Genetics Society of AustralAsia President Associate Professor Anna Santure presents Professor Peter Dearden with the prestigious MJD White Medal for outstanding contributions to genetics research.
Professor Peter Dearden has been awarded the prestigious MJD White Medal for outstanding contributions by an Australasian scientist to genetics research.
Peter, a geneticist, Genomics Aotearoa Director and former Biochemistry Head of Department, has been at the forefront of Australasian research in the field of genetics for more than two decades.
The MJD White Medal was established by the Genetics Society of AustralAsia to recognise excellence in genetics research. Peter was presented with the medal by Society President Associate Professor Anna Santure at the 2026 Genetics Society of AustralAsia Conference, held earlier this month at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.
He is delighted to be honoured by his peers.
“I’m hugely thrilled to receive an award from colleagues, mentors and friends in my own research field.”
Peter delivered the MJD White Lecture at the event; his talk a call to ensure that genetics and genomics carries out the highest quality of science to ensure it has real impact.
Anna says Peter has been at the forefront of Australasian genetics research for more than 20 years, and his leadership and guidance has fundamentally changed the landscape, in Aotearoa and beyond.
“Over his scientific career, Peter has established international leadership in genetics, with his findings in insect developmental genetics informing our current understanding of the processes and mechanisms that govern the patterning of embryos across developmental stages.
“His hard work and vision lead to the establishment of Genomics Aotearoa, New Zealand’s collaborative research platform for genomics and bioinformatics. This platform has contributed to the training of dozens of early career scientists, has forged new ground in the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in mainstream science and represents a powerful force advocating for the use of genetic tools to solve pressing environmental, healthcare and societal challenges.”
Anna says Peter has established and led significant national research programmes that have supported outstanding science and outcomes.
“His research in honey bees and other non-model organisms has allowed fundamental insights in the developmental genetics of insects, with implications for our understanding of these processes across the animal kingdom.
“Peter has had a highly significant impact on the science-policy interface through his work on conservation genomics and pest control. His publications in these areas are widely cited and increasingly important in stakeholder decision making.
“His leadership and scientific impacts extend to numerous other platforms, societies, boards and similar groupings across the region, and have played a significant part in the success of hundreds of Australasian geneticists over the past two decades.”
Kōrero by Claire Grant, Communications Advisor, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences