KuDos Winners for 2009
All (the) KuDos winners are required to spend their cash rewards in ways that further their research in the Waikato region.
2009 Celebration Awards Event
The Awards evening was held on 14th of October at The Narrows Landing, Tamahere, Hamilton and was a great success.
View our Photo Gallery of the event or view the winners clips below.
2009 Winners of (the) KuDos Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the University of Waikato
Winner Rex Munday
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Dr Munday led the charge against facial eczema in farm animals and is now researching a cure for certain types of cancer. Dr Munday found a way to create a bolus, or time capsule, which could be fed to sheep or cattle during the late summer and early autumn facial eczema period to slowly release zinc into their systems. Dr Munday has also discovered that broccoli helps prevent bladder cancer and is now researching the effects of other vegetables on different cancers.
Medical Science Award, sponsored by Waikato DHB. $4,000 Award.
Winner Helen Conaglen, Psychology Centre
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Dr Conaglen's research aims to understand how an individual's libido issues or other related problems affect a couple's relationship. Her study of 100 couples in the Waikato was the first in the world to ask how women felt about their partners' issues. Dr Conaglen's work combines psychological interventions with medical interventions to find the best possible treatment for couples.
Science Educator/Communicator, sponsored by Wintec.
Winner Paul Lowe, Morrinsville College
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Dr Lowe's work and research focuses on encouraging high school students to work in teams, participate in problem-based learning and take responsibility for their own learning. Students are capable of some outstanding research into Science and Technology if they are given the right guidance and support.
Environmental Science Award, sponsored by Environment Waikato.
Winner Malcolm Green, NIWA
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Dr Green is conducting research into the sustainable management of New Zealand estuaries and coastal waters. Dr Green has developed a composite model which collects and organises information to make explicit predictions about the future state and health of estuaries. Model predictions are being used to plan "estuary-friendly" catchment development and contaminant mitigation schemes that will result in healthy, resilient and functional estuarine ecosystems.
Agricultural Science Award, sponsored by Hamilton City Council. $4,000 Award.
Winner Stewart Ledgard, Ag Research
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Dr Ledgard's current research focus is on technologies and management practices to decrease nitrogen losses from farm systems. Dr Ledgard has developed the Overseer nutrient balance model which is now being used widely in New Zealand. The Overseer model focuses on discovering and highlighting to farmers the potential benefits of different management practices and mitigation options.
Emerging Scientist
Winner Dr. Pablo Gregorini, DairyNZ
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Dr Gregorini's research applies to the strategic grazing management of grazing cattle. Understanding the effects of this process is necessary to help farmers control the nitrogen excretion of their cattle and therefore helping to reduce green house gases, such as methane.
Science Entrepreneur
Winner Dr Rod Claycomb - CEO - Quantec
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Rod has spent most of his career commercialising new technologies for agricultural applications. Having worked for, or started four businesses, he has overseen the pathway to market for products including sensors, biosensors and animal and human health products.
NZBio Accolade
Winner Christine Couldrey
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Dr Couldrey's work focuses on DNA methylation - a marker of epigenetic reprogramming. The study of epigenetics leads to an understanding of how DNA sequence is interpreted in the context of the cell or the organism. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation affect the organization and packaging of the chromosomes and hence the ability of the cell to produce proteins from specific genes.
