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2021 Kudos Science Excellence Awards finalists announced

Finalists for the 2021 Kudos Science Excellence Awards have been announced, showcasing the incredible innovation coming out of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Finalists this year 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.

20 incredible finalists are in the running to receive one of eight awards at the gala event of New Zealand’s premier regional science excellence awards, held in Hamilton in September.

Kudos Science Trust CEO, Soteria Leremia, 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.

“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.”

Chair of the Kudos Science Trust, Professor Ross Lawrenson adds that 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.


The finalists of the 2021 Kudos Science Excellence Awards are:


Wintec Secondary Science Teacher/Educator Award
Mrs Chris Duggan
Mr Jason Morgan
Ms 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


For more information on the Kudos Awards Annual Gala Dinner, click here.


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