Finalists for Kudos Science Excellence Awards announced

The Scion/Agrisea team, finalist in the Hill Laboratories Primary Industries Award for its work in producing nanocellulose from seaweed. Photo / Supplied

The originality and diversity of Waikato and Bay of Plenty's brightest minds is evident in the finalists selected for the 2021 Kudos Science Excellence Awards.

Finalists range from world-leading robotic harvesting technology that uses time of flight technology, computer vision and machine learning to selectively harvest asparagus; to research clarifying the link between silica-rich marine ecosystems and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, with big implications for climate change.

Altogether, 20 incredible finalists are in the running for eight awards at the gala event of New Zealand's premier regional science excellence awards, held in Hamilton this month.

Kudos Science Trust CEO, Soteria Ieremia, says the calibre of the finalists is world-class, and the work they are doing is of vital importance to the continuing growth of science and innovation in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

"These nominees range from people actively working to bring science education to life in our schools, to those improving health outcomes in our local communities.

"From producing nanocellulose products from seaweed as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, to improving the productivity and health of cattle through exploring key genetic variants in the bovine genome, these finalists are combining cutting-edge science with innovative thinking to tackle real world issues.

"We look forward to recognising these amazing thinkers for their talent and hard work at the 2021 Kudos Science Excellence Awards ceremony."

Trust chairman Professor Ross Lawrenson said the awards, which have taken place since 2007, have played an important part in expanding the region's reputation as a thriving hub of science.

"We're thankful for the continuing support of our sponsors and to everyone who made a nomination for their contribution to strengthening our scientific community.

"Congratulations to all of the finalists. We look forward to announcing the winners and celebrating their success at the awards dinner," says Lawrenson.

Tickets for the September 30 awards dinner at Claudelands Event Centre are available at thekudos.org.nz

2021 Kudos Science Excellence Awards finalists:

Wintec Secondary Science Teacher/Educator Award

• Chris Duggan
• Jason Morgan
• Fiona Wolff

Hamilton City Council Emerging Scientist Award

• Dr Megan Grainger
• Dr Terry Issons
• Dr Anica Klockars

Hill Laboratories Primary Industries Award

• Agresearch Life Cycle Assessment Team
• Prof Mathew Littlejohn
• Scion/Agrisea Nanocellulose from Seaweed Team

DATAMARS LIVESTOCK Engineering Award

• Dr Leandro Bolzoni
• Dr Shen Hin Lim

Waikato Regional Council Environmental Science Award

• Assoc Prof Kura Paul-Burke
• Paul Champion
• Dr Charles Lee

Waikato DHB Medical Science Award

• Dr Etuini Ma'u
• Assoc Prof Bridgette Masters-Awatere
• Assoc Prof Joseph Baker

University of Waikato Vision Mātauranga Award

• Assoc Prof Bridgette Masters-Awatere
• Assoc Prof Kura Paul-Burke

The Kudos Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the awards dinner.