Prestigious Royal Society honours for UC staff

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

17 November 2004

 

A quarter of the researchers elected for this year’s admission to the Royal Society of New Zealand’s prestigious science academy are University of Canterbury staff.

 

Royal Society Academy Council President, Professor Carolyn Burns, says the 12 elected Fellows highlight areas of impressive strength and excellence in science and technology across a wide range of disciplines.

 

The Fellowship selection process is rigorous, involving discipline-specific selection panels and independent international review. From those nominated for fellowships only a small number are ultimately selected. There are now 322 Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

 

The three Canterbury University staff who feature in this year’s admissions are:

Professor Jim Cole (Geological Sciences) is director of Canterbury University’s Natural Hazards Research Centre. He is known around the world for his work on the origin and evolution of the Taupo Volcanic Zone of New Zealand – arguably, the world’s most significant natural volcanic laboratory.

 

Professor Les Oxley (Economics) is recognised internationally for his advancements of econometric modelling and testing. His work is at the forefront of research using modern econometric methods to advance understanding of historical events, such as the British Industrial Revolution, and current issues such as economic growth and the measurement of human capital.

 

Graeme Wake, Adjunct Professor of Mathematics, has applied ingenious mathematics to develop models for the spontaneous combustion of wool, hay and lignite, the growth of pasture for optimum production, population dynamics and control of unwanted animals and plants, and in minimizing the effects of epidemics and environmental damage by pests. He has also worked on the development of innovative models of tumour cell growth with applications to cancer therapy.

 

Coinciding with the Royal Society’s annual conference was the country’s annual Science Awards Dinner. Fourteen of the country’s top scientists were honoured including Emeritus Professor Jos Arrillaga (Electrical and Computer Engineering) who won the Royal Society’s R J Scott Medal in recognition of his excellence in engineering sciences and technologies, and Dr Ralph Bungard (Biological Sciences) who won the New Zealand Society of Plant Physiologists’ Outstanding Physiologist Award.

 

For further information please contact:

John MacDonald
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury

Tel: +64-3-364 2910
Fax: +64-3-364 2679
Mob: +64-27-441 7280
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz