Hector Memorial Medal
The Hector Medal (formerly known as the Hector Memorial Medal)[1] is a science award given by the Royal Society of New Zealand in memory of Sir James Hector to researchers working in New Zealand. It is awarded annually in rotation for different sciences – currently there are three: chemical sciences; physical sciences; mathematical and information sciences. It is given to a researcher who "has undertaken work of great scientific or technological merit and has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the particular branch of science."[2] It was previously rotated through more fields of science – in 1918 they were: botany, chemistry, ethnology, geology, physics (including mathematics and astronomy), zoology (including animal physiology).[1] For a few years it was awarded biennially – it was not awarded in 2000, 2002 or 2004.[3]
In 1991 it was overtaken by the Rutherford Medal as the highest award given by the Royal Society of New Zealand.[4]
The obverse of the medal bears the head of James Hector and the reverse a Māori snaring a huia.[5][6] The last confirmed sighting of a living huia predates the award of the medal by three years.[7]
Recipients
See also
- Category:New Zealand scientists
- The Shorland Medal given by the New Zealand Association of Scientists
References
- 1 2 "Hector Memorial Research Fund". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 50. 1918. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
- ↑ "Hector Medal". Royal Society of New Zealand. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
- ↑ "Background of the Medal". Royal Society of New Zealand. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
- ↑ "Rutherford Medal « Medals & Awards « Funds, Medals & Competitions « Royal Society of New Zealand". Royalsociety.org.nz. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
- ↑ "Papers Past — Press — 20 December 1912 — NEWS OF THE DAY". Paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1912-12-20. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
- ↑ "Design « Hector Medal « Medals & Awards « Funds, Medals & Competitions « Royal Society of New Zealand". Royalsociety.org.nz. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2015-08-11.
- ↑ Barrie, Heather; Robertson, Hugh (2005). The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (Revised Edition). Viking. ISBN 978-0-14-302040-0.
- ↑ "Recipients". Royal Society of New Zealand. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
- ↑ "Royal Society of New Zealand recognises achievements of researchers". Royal Society of New Zealand. 26 November 2014. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
- ↑ "Spotlight on top New Zealand researchers" (Press release). Royal Society of New Zealand. 10 November 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.