Winners 2023

Te Puiaki Pūtaiao Matua a Te Pirimia The Prime Minister’s Science Prize:

This Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally. The 2023 Prime Ministers Science Prize is awarded to the Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Team led by Professor Parry Guilford FRSNZ, University of Otago in conjunction with Kimihauora Health & Research Clinic, Tauranga.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: 

This Prize is awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2023 winner of this prize is Dr Samuel Mehr from the University of Auckland.

Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaaroaro Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize

This Prize is awarded to a primary or secondary school teacher for outstanding teaching in science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum.  The 2023 winner of this prize is science teacher Madeleine Collins of Green Bay High School, Auckland.

Te Puiaki Whakapā Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize:

This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who has an interest or passion for science communication or to a person who has developed expertise in communicating complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2023 winner of this prize is Professor Ben Kennedy of University of Canterbury.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Ānamata The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize:

This prize is awarded to a senior secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science, mathematics, technology or engineering project. The 2023 winner is Sunny Perry of Kerikeri High School, Northland.

Prime Minister’s Science Prize Winners 2023
Winners 2022

Te Puiaki Pūtaiao Matua a Te Pirimia The Prime Minister’s Science Prize:

This Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally. The 2022 Prime Ministers Science Prize is awarded to The National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences (NISAN) from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) led by Professor Valery Feigin.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: 

This Prize is awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2022 winner of this prize is Associate Professor Jonathan Tonkin from the University of Canterbury.

Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaaroaro Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize:

This Prize is awarded to a primary or secondary school teacher for outstanding teaching in science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum.  The 2022 winner of this prize is Doug Walker from St Patrick’s College, Wellington

Te Puiaki Whakapā Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize:

This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who has an interest or passion for science communication or to a person who has developed expertise in communicating complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2022 winner of this prize is Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu from the University of Otago. 

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Ānamata The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize:

This prize is awarded to a senior secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science, mathematics, technology or engineering project. The 2022 winner is Benjy Smith from Onslow College, Wellington

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winners 2021

Te Puiaki Pūtaiao Matua a Te Pirimia The Prime Minister’s Science Prize:

This Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally. The 2021 Prime Ministers Science Prize is awarded to The Neonatal Glucose Studies Team led by Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding FRSNZ.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: 

This Prize is awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2021 winner of this prize is Dr Jemma Geoghegan from the University of Otago.

Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaaroaro Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize

This Prize is awarded to a primary or secondary school teacher for outstanding teaching in science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum.  The 2021 winner of this prize is specialist science teacher Bianca Woyak of Burnside Primary School.

Te Puiaki Whakapā Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize:

This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who has an interest or passion for science communication or to a person who has developed expertise in communicating complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2021 winner of this prize is Toby Morris of the Spinoff.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Ānamata The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize:

This prize is awarded to a senior secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science, mathematics, technology or engineering project. The 2021 winner is Carol Khor from Burnside High School.

 

2021 Prime Minister’s Science Prize Winners with Hon Dr Megan Woods and Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall andMP for Ilam Sarah Pallett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winners 2020

Te Puiaki Pūtaiao Matua a Te Pirimia The Prime Minister’s Science Prize: The Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally.  The 2020 Prime Minister’s Science Prize is awarded to Te Punaha Matatini led by Professor Shaun Hendy.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: This Prize will be awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2020 winner of this prize is Dr Christopher Cornwall from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaaroaro Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: The 2020 winner of this prize is technology teacher is Sarah Washbrooke from Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown.

Te Puiaki Whakapā Pūtaiao The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize: This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement with, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2020 winner of this Prize is Professor Michael Baker from the University of Otago.

Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Ānamata The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: The 2020 winner of this Prize is James Zingel from Bethlehem College, Tauranga.

Winners 2019

The Prime Minister’s Science Prize: The Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally in the last five years. The 2019 Prime Minister’s Science Prize is awarded to Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, GNS Science and NIWA, led by the university’s Antarctic Research Centre Te Puna Pātiotio.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: This Prize will be awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2019 winner of this prize is Dr Miro Erkintalo from the University of Auckland.

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: The 2019 winner of this prize is statistics teacher Michelle Dalrymple from Cashmere High School, Christchurch.

