| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
University of Canterbury postdoctoral research fellow Dr Victoria Metcalf has received national recognition as a female ambassador for science.
Dr Metcalf (Biological Sciences) was awarded the 2006 Zonta Science Award at a ceremony in the Grand Hall of Parliament Buildings, Wellington, on Tuesday evening.
Prime Minister Helen Clark presented Dr Metcalf with her prize which comprised of a cheque for $10,000 and airfares for international travel. In addition to the monetary prize Dr Metcalf was also presented with the Zonta Science Medal designed by Wellington sculptor Tanya Ashken.
The Zonta Science Award was established in 1990 and is awarded biennially by the Wellington branch of Zonta, the international organisation of professional women. It promotes science as a career for women as well as providing encouragement and recognition for those already working in scientific fields.
Award convenor, Sharon Nelson-Kelly said the judging panel looked for an outstanding woman scientist who would be able to use the award to further her career, but also a person who contributed to her community and could be an advocate for women in science.
“We want a role model for other women scientists who will demonstrate the rewards of entering into the science field and Victoria certainly shows all these attributes.”
Dr Metcalf said it was an honour to receive the award, especially as it not only recognised her as a scientist but as a leader and role model.
“It is a great confidence booster.”
Dr Metcalf plans to use the award money to further her current FRST (Foundation for Research, Science and Technology) funded project on Antarctic fish.
“I am investigating lipid transport in Antarctic fish as a first step to understanding how they metabolise fat and adapt to cold. The long term aim of this study is to see how they have adapted to cold in the past in order to give us an insight into how they will cope with global warming.
“The award will enable me to travel to Boston to spend two to three months working in the laboratory of Professor Bill Detrich, a leading Antarctic fish biochemist and molecular biologist at Northeastern University. I am really looking forward to working with him and strengthening existing collaborations.”
In addition to the Zonta award, Dr Metcalf also recently learned of her success in winning the Antarctic Science Bursary, worth £4000.
For further information please contact:
Maria De Cort
Communications Officer
University of Canterbury
Tel: +64-3-364 2072
Mob: +64-27-224 5104
maria.decort@canterbury.ac.nz