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Awards

Marsden Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences

Past winners
 Professor Doughtery with student at lab
Past winners Professor Dougherty with colleague in lab

Nominations now open

The call for nominations is now open. Please ensure you read through the guidance document fully.

The Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand is encouraging nominations of joint collaborations, groups or teams for almost all its medals to better represent how contemporary science is undertaken. In addition, the Academy is extremely keen to broaden the diversity of those nominated for its awards, so do please consider all contacts and colleagues.

You do not have to be a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand to nominate or to be nominated for any of the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand medals and awards.

Nominations close on 30 July 2024 at 23:59.

Nominate now

The award

The Marsden Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences, conferred by the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand, stands as a distinguished honor designed to recognize and celebrate superlative achievements in the field of biological sciences.

This medal is named in honor of Sir Ernest Marsden, a figure of monumental significance in the annals of New Zealand science, whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the scientific community.

The award is dedicated to individuals whose research in biological sciences has demonstrated outstanding excellence and has significantly advanced our understanding of life's complexity, from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem dynamics.

It aims to acknowledge those who have contributed profoundly to unraveling the mysteries of biological processes, leading to breakthroughs that have implications for health, agriculture, conservation, and understanding the fundamental principles of life itself.

The Marsden Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences is a testament to the enduring quest for knowledge and the pivotal role of biological research in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity and the natural world.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Marsden Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences is stringently defined to ensure that this prestigious recognition is awarded to scholars whose contributions to the biological sciences are both profound and transformative.

Candidates must have demonstrated exceptional research excellence, evidenced by significant discoveries or theoretical advancements that have broadened our understanding of biological systems. Their work should embody innovation, depth, and impact, contributing substantially to the field's body of knowledge.

Nominees are typically expected to have a sustained record of achievement, including peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals, leadership in the biological sciences community, and contributions that extend beyond academia to influence public policy, education, or societal understanding of biological sciences.

The Marsden Medal celebrates not only individual excellence but also the capacity to inspire future generations of biologists, underscoring the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand's commitment to advancing the frontiers of life science research.

Nominations

Nominations are now open.