The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize: This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement with, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2019 winner of this Prize is Professor Rangi Matamua from the University of Waikato.

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: The 2019 winner of this Prize is Thomas James from Burnside High School, Christchurch.

Winners 2018

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: The Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally in the last five years. It will be awarded to an individual or team instrumental in creating the impact. The 2018 Prime Minister’s Prize is awarded to STRmix™, a software tool developed by scientists from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) in collaboration with Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA).

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: This Prize will be awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2018 winner of this prize is Dr Peng Du from the University of Auckland.

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: The 2018 winner of this prize is Carol Brieseman from Hampton Hill School, Tawa Wellington.

The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize: This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement with, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2018 winner of this Prize is Professor James Renwick from Victoria University of Wellington.

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: The 2018 winner of this prize is Finnegan Messerli from Onslow College, Wellington

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – March 12: Prime Minister’s Science Prizes March 12, 2019 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://marktantrum.com)

 

Winners 2017

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: The Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally in the last five years. It will be awarded to an individual or team instrumental in creating the impact. The 2017 Prime Minister’s Prize is awarded to Plant & Food Research.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: This Prize will be awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2017 winner of this prize is Dr Carla Meledandri from the University of Otago.

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: The 2017 winner of this prize is Sarah Johns from Nelson College for Girls’. 

The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize: This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement with, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2017 winner of this Prize is Damian Christie

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: The 2017 winner of this prize is Jonathan Chan from Auckland Grammar School.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – February 13: Prime Minister’s Science Prizes February 13, 2018 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://marktantrum.com)

 

 

Winners 2016
2016 Prime Minister’s Science Prize Winners. Dr Rebecca Priestley; Dianne Christenson; Catherine Pot; Hon Bill English; Professor Richie Poulton; Professor Brendon Bradley

 

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: he Prize is for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand or internationally in the last five years. It will be awarded to an individual or team instrumental in creating the impact. The 2016 Prime Minister’s Prize is awarded to the  ‘The Dunedin Study’ led by Professor Richie Poulton at the University of Otago.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: This Prize will be awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or an equivalent qualification conferred within the past eight years. The 2016 winner of this prize is Professor Brendon Bradley from the University of Canterbury.

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: The 2016 winner of this prize is Diana Christenson School from Koraunui School, Lower Hutt

The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize: This Prize is awarded to either a practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement with, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public. The 2016 winner of this Prize is Dr Rebecca Priestley from Victoria University of Wellington

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: The 2016 winner of this prize is Catherine Pot from Onslow College

Winners 2015
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THE 2015 PRIME MINISTER’S SCIENCE PRIZE WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED AT A CEREMONY AT TE MARAE, MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND, TE PAPA TONGAREWA TODAY 11 NOVEMBER.

 

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: An individual or team who has made an transformative discovery or achievement in science that has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally. The 2015 Prime Minister’s Prize was awarded to the Bone and Joint Research Group led by Professors Mark Bolland and Andrew Grey and Distinguished Professor Ian Reid.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: Awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD: The 2015 winner of this prize is Dr Alex Taylor, University of Auckland.

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: The 2015 winner of this prize is Tania Lineham, Head of Science at James Hargest College, Invercargill.

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: The 2015 winner of this prize is Georgia Lala from Auckland Diocesan School for Girls’.

The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: is awarded to a practising scientist who is an effective communicator, to further develop their knowledge of science media communication: The 2015 winner is Dr Ian Griffin at the Otago Museum.

 

Winners 2014
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The five winners of the 2014 Prime Ministers Science Prizes: Michelle Dickinson, Terry Burrell, Karl Iremonger, Philippa Howden-Chapman, Tim Logan and Prime Minister’s Rt Hon John Key. December 02, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

 

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: An individual or team who has made an transformative discovery or achievement in science that has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally.  The 2014 Prime Minister’s Prize was awarded to He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme led by Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, University of Otago.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: Awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD: The 2014 winner of this prize is Dr Karl Iremonger, University of Otago.

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a  science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: The 2014 winner of this prize is Terry Burrell, Learning Area Leader of Science at Onslow College, Wellington.

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: The 2014 winner of this prize is Tim Logan from Darfield High School, Canterbury.

