Top New Zealand primary resources scientist Dr Stephen Goldson of AgResearch Ltd, Lincoln, has won the premier award of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science, the Jubilee Medal.
The medal was presented last night (14 August) at the 2007 NZIAHS Convention at Lincoln University.
In the words of the citation, the award recognises Dr Goldson´s "exceptional contribution to primary resource science over a sustained career".
Dr Goldson, who is also a Professorial Fellow of Lincoln University, is widely known for his pioneering New Zealand work on the clover root weevil and the Argentine Stem weevil and his fundamental research into insect pest behaviour and the ecological and genetic components of biological pest control. His work has contributed significantly to crop management practices in New Zealand.
Most recently Dr Goldson has shown leadership and inventiveness in recognising how science can address difficult biosecurity problems. His work on "Sniffertech" is central to a new company called Containerscan Ltd of which he is Chief Scientist. The technology detects unwanted biological material in shipping containers.
Other awards made were -
Sir Arthur Ward Communication Award: Associate Professor Derrick Moot, a plant scientist with the Agriculture and Life Sciences Division at Lincoln University. The citation refers to Dr Moot´s "outstanding communication to the wider audience". He has championed the renaissance of lucerne in dryland environments and results from his research programmes are "enthusiastically integrated with his teaching at Lincoln University and his public presentations at conferences and farmer field days."
AgResearch Technology Transfer Award: Professor Keith Cameron, a soil scientist also with the Agriculture and Life Sciences Division at Lincoln University. The citation refers to the development of the nitrification
inhibitor technology eco-n by Professor Cameron and his colleagues, in conjunction with Ravensdown, and describes it as "one of the most significant new technologies introduced to New Zealand agriculture in the past decade".
The citation records that Professor Cameron has been involved right through its development from the initial concept and research to the technology transfer.
NZIAHS Postgraduate Award: Dr Rachel Anderson of AgResearch, Palmerston North. Dr Anderson is conducting postdoctoral research in the area of intestinal function with the Food, Metabolism and Microbiology Section of AgResearch´s Food and Health Group. Her research may lead to new strategies for improving intestinal health and potentially influence how primary resources are used in the New Zealand food industry.
PGG Wrightson Seeds Significant Achievement Award: Co-winners, Dr David Scobie, AgResearch, Lincoln; Dr Andy Bray, formerly AgResearch now of Meat & Wool New Zealand; Denis O´Connell, AgResearch, Lincoln. For research on the development of a "low cost, easy care" sheep.
Fellowships of the Institute: Dr Richard Falloon, Professorial Fellow of Lincoln University and Deputy Director of the Lincoln University-based National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies; Dr Warren McNabb, Section Manager and Eminent Research Scientist, Food, Metabolism and Microbiology Section, Food and Health Group, AgResearch, Palmerston North; and Dr Jeffrey Reid, Scientist and Group Leader, Crop and Food Research Ltd, Hastings, who works in the field of crop physiology and plant relations.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ian Collins, Communications Group, Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: (03) 3252811 ext 8549. Mobile: 021 02449637
Email: collinsi@lincoln.ac.nz