| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
Research carried out at Canterbury University into the effect of complex terrain on local winds has been named one of New Zealand’s research success stories by the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Focus on Research Excellence (FoRE) project.
The FoRE project was commissioned by the Royal Society’s Academy Council to look at case studies of research in New Zealand that were sponsored because of researcher excellence rather than intended economic, social or environmental outcomes, yet have resulted in benefits beyond the original proposal.
The project has so far considered 15 research cases proposed by a single researcher or group of researchers that were initially sponsored by the Marsden Fund, Health Research Council or through university funding, or supported through a James Cook Fellowship, or similar, within the last 10 years.
The society plans to release brief accounts of the case studies over the coming months and recently released an account of a Marsden-funded project led by Canterbury University academic Professor Andrew Sturman (Geography) which looked at the effects of complex terrain on local winds, using both measurement and modelling techniques.
The Royal Society’s case study said the results of the project had implications for aviation and horticulture, and aroused interest among those starting to contemplate the use of wind to generate electricity, as well as among those involved in reducing and monitoring air pollution and the effect of wind on forest fires.
“The research team had not anticipated the huge amount of consulting work that would result from the project. Clients now include most of New Zealand's electricity generators, regional councils, and environmental consulting companies,” the case study said.
The research has also produced two PhDs and several masters degrees, two books and more than 50 other refereed publications. Numerous collaborations have resulted, including with universities in Canada, Germany, USA and Australia, as well as in New Zealand. Two Foundation for Research, Science and Technology projects worth more than $1 million have also been awarded to the research team.
Professor Marston Conder, President of the Royal Society’s Academy Council, said the cases in the FoRE project “highlight the fact that New Zealand has some outstanding researchers whose work has amazing impact, even when that is not seen at the time the work begins”.
“Such scientists are motivated to carry out work of the highest possible quality, driven by the desire to break new ground, make new discoveries and produce results that humankind will find valuable. Like the All Blacks, they put New Zealand on the world stage, and yet their work also produces huge benefits for New Zealand people and the economy.”
For further information please contact:
Stacey Doornenbal
Communications Officer
University of Canterbury
Ph (03) 364 2987 ext 3809
stacey.doornenbal@canterbury.ac.nz