National awards recognise University researchers making a difference

Seven University of Auckland researchers have received some of New Zealand's highest research honours, recognising achievements that advance our knowledge, technology, health and education in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

The awards were presented at the Royal Society Te Apārangi Research Honours ceremony in Auckland, celebrating research excellence across a wide range of disciplines.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith said the honours were a fitting recognition of the outstanding work being done by University researchers. "These awards reflect the extraordinary range of research happening at the University of Auckland and the difference it makes to people’s lives.

"Behind each of these achievements are years of hard work and dedication. It's fantastic to see our colleagues recognised for work that is making an impact here in New Zealand and around the world."

Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, congratulated the awardees.

"Each of the researchers has demonstrated excellence in research and significant impact from that research. They have created new knowledge that has enhanced understanding of important aspects of our world and society." 

Royal Society Te Apārangi Research Honours

Professor Rod Gover, Faculty of Science, received the Hector Medal for his profound discoveries and deep mathematical contributions that have significantly advanced understanding of conformal geometry and its connections to analysis, topology, and physics. His work has helped shape an internationally key area of mathematics with applications extending across multiple scientific fields.

Professor Melinda Webber, Faculty of Arts and Education, was awarded the Dame Joan Metge Medal for transformative research and practice in education. Her work has improved understanding of Māori student success and identity, influencing educational policy and practice in New Zealand and earning international recognition.

Professor Charles Clifton, Faculty of Engineering and Design, received the Pickering Medal for innovation and excellence in technology. His work has transformed structural steel design, addressing major challenges related to building durability, fire safety, and earthquake performance, while helping underpin the development of New Zealand's structural steel industry.

Professor Udaya Madawala, Faculty of Engineering and Design, was awarded the MacDiarmid Medal for outstanding scientific research with significant potential for human benefit. He is internationally recognised for pioneering contributions to bi-directional wireless power transfer, technology with applications ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems.

Dr Linetto Basilone, Faculty of Arts and Education, received the Royal Society Te Apārangi Early-Career Research Excellence Award for Humanities. His research has transformed understanding of relations between Italy and China, revealing how 20th-century political rhetoric and cultural encounters helped shape modern identities.

Health Research Council awards

The impact of health research was also recognised this week through awards presented by the Health Research Council.

Professor Katie Groom, a specialist in maternal and fetal medicine at the Liggins Institute, received the Health Research Council's Beaven Medal. The award recognises outstanding contributions to translational health research that improves outcomes for New Zealanders.

The research of Professor Groom and her team has had a significant impact on translating research evidence for the care of pregnant women and babies into clinical practice around New Zealand, developing a clear, consensus, best-practice approach for the care of women at risk of preterm birth.

Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) received the HRC Te Ata Hāpara Award, which recognises emerging researchers advancing Māori health through excellent and impactful research.

Her recent research has examined equity in bariatric surgery outcomes. She has established networks to support Māori medical students and junior doctors and Māori and Pacific women pursuing surgical career.