University research community celebrates year of achievements
16 October 2026
The 2026 Celebrating Research Awards, Hīkina kia Tutuki: Rise to Meet the Challenge, reflect the spirit of determination, innovation and collective effort that defines the University’s research community.
The breadth, depth and contribution to society of University researchers and their work at the University has been recognised at the 2026 Celebrating Research Excellence awards.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Frank Bloomfield told the audience of researchers, friends and whānau that the achievements of the researchers honoured strengthened the entire University.
“Thank you for your courage in asking the difficult questions, for the excellence of your craft in whichever discipline that is, for your persistence and tenacity and the generosity with which you contribute to our research culture and the education of our students.”
Keynote speaker Nic Blakely, chief executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, said the common feature in models of economic growth was that innovation and the creation of new ideas and ways of doing things is created by research. “There is no other pathway to prosperity in the future.”
He said New Zealand’s productivity lagged behind comparable small, advanced countries. Research excellence and innovation were the ways to rectify this.
“Those honoured tonight embody a courageous, future-focused spirit, pursuing new ideas, translating them into knowledge, capability, and opportunities New Zealand needs for its future growth and prosperity.”
The theme for the awards, Hīkina kia Tutuki: Rise to Meet the Challenge, reflects the spirit of determination, innovation and collective effort that defines the University’s research community.
The awards recognise the breadth of research from new doctorates, emerging researchers, research impact and the contribution of professional staff providing research support services. See video of the award winners.
The Research Excellence Medal awards recognise the work of the University's senior academics.
Research Excellence Medals 2026
Professor Deidre Brown, Faculty of Engineering and Design, and
Professor Ngarino Ellis, Faculty of Arts and Education
Professors Brown and Ellis are internationally recognised leaders in Māori art history. Their collaborative research has redefined the field through Indigenous methodologies and major works, including Toi Te Mana, a landmark publication on Māori art.
Their scholarship has influenced global debates on decolonisation, museum practice and cultural heritage, bringing Indigenous perspectives to international audiences.
Professor Charl de Villiers, Faculty of Business and Economics
Professor de Villiers is a leading authority in sustainability accounting. His research has shaped global reporting standards and influenced regulatory frameworks. With more than 120 publications and over 20,000 citations, his work has driven the adoption of more rigorous sustainability disclosure practices worldwide and earned recognition including appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Professor Melanie Kah, Faculty of Science
Professor Kah’s research addresses environmental contamination from chemicals including plastics, pesticides and PFAS, per-and polyfluoroalkyls substances, or forever chemicals. Her work has shaped international understanding of their impact on the environment while empowering communities through initiatives like Soilsafe Aotearoa.
By combining scientific and community-led approaches, her research supports healthier environments and aligns closely with Māori perspectives on environmental stewardship.
Professor Xun Xu, Faculty of Engineering and Design
Professor Xu is a global leader in smart manufacturing, advancing Industry 4.0 through AI-enabled systems and intelligent machine tools. His development of the STEP-NC control language has transformed how advanced manufacturing runs, enabling adaptive, autonomous production systems. His work has supported major industry players such as Boeing and helped New Zealand businesses improve productivity and resilience through digital manufacturing programmes.
Media contact: mediateam@auckland.ac.nz