Prime Minister’s Science Prizes announced

The Prime Minister’s Science Prize was awarded to Professors Alistair Gunn and Laura Bennett, with Associate Professor Joanne Davidson, for pioneering research that has established therapeutic hypothermia as the global standard of care for newborn brain injury.

The award was made posthumously to Professor Gunn, whose work has transformed treatment for babies affected by oxygen deprivation at birth, preventing death and lifelong disability.

Dr Luke Harrington of the University of Waikato received the MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for his work improving understanding of how climate change influences extreme weather events.

Associate Professor Nic Rawlence of the University of Otago received the Science Communication Prize for advancing public understanding of prehistoric ecosystems and emerging scientific issues. Nan Walden-Moeung of Wellington East Girls’ College received the Science Teachers Prize for her innovative approach to integrating technology, design and cultural practice in science education.

Jesse Rumball-Smith of Wellington College received the Future Scientist Prize for developing a smartphone-based system to improve driver safety.

The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes were established in 2009 to recognise excellence in research, teaching and communication, and to highlight the impact of science, innovation and technology in New Zealand.

The Government also announced a new Prime Minister’s Innovation Prize, to be awarded from the 2026 round.