About the 2016 Awards of Excellence
The Division of Sciences held its second Awards celebration on Friday 2 December 2016, with a suite of awards acknowledging the excellent work done in many different areas of university life and work: research, teaching, community engagement, technical and administrative support.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne presented Award recipients with beautiful sculptures of art, created by Anne Ryan from the Glassblowing Unit, in the shape of a neuron, and attached to handcrafted rimu, recycled from the Department of Chemistry.
In her closing speech, Prof Hayne made special mention with regards Professor Keith Hunter's long-term service to the University, and in particular as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences). Prof Hunter, who is retiring at the end of 2016, initiated the inaugural Division of Sciences Excellence Awards in 2015.
Congratulations to all nominees for 2016, and in particular, recipients of each award.
Research awards
Researcher of the Year
The Researcher of the Year Award recognises outstanding research performance by a Principal Investigator within the Division of Sciences. Recognition will focus on scientific impact of research outputs over the course of 2015 - 2016.
2016 Recipient: Professor Jon Waters (Zoology)
Early-Career Researcher of the Year
The Early-Career Researcher of the Year Award recognises outstanding research performance by an emerging researcher within the Division of Sciences. Academic staff (e.g. Lecturers, Research Fellows) who have held an appointment for a period of at least two years, and who have held an academic appointment for less than a combined total of six years at this and other universities, are eligible for this Award. Recognition will focus on scientific impact of research outputs over the course of 2015 - 2016.
2016 recipient: Dr Nic Rawlence (Zoology)
Research Group of the Year
The Researcher Group of the Year Award recognises outstanding performance by a collaborative research team within the Division of Sciences. Recognition will focus on scientific impact of research outputs over the course of 2015 - 2016.
2016 Recipient: Crowley Group (Chemistry)
Best Research Paper - academic staff
The Best Research Paper Award recognises outstanding scholarship associated with a single research paper (first published online in 2016) led by an Academic staff member within the Division of Sciences.
2016 Recipient: Professor Michael Colombo and Dr Damian Scarf (Psychology)
Best Research Paper - postgraduate student
The Best Research Paper Award recognises outstanding scholarship associated with a single research paper (first published online in 2015 - 2016) by a postgraduate student within the Division of Sciences.
Recipients for 2016 - Ryan Thomas (Physics)
Engagement awards
Industry Links Award
The Industry Links Award recognises outstanding commercialisation outcomes of a researcher’s invention and/or exceptional R&D collaborations between a researcher and Industry. Any research staff in the Division of Sciences whose invention was made at the University of Otago and commercialised may be eligible. Selection will be made on the basis of the nominal value of the commercialisation or R&D project and its likely impact on society (e.g., number of people affected by the invention).
Recipient for 2016 - Dr Carla Meledandri (Chemistry)
Community Engagement Award - academic staff
The Community Engagement Award gives recognition to engagement with and service to the general public, whether locally, nationally or internationally.
Any academic staff member in the Division of Sciences who has met the research and teaching performance expectations, but excelled beyond expectation in the area of community engagement may be nominated for this Award.
Engagement recognition will focus on initiative and impact of community.
Recipients for 2016 - Dr Sandra Mandic (Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences), top; - award accepted by Elaine Hargreaves and Dr Chris Hepburn (Marine Science) - award accepted by Abby Smith, bottom.
Community Engagement Award - general staff
The Community Engagement Award gives recognition to engagement with and service to the general public, whether locally, nationally or internationally. Any general staff member in the Division of Sciences who has excelled beyond expectation in the area of community engagement may be nominated for this Award. Engagement recognition will focus on leadership, initiative and impact of community engagement.
Recipient for 2016 - Steve Cutler (Marine Science)
Teaching awards
Senior Teacher of the Year
The Senior Teacher of the Year Award recognises sustained outstanding tertiary teaching by a staff member within the Division of Sciences. Recognition will focus on demonstrated commitment and creativity in the delivery of high-quality teaching that engages students and results in exceptional learning experiences.
Academic staff members who have held an appointment for a period of more than six years at this and other universities are eligible for this Award.
Recipients for 2016 - Associate Professor Niels Kjaergaard (Physics) top; and Dr David McMorran (Chemistry) bottom.
Early-Career Teacher of the Year
This award recognises outstanding tertiary teaching by an emerging teacher within the Division of Sciences. Recognition will focus on distinction in the delivery of high-quality teaching that engages students and results in exceptional learning experiences.
Academic staff members who have held an appointment for a period of at least two years, and who have held an academic appointment for less than a combined total of six years at this and other universities, are eligible for this Award
Recipient for 2016 - Dr Will Rayment (Marine Science) Photo: Award accepted by Abby Smith
Innovation in Māori or Pacific Islands Course Content
This award recognises new initiatives to include Māori and Pacific content in a sustained way in the teaching of sciences.
Any member of teaching staff within the Division of Sciences, including Teaching fellows, Professional Practice Fellows and postgraduate students involved in teaching blocks of courses, is eligible for this award.
Recipients for 2016 - Dr Mick Strack (Surveying)
Support staff
Outstanding Technical Support Award
This Award recognises technical staff members who have made an outstanding contribution to the Division of Sciences. Criteria for selection centre around workmanship, and both aptitude and attitude of the staff member.
Any member of general staff in the Division of Sciences who holds an appointment to provide technical support for the Division or one of its Departments is eligible for the Award.
Recipient for 2016 - Cathy Bennett (Chemistry)
Outstanding Administrative Support Award
This award recognises administrative staff whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the smooth running of teaching, research and Divisional business. Criteria will focus on sustained excellence, innovation and initiative.
The Award is available to anyone working as a general staff member for .5 FTE or higher.
Recipient for 2016 - Kath McGilbert (Botany)
Outstanding Student Support Award - advising and mentoring
This award recognises the work of any staff member within the Division of Sciences – academic or general staff – who has provided exceptional student advice and support throughout the year.
Recipient for 2016 - Professor David Larsen (Chemistry) - Award accepted by Keith Gordon
Special Award for Distinguished Service
Professor Rob Ballagh (Physics)
