Otago scientist awarded Rutherford Medal

Professor Warren Tate. File photo / Paul Estcourt

An Otago University molecular biologist has been awarded New Zealand's top science and technology honour, the 2010 Rutherford Medal.

Professor Warren Tate was last night awarded the honour for his work explaining how proteins are built in living cells, helping research into HIV, Alzheimer's and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Professor Tate also receives $100,000 in award money from the Government.

The President of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Dr Garth Carnaby, said Professor Tate had had a "stellar career" which continues to flourish, with groundbreaking discoveries in understanding fundamental elements of cell biology.

"His work has made a huge contribution to health research with potential applications for preventing and treating HIV-1 and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's," he said.

"Professor Tate's research has revolutionised our understanding of how proteins are synthesised in living cells. This has had important implications for research looking at how proteins contribute to memory formation and neurological disease."

"Professor Tate's exceptional contributions extend well beyond the laboratory, with his teaching having inspired countless budding researchers. Many of his former students now have outstanding research careers both in New Zealand and internationally.

"He has also devoted considerable energy to science policy and funding, playing a prominent role nationally and internationally."

Early in his research career Professor Tate discovered by chance a new mechanism for gene regulation, leading to a study of the mechanism in HIV-1 as a potential drug target.

In addition to his fundamental molecular biology research, he has been involved in a completely different research area, molecular neurobiology, looking at the molecular mechanisms of neurological diseases.

An interest in the molecular basis of memory has progressed to the development of brain protein fragment that can restore memory, and has potential as a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Tate told Radio New Zealand he never dreamed of receiving such an honour.

"It's something that you never even think and contemplate as possible, and so it is a great honour to be given the award, particularly among one's New Zealand peer group because that makes it so much more special."

In recent studies Professor Tate and his students have begun to investigate the molecular biology underlying chronic fatigue syndrome.

"Of course doing research is exciting but the part that is particularly exciting for me is just involving young scientists who have got energy, enthusiasm and creativity, and working with them to solve problems and discover new things," he said.

- NZHERALD STAFF