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Awards

What is the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand’s medals and awards programme?

The Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand's distinguished medals and awards programme honors exceptional contributions to the scientific domain by both individuals and collectives. Announcements of recipients occur annually in the summer, with their achievements acknowledged in subsequent celebrations within the Royal Academy. Approximately 30 accolades are bestowed yearly, lauding scholarly excellence across a broad spectrum of scientific inquiries and capacities. A number of these accolades include an associated prize lecture, further highlighting the significance of the recipients' scholarly contributions.

Nominations guidance

See more information about how to nominate an individual or team for an award and the timeline for nominations.

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See all awards

Explore all of the medals and awards presented by the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand.

View all awards
Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand awards, medals and prizes

Premier awards

Explore the most prestigious medals and awards presented by the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand.

  • Rutherford Medal for Excellence in Physical Sciences

    Rutherford Medal for Excellence in Physical Sciences

  • Rutherford Medal for Excellence in Physical Sciences

    Named after Ernest Rutherford, the New Zealand-born father of nuclear physics, this award honors groundbreaking research in the physical sciences. Recipients demonstrate exceptional contributions to our understanding of the natural world, reflecting Rutherford's legacy of innovation and discovery.  

  • Marsden Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences

    Marsden Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences

  • Marsden Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences

    Named after physicist and chemist Ernest Marsden, whose work under Rutherford was crucial in developing the atomic model, this award recognizes outstanding research in the biological sciences. Awardees have made significant contributions to our understanding of life processes, impacting fields such as medicine, genetics, and ecology.

  • Ngata Award for Outstanding Contribution to Māori and Indigenous Knowledge

    Ngata Award for Outstanding Contribution to Māori and Indigenous Knowledge

  • Ngata Award for Outstanding Contribution to Māori and Indigenous Knowledge

    This award is named in honor of Sir Āpirana Ngata, a prominent New Zealand politician and advocate for Māori culture and education. It celebrates exceptional contributions to the advancement and recognition of Māori and indigenous knowledge systems, promoting cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

  • Dame Whina Cooper Medal for Social Science

    Croonian Medal and Lecture

  • Dame Whina Cooper Medal for Social Science

    This medal, named after a pivotal figure in New Zealand's history, honors exceptional contributions to the social sciences that have led to significant advancements in understanding societal structures, cultural dynamics, and human behavior, aiming to foster social cohesion and improve public policy.

  • Sir Maurice Wilkins Award for Molecular Biology

    Francis Crick Medal and Lecture

  • Sir Maurice Wilkins Award for Molecular Biology

    Named after the New Zealand-born Nobel Laureate, Sir Maurice Wilkins, this award recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of molecular biology. It celebrates discoveries that have deepened our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning life, with implications for medicine, genetics, and biotechnology.

  • Sir William Pickering Award for Engineering Excellence

    Sir William Pickering Award for Engineering Excellence

  • Sir William Pickering Award for Engineering Excellence

    The Sir William Pickering Award for Engineering Excellence is named after a prominent New Zealand-born engineer who made significant contributions to aerospace engineering. It celebrates exceptional achievements in engineering disciplines that have led to technological advancements, improving the quality of life and fostering sustainable development.

Pevious laureate and our advisory

The Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand (RASNZ) maintains an esteemed archive of past award winners and advisory contributions, showcasing the pinnacle of scholarly achievement and influential guidance provided to policy-makers and the community. This archive not only celebrates the legacy of exceptional individuals and teams who have propelled scientific discovery and innovation but also highlights the RASNZ's pivotal role in shaping informed, evidence-based decision-making on critical societal issues. It stands as a beacon of inspiration for future scientific endeavors and underscores the academy's dedication to advancing knowledge and its application for the betterment of society.

For detailed insights and to explore the contributions of these distinguished individuals and advisory efforts.