Waikato’s Kudos Awards

The Kudos Science Trust recognises and supports the Waikato’s rich legacy of science and innovation.

The mighty Waikato River, rich in resources and history runs through a booming agricultural landscape, which provides our region’s scientists with a major focus for their research and discoveries. Whether in the lab or out in the field our scientists help the Waikato to contribute more than its fair share to the growth of science and entrepreneurial business. Our science sector is supported by strong tertiary organisations, a swathe of Crown Research institutes and a rapidly growing innovation infrastructure. 

Because of this, the Hamilton Science Awards Trust - now the Kudos Science Trust - was established in 2007 initiating the Kudos Awards to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our region’s top scientists, excite young people about science and its career opportunities and raise the profile of science within our community. 

One of the founding board members and current Trust Chair, Professor Ross Lawrenson said, “as an independent advocate for science and innovation in the region, the Trust recognises the importance of supporting this sector.  We do this by shining a light on outstanding research but we also value the investment made by our schools and education system that supports the science sector into the future.”

The Waikato’s science and technology sector has continued to thrive, boasting the highest proportion of scientists and technicians in New Zealand. A 2016 report by MBIE also identified the Waikato as the only region in New Zealand expected to increase its numbers of scientists and technicians in the workforce by 2019.

“Our region’s scientists areconstantly making discoveries that impact on people’s lives and can lead to commercial opportunities. Their research contributes to the economic development of our region, of New Zealand and globally,” Professor Lawrenson said. 

Since 2007, the Kudos awards have remained New Zealand’s premier regional science awards and are now firmly woven into the Waikato’s fabric. 

With help from stalwart sponsors, the Kudos Awards have recognised almost 250 Waikato scientists and awarded winners with prize money to advance projects, buy tools and equipment and attend overseas conferences. 

The awards have also helped regional scientists gain national recognition through the Prime Minister’s Awards, Science NZ awards and the National Excellence in Education awards, recently won by last year’s Kudos Science Teacher/Educator winner Kerry Allen and St Paul’s Collegiate for their Agribusiness programme. 

The call for 2018 nominations recently closed and the judging process is underway to determine this year’s lab to limelight scientists.

A judging panel led by a convener assesses each category. Panelists are local experts, all leaders in their scientific fields and often past Kudos award winners. Overseas panelists are used on occasion. 

“The awards have very clear criteria; this is science after all. However, decisions are rarely easy because of the calibre of nominations we receive,” says Project Manager Soteria Ieremia-Jones. “The recognition and acknowledgement from peers is highly regarded by our regional scientists,” Professor Lawrenson said. 

The Trust also recognises outstanding science achievements by Waikato youth at the Kudos Awards and supports science education through the annual Science Spinners Creative Lab project. 

Science Spinners brings together Kudos Award winning scientists with up to 400 year 9 and 10 students from low decile Waikato schools to inspire them about careers in medical, environmental, food technology and sport science as well as digital technology.

Kudos Award winners will be announced at the Kudos Awards black tie gala dinner at Claudelands Event Centre on Thursday 27th September. 

For more information on the Kudos Awards, their scientists and the Kudos Science Trust projects, visit the website here.