The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: is awarded to a practising scientist who is an effective communicator, to further develop their knowledge of science media communication: The 2014 winner is Dr Michelle Dickinson at the University of Auckland.

 

Winners 2013
From L to R: Fenella Colyer (Science Teacher Prize), Dr Benjamin O'Brien (MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist), Thomas Morgan (Future Scientist), the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. John Key, Dr Siouxsie Wiles (Science Media Communication Prize), Professor Grant Covic and Emeritus Professor John Boys (Prime Minister's Science Prize)
From L to R: Fenella Colyer (Science Teacher Prize), Dr Benjamin O’Brien (MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist), Thomas Morgan (Future Scientist), the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. John Key, Dr Siouxsie Wiles (Science Media Communication Prize), Professor Grant Covic and Emeritus Professor John Boys (Prime Minister’s Science Prize)

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: This is awarded to an individual or team who has made a transformative discovery or achievement that has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally: Distinguished Professor Emeritus John Boys and Professor Grant Covic of the Inductive Power Transfer Team at the University of Auckland

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: Awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD: Dr Benjamin O’Brien of StretchSense Ltd

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: is given to a  science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: Fenella Colyer of Manurewa High School

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research or technology project: Thomas Morgan

The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: is awarded to a practising scientist who is an effective communicator, to further develop their knowledge of science media communication: Dr Siouxsie Wiles at the University of Auckland

 

Winners 2012

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: is awarded to an individual or team who has made a transformative discovery or achievement that has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally: Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan and Professor Harjinder Singh – Riddet Institute, Massey University

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: is awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD: Dr James Russell, the University of Auckland

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: goes to a  science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: Peter Stewart, Papatoetoe High School, Manukau

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative research or technology project: Hannah Ng, St Cuthbert’s College

The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: is awarded to a practising scientist who is an effective communicator, to further develop their knowledge of science media communication: Professor Shaun Hendy, Victoria University of Wellington and Industrial Research Ltd

 

Winners 2011
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The winning NIWA/University of Otago team, with NIWA CEO John Morgan (2nd from left), the Prime Minister, and Prof. Harlene Hayne (2nd from right) Vice Chancellor of Otago University

 

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: is awarded to an individual or team who has made a transformative discovery or achievement that has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally: NIWA – Otago University Chemical and Physical Oceanography team led by Professor Philip Boyd.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: is awarded to an outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD: Dr Rob McKay, Victoria University of Wellington

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: goes to a  science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: Dr Angela Sharples, Rotorua Boys’ High School

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: is awarded to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative research or technology project: Nuan-Ting Huang, Diocesan School for Girls

The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: is awarded to a practising scientist who is an effective communicator, to further develop their knowledge of science media communication: Dr Mark Quigley, University of Canterbury

 

Winners 2010
Winners-2010
From left to right: Minister of Research, Science and Technology Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Dr Robin Dykstra (winning team), Professor Sir Paul Callaghan (winning team), Dr Mark Hunter (winning team), Dr Donna Rose Addis (MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist), Dr Andrew Coy (winning team), Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key, Dr Craig Eccles (winning team), Steve Martin (Winning Science Teacher), Cornel de Ronde (winning Science Communicator) and Bailey Lovett ( Winning Future Scientist)

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: to an individual or team who has made a transformative discovery or achievement that has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally: Magnetic Resonance Innovation team led by Professor Sir Paul Callaghan

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: to an outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD: Donna Rose Addis

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: to a  science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: Steve Martin

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative research or technology project: Bailey Lovett

The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: to a practising scientist who is an effective communicator to further develop their knowledge of science media communication: Dr Cornel de Ronde

 

Winners 2009

Prime Minister’s Science Prize: to an individual or team who has made an outstanding discovery or achievement in science that has had a significant impact on New Zealand: Bob Buckley and Jeff Tallon of Industrial Research Ltd for superconductor research and commercialisation.

The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: to an outstanding emerging scientist undertaking research for a PhD or within five years of the date of the award of their PhD: John Watt

The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: to a  science teacher for outstanding achievement in teaching Science: Paul Lowe

The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: to a secondary school student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative research or technology project: Stanley Roache

The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: to an individual to further develop their knowledge of science media communication: Elizabeth Connor