ level research.

For more information on the Awards go to: http://www.frst.govt.nz/awards-and-events/MacDiarmid-awards.

ENDS